The meeting opened with a detailed presentation on the “Building a Better Future” initiative, which includes renovations and expansions at Maple Grove Senior High and the construction of a new elementary school in Maple Grove. John Morstead, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, presented the updates alongside architects from the firms involved.

At Maple Grove Senior High, renovations will increase capacity from 2,285 to 2,730 students through the addition of 65,000 square feet of new construction and 34,000 square feet of renovations. Financial support for this project includes a $56 million referendum and a $32 million partnership with Long Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) funding. Construction is set to start with bidding in December 2024 and aims for completion by fall 2027. The planning involved input from over 150 staff members in more than 50 meetings, refining the design to include a new secure front entrance, additional locker room space, and a renovated music wing. Traffic flow improvements, such as a new bus loop and additional parking spaces, were also discussed.

The new elementary school, designed for Pre-K to 5th grade, will have a capacity of around 1,000 students and cover 125,000 square feet, including a gymnasium. Similar to the high school project, bidding is scheduled for December 2024, with completion anticipated in fall 2026. The school’s design aims to harmonize with the surrounding geography and includes separate parent drop-off and bus loop areas for safety. Outdoor classrooms and playgrounds will be integrated into the design.

Further discussions included ongoing renovations at Osseo Senior High, where a new auto lab and technical education spaces are being planned. The project aims to remodel approximately 995,000 square feet, with construction beginning in February 2025 and completion expected by fall 2026. Additional parking stalls and a loading dock are part of the plans.

Brooklyn Middle School’s first phase of construction is nearing completion, preparing the school for the upcoming academic year. The second phase, starting in summer 2025, will focus on lab spaces and common areas, with extensive work on the upper levels, including new mechanical systems and lighting. Northview Middle School is also undergoing renovations, with completion expected in the next few weeks, followed by an additional phase in summer 2025.

A district-wide furniture initiative was highlighted, with new furniture being installed at five sites this summer, including Rice Lake, Garden City, Brooklyn Middle, Northview Middle, and Osseo Senior High. Ten additional sites are scheduled for new furniture next summer.

Concerns about capacity at Maple Grove Senior High were addressed, noting the current overcrowding with approximately 2,400 students against a designed capacity of 2,730. The district’s plans aim to resolve these issues while providing flexible learning spaces. Questions about open enrollment policies arose, with clarifications that no decisions have been made yet, and ongoing evaluations will continue.

Nancy Lire from ATSR Architects presented year-one alterations for several elementary schools, including media center renovations and the addition of outdoor classrooms. Six schools are set for remodels, while Fernbrook and Edinbrook will wait an additional year due to student transitions to the new elementary school. The collaborative design process involved stakeholder input. Safety updates and furniture replacement were also part of the plans.

The meeting also discussed the new facility aimed at enhancing community engagement and educational opportunities, including a maker space for indigenous crafting, a central classroom space, and a museum area. The design includes a “living room” concept at the entrance, aimed at creating an open and comfortable area for guests. Plans to improve the visibility of the main entrance and separate entries for a clinic and early childhood area were discussed. The facility is expected to serve as a community center and early childhood location.

Summer programming was another key topic, with a report on the various summer programs implemented, highlighting the diversity and impact on students and families. Programs included targeted services and Alternative Learning Center (ALC) funding to support high school students in earning additional credits. Middle School targeted services programs, such as OMG or GAYON, were praised for their innovative approach, combining academic subjects with enrichment activities like pickleball.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) adapted to ongoing construction by supporting over 200 families through a four-week initiative combining early childhood classes with outdoor community engagement in local parks. Partnerships with community organizations enhanced the experience for families new to the area.

The Kidstop summer program achieved a milestone by serving the entire community without a waitlist for the first time in years, featuring over 70 field trips and extensive student engagement. Youth enrichment programs included 170 mini-camps, while adult enrichment classes had limited participation.

The meeting also recognized student achievements, including Alisan, a 2019 graduate from Maple Grove Senior High, for his accomplishments in Taekwondo and competing in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Other student achievements included Amelia Morton’s contribution to her golf team’s state championship and Natalie Moren’s second-place win in a national school bus safety poster contest.

Nutrition Services were commended for providing meals during the summer, and updates on summer construction projects and new educational classes in partnership with Parks and Recreation were shared. The first day of the upcoming school year was confirmed as September 3rd, with reminders for families to complete necessary forms.