• SCHOOL. COMMUNITY. OPPORTUNITIES.
    The Sauk Centre Public School Board calls for a special election on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, to renew existing technology levy and authorize general obligation bonds not to exceed $26,450,000 for facility improvements.

    QUESTION 1: Renewal of Capital Project Levy to Fund Technology
    The board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 2.281% times the net tax capacity of the school district. This authorization would renew the school district’s existing authorization which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2021. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $259,805 for taxes payable in 2022, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for six years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,558,830. The additional revenue from the proposed capital project levy authorization will provide funds for the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, and the costs of technology related personnel and training.

    Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 743 be approved?

    QUESTION 2: Approval of School District Bond Issue
    Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,450,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including renovations and ADA-accessibility improvements to existing restrooms in the secondary building, the construction and equipping of an early childhood center, storm shelter, and outdoor projects yard at the elementary school, remodeling and improvements to the existing elementary school library and computer lab, remodeling and improvements to create learning communities at the elementary school, the remodeling and equipping of the elementary school special education suite, the addition of a sensory room at that site, subdividing existing elementary classrooms to create smaller classrooms and break-out areas, the construction and equipping of new entrances and learning commons in the secondary building, the remodeling and equipping of the media center, staff lounge, career and technical education spaces, the construction and equipping a new cafeteria and storm shelter at the secondary school building, remodeling and improvements to create a culinary arts learning space with break-out areas, renovations to the existing science lab to create classrooms and storage areas, upgrades and improvements to lighting, boilers, water distribution systems, the central clock and public address system, and the construction of roofing repairs and improvements at the elementary school and auditorium?

    NEEDS AND SCOPE

    QUESTION #1 Scope Items (Renewal of Capital Project Levy to Fund Technology):
    Question #1 on the November 2nd ballot is to continue the current Technology Levy that was approved six years ago and is expiring after this year.  This levy provides a dedicated source of technology funding for our school district.  If approved by voters, these dedicated funds would continue to provide our students and staff with the support and technology infrastructure needed to maximize classroom learning as well as continue with safety and security in our buildings. Because this would be a renewal of the current technology levy that is in place – there would be no additional tax impact.

    QUESTION #2 Scope Items (approval of School District Bond Issue):

