by Tom Lee
Interim Sartell Superintendent
The year is off to a great start in Sartell-St. Stephen schools. The students and staff are actively engaged in the learning process in all areas including the classrooms, after-school care, after-school activities, on the fields and on the courts.
Homecoming is behind us and fall conferences are coming up. As the interim superintendent, I have been extremely pleased with the level of professionalism staff have demonstrated. Sartell-St. Stephen is a strong district. In fact, U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Sartell High School the highest non-charter school outside the metro area. It was listed as 18th overall in Minnesota.
Later this month, the school board will have the opportunity to vote on approving the replacement of the Riverview HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) system, which is 54 years old, outdated, inefficient and at the end of its life expectancy.
The school board has a tool at its disposal called Long Term Facilities Maintenance Health and Safety Bonding, which is how the project would be financed. This tool does not require a vote of the public but a vote from the school board. Bonding would have tax implications. For example, the estimated impact on a $300,000 home is $12 per month or $144 per year. If you would like more information about the project, there is much information on our website including a video and podcast at www.isd748.org/construction.
Given the need and the potential tax implications, the school board will host a listening session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at Riverview Intermediate School. The board is interested in hearing from community members and parents. We hope to see you there.
Tom Lee, interim superintendent of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District.
