Assistant Superintendent Tyrone Brookens, alongside construction project manager Alexander Sloum, presented a detailed progress report on the summer construction projects funded by the 2023 bond initiative. With a $200 million budget, seven school sites are undergoing various improvements, aimed at accommodating growing student populations and modernizing facilities.

Eastridge High School is undergoing a major expansion to increase its capacity to 2,300 students. Completed projects include renovated collaboration areas, kitchen expansions, and a new activities center entrance. Sloum noted the introduction of a two-way access on the north side of the parking lot to improve visitor flow. At Holman Middle School, a new cafeteria addition is underway, while the classroom expansion’s footings and foundations are complete.

Woodbury Middle School’s old pool area is being transformed into a multi-purpose educational space, nearly completing a new bus road. Park High School is seeing its main offices relocated and a new cafeteria constructed, with traffic restrictions in place for safety during construction. At Woodbury High School, a new cafeteria and renovated CTE spaces are in progress, with temporary walls and new main entrances guiding student and parent access.

Both Lake and Cottage Grove Middle Schools are also implementing renovation projects focusing on secured entryways and office relocations, with temporary entrances and new signage in place to assist visitors. Brookens assured the board that despite unforeseen requirements like storm shelters and public safety radio enhancements, the projects remain on budget.

The meeting also addressed logistics for the upcoming school year, emphasizing safety during student drop-off and pick-up times. Questions about procedures at Woodbury Middle and Eastridge confirmed that no changes would be made to current drop-off lines. Discussions about Park High School’s office space readiness and Woodbury’s entrance and parking arrangements assured that preparations are in place for the school year.

Parents from Savannah Oaks expressed concerns over road closures affecting school access, which were alleviated with news that the roads would reopen by August 30th.

Superintendent Julie Nielsen presented proposed changes to board policies, focusing on the 200 series. The changes aim to consolidate policies for clarity and efficiency, covering open and closed meetings, public participation in school board meetings, and board members’ code of ethics. The board swiftly approved these changes without additional comments.

Nielsen’s report highlighted the welcoming of over 80 new teachers to the district, attributing the district’s positive reputation as a key factor in attracting talent. She emphasized the importance of professional development sessions in integrating these educators into the district’s community.