The board’s discussion highlighted the dire conditions of district facilities, including persistent issues with water damage and mold remediation, which have been drawing over $2 million annually from educational resources. This allocation has been necessary to manage the costs associated with building maintenance, such as the frequent pumping of water from parking lots during rain events. The board emphasized that delaying these maintenance projects could lead to catastrophic failures, such as boiler malfunctions, resulting in unplanned expenses. Representatives from Apex, a construction management and engineering firm, provided assessments of district facilities, focusing on security and effective management. They stressed the need for improvements in roofing and waterproofing measures, noting that many original structural components date back to the 1960s and 1970s, making them no longer viable. The imperative to replace these elements to meet current safety standards was underscored.

Additionally, the meeting addressed various facility needs, including the condition of the district’s pool, which lacks a family changing area, and the deteriorating stadium track, deemed unsuitable by Minnesota Youth Athletics. Proposed renovations aim to enhance usability and safety, including improvements to storage spaces and the press box. The district also faces a budgetary gap in the general fund of approximately $3.5 million, with a bond referendum potentially freeing up about $1 million annually for classroom use by alleviating deferred maintenance costs.

The board outlined their debt service strategy, likening it to a mortgage, where existing debts are gradually paid off, thus creating capacity for new debts while maintaining stable tax levels. This approach would enable renovations across all district facilities and reduce the reliance on the general fund for repairs, thus stabilizing the budget. Failure to approve the bond would necessitate continued use of the general fund for maintenance, affecting future funding initiatives.

The meeting also focused on the upcoming operating referendum or levy vote, scheduled for November 5th, which is projected to generate approximately $1.1 million in new revenue, equating to $424 per pupil. The proposed levy is important for maintaining class sizes and instructional support, retaining staff, and avoiding cuts to programs and services. If not passed, the district would face significant reductions in the upcoming school year, with further cuts potentially extending into future years due to structural budget issues.

The tax impact of the new levy was detailed, with increases projected for homes valued at $250,000 and $400,000. A QR code was provided for community members to access specific calculations based on their home values. The board presented a chart comparing Fridley’s property tax levies with surrounding districts.