DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Sartell-St. Stephen School District is proposing a bond referendum on May 24, 2016. The single ballot question would authorize $105.8 million in bonding authority to finance the construction of a new 9th- through 12th-grade high school, renovations to the existing middle and high schools and HVAC improvements at the elementary schools.
The largest project component is a 289,000-square-foot high school designed to house 1,350 students. It would be built on 93 acres of district-owned land adjacent to Oak Ridge Elementary. The existing high school would be renovated to accommodate grades 6-8 and the existing middle school renovated to accommodate grades 3-5. Lastly, the district is proposing the purchase of $1 million in furniture and equipment upgrades for students in grades K-8. The projects would be scheduled for completion in the 2017-2019 calendar years. Site specific and districtwide cost estimates are as follows:
New High School $89,500,000
Existing High School
HVAC Upgrades $413,000
Deferred Maintenance $1,109,000
Renovations $8,279,000
Site Improvements $354,000
Security Upgrades $145,000
$10,300,000
Existing Middle School
Renovations $1,800,000
Electrical Upgrades $300,000
Security Upgrades $200,000
$2,300,000
Pine Meadow Elementary
Security Upgrades $980,000
HVAC Improvements $470,000
$1,450,000
Oak Ridge Elementary
Gym Blinds $30,000
HVAC Improvements $370,000
$400,000
Districtwide
Grades K-8 FF&E $1,000,000
Bond Issuance Costs $800,000
$1,800,000
If the bond referendum is successful and bonds are sold, the debt service on the bonds will be eligible for debt- service equalization under Minn. Stat. § 123B.53, subd. 3, if the bond schedule is approved. The amount of debt- service-equalization aid, if any, the district receives is determined annually and is dependent upon property wealth, student population and other statutory requirements. The school board believes the proposed projects are in the best interest of the district.
REVIEW AND COMMENT STATEMENT
Based upon the department’s analysis of the school district’s required documentation and other pertinent information from sources of the Minnesota Department of Education, the Commissioner of Education provides a positive review and comment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE
Persons desiring additional information regarding this proposal should contact the school district superintendent’s office.
/s/ Dr. Brenda Cassellius
Commissioner
March 8, 2016
Publish: April 8, 2016