    • ADA-accessibility improvements to existing restrooms in the secondary building
      • Existing restroom fixtures and finishes are dated, facilities are not ADA accessible. Renovation to include expansion for ADA compliant upgrade.
    • The construction and equipping of an early childhood center, storm shelter, and outdoor projects yard at the elementary school
      • Current Early Childhood programs are at max capacity and the facility does not have the space to increase enrollment to support community demand. The plan is to add an early childhood center to the existing elementary school building to allow for additional enrollment. The space currently occupied by early childhood is to be renovated to create collaborative learning environments and to expand program offerings. The update will also provide a separate secure entry and storm shelter.
      • Greenhouse kit will allow for year round exposure to agricultural curriculum, cross-collaboration opportunities, and shared experiences between the elementary and secondary.
    • Remodeling and improvements to the existing elementary school library and computer lab
      • The existing media center is near the main entry of the school and functions as a traditional media center. With the transition to 1:1 electronic devices, the computer lab is underutilized. This update creates an interactive learning lab at the heart of the school and increases the visual connection to the building entry and adjacent learning spaces. The project includes a STEAM lab to increase programming and grow teaching and learning opportunities and breakout spaces to provide additional collaborative learning spaces.
    • Remodeling and improvements to create learning communities at the elementary school
      • The existing classroom layout is traditional and lacks flexibility and collaborative spaces to support future ready learning. The project remodels the existing wings and adds connections between classrooms, commons and corridors. It also adds collaborative learning commons, breakout spaces to facilitate future ready learning opportunities.
    • The remodeling and equipping of the elementary school special education suite, the addition of a sensory room at that site, subdividing existing elementary classrooms to create smaller classrooms and break- out areas
      • The existing special education suite is not well connected to the rest of the school and lacks a sensory room. This update increases visual connections to adjacent spaces and reorganizes space to fit current needs and adds a sensory room.
    • The construction and equipping of learning commons spaces in the secondary building
      • Convert courtyard to a year round learning commons with classroom access and natural light.
      • Remodel Tech Center/Computer Lab into a relevant, flexible, and collaborative learning space.
      • Remodel classroom space for flexible, relevant learning areas in grades 5-8.
    • The remodeling and equipping of the media center, staff lounge, career and technical education spaces
      • The existing media center functions as a traditional media center/library. The project renovates and increases transparency to the entry corridor and new collaborative learning commons. It includes new finishes and collaborative furniture. The modern learning lab includes collaborative space, interactive tech spaces, break out rooms and comfortable reading areas.
    • The current staff lounge is outdated and undersized. The project renovates, expands, and includes a new staff restroom.
      • Existing shops are separated which limit programming opportunities. The plan is to reconfigure spaces to provide large, connected woods, metals, auto, fabrication lab and new flexible CTE classrooms. It also adds open ideation breakout space along the corridor.
    • The construction and equipping a new cafeteria and storm shelter at the secondary school building
      • The current cafeteria is undersized to support the school’s enrollment and finishes are dated. This project demos existing structure and builds a new multi-purpose cafeteria to increase utilization. The new construction includes a storm shelter and additional restrooms.
    • Remodeling and improvements to create a culinary arts learning space with break-out areas
      • The existing FACS room is dated and no longer supports programming demands of the district. The plan is to remodel existing space to include a new culinary arts teaching kitchen and two open breakout spaces with a coffee shop feel. The project will increase transparency to adjacent corridors to invite curiosity. The casework is older steel with laminate tops and several surfaces are chipped or scratched. The current lab is more focused on home cooking than culinary.
    • Renovations to the existing science lab to create classrooms and storage areas.
      • Room is no longer used for science programming. Remodel lab into general classroom and add new storage.
    • Upgrades and improvements to lighting, boilers, water distribution systems, the central clock and public address system
      • The referendum scope includes the replacement of the Pool Boiler with a high efficiency hot water pool boiler to increase efficiency for the system. The referendum will also convert the existing LES Boilers to Hot Water boilers. The existing LES boilers still have good life in them, so converting them to hot water is the most cost effective approach. This includes replacing the steam piping in the boiler room to hot water.
      • There is a wide variety of lighting opportunities in the Elementary and Auditorium additions.  The existing lighting systems primarily consist of LED technologies recently installed and fluorescent fixtures utilizing electronic ballasts and T-8 lamps.  Some areas in the facility are over lit, resulting in wasted energy, while some areas have insufficient light levels, which is undesirable for the learning environment. There is an excellent opportunity to both improve the quality of lighting as well as significantly reduce the energy and maintenance costs associated with the lighting systems in the facilities.  The project retrofits and upgrades to the newest light emitting diode (LED) lighting technologies, while providing optimum and consistent lighting levels and standardizing on replacement inventory. This will increase energy efficiency while reducing energy costs long-term.  LED lamps are up to 50% more efficient than fluorescent lamps, have an operating life up to 100,000 hours, contain no mercury so are easily disposable, operate great in cold weather, and dimming and switching do not diminish lifespan.
      • The existing plumbing piping system and accessories are original to the High School and Grades 5-8 section of the building.  After over fifty years of use, there is typically considerable buildup of sediment and minerals in plumbing systems, and there have been multiple failures in the piping systems. This results in replacing current plumbing piping and accessories that are in danger of failing along the main piping routes.
      • The existing clock and PA systems serving high school have exceeded their life expectancy.  Finding replacement parts for the PA system is becoming more difficult. This project includes installing a new clock and PA system throughout the High School. 
    • The construction of roofing repairs and improvements at the elementary school and auditorium
      • The roof over the Auditorium and Elementary School addition is original to those additions. The district has been replacing their roofs with polyvinyl chloride (PVC).  It is recommended to replace this roof with a new PVC roofing material.  Existing insulation condition and thickness will be verified for opportunities to increase the energy performance.  Curbs for rooftop equipment should be resealed.  Ponding water should be eliminated with new roofing systems put in place, by improving the pitch of the roof.

    STREETER SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH...

    Student Opportunities:
    Students need opportunities to personalize learning in their areas of interest.  In order to become successful, students need opportunities to practice skills – problem solving through group collaboration or practical opportunities with businesses and organizations in our community.  Modernizing our career pathway spaces (industrial technology, engineering, agriculture, and consumer science); providing small and large group collaborative learning areas; and reimagining classrooms provide opportunities for real-world and authentic engagement in student learning and lead to greater success in school and beyond.
     
    Relevant Facilities:
    Are we educating students for our past or their future?  Our secondary school hasn’t changed in 55 years, yet the world we are preparing students for is vastly different today.  Updating our facilities will help prepare students to be successful future-ready graduates and life-long learners.  Reimagining our facilities will help expose Sauk Centre students to the relevant learning experiences needed to refine their skills in areas such as communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving - the skills numerous studies have shown are required for success in the 21st Century.  
     
    Fiscal Responsibility:
    Assessments of our schools show that we have sound structures that will be viable for the next 30-50 years. Like our homes, however, routine replacement and upgrading of the building systems and learning environments help protect the community’s investment in Sauk Centre schools.  Many communities spend considerable money to tear down older schools and build new ones.  Through good maintenance and upkeep, we are able to replace outdated equipment and update our current facilities for significantly less cost.  While this is a significant investment, the long-term savings are a tremendous value to our taxpayers and community.

    Sample Ballot

    ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE EVENT!

    Information/Open House #1
    Thursday, September 30th
    5:00pm - 7:30pm
    HS Cafeteria

    Information/Open House #2
    Tuesday, October 12th
    5:00pm - 8:00pm
    HS Cafeteria

    LEARN MORE

    Email
    Pat Westby, Superintendent
    patrick.westby@isd743.org

    Call
    (320) 352-2258

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