Superintendent’s Bulletin
Spring Home & Garden
Page 2
Pages 16-20
April 2017 | Volume 24, Issue 7
Income Tax Tips Page 23
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Easter Events
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Independent School District 15 Communications Department St. Francis, Minnesota Serving the communities of Andover, Athens Township, Bethel, East Bethel, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis and Stanford Township
School District Bond Referendum Special Election on May 23 Lisa Rahn
Director, ISD 15 Community Education
Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) St. Francis is calling for a special election to address current programmatic and physical needs within all district facilities. On February 27, the ISD 15 School Board approved a resolution “determining the necessity of issuing general obligation bonds and calling a special election.” The special election will be held Tuesday, May 23, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. The district is excited about this opportunity to address some of the major needs that exist. Major components of the bond referendum proposed improvements include addressing critical physical facility needs, improving districtwide safety and security, enhancing program and educational spaces to meet current educational needs and objectives and improve activities and athletic amenities to accommodate current programs and offerings. The district has been planning and positioning itself to be able to present a complete, comprehensive, long-term solution to the public that solidifies the educational and physical wellbeing of students, staff and facilities within the district. Why now? The maintenance needs that exist within our facilities are extensive and expensive. Portable (temporary) classrooms being utilized at multiple buildings are outdated and in poor condition, numerous educational programs are being delivered in inadequate or outdated spaces and a portion
of our elementary students are currently displaced to St. Francis Middle School. The proposed renovations and improvements will be developed to provide space for future flexibility and modest enrollment growth. This is not a quick fix, but rather a 20 to 25-year fix. The district is also asking for construction of a new multi-use activities center to be located at St. Francis High School. Although the addition has not been fully designed, it is anticipated it will include a four-station gymnasium, elevated walking
track, restrooms, concessions, team rooms, multipurpose area, storage and other support spaces. The district does not have enough gym space, especially during the winter, to accommodate and expand current programming needs. There will be two questions on the ballot. Question 1 will allow ISD 15 to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $92.28 million for acquisition and betterment of school facilities. Question 2 will allow ISD 15 to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount
not to exceed $15.52 million for acquisition and betterment of school facilities, including a four-station activities center addition to the high school. Question 2 is dependent upon Question 1 passing. The tax impact Question 1 on an average home value of $150,000 in the district would be $52.84 per year or $4.40 per month. Question 2 would be an additional $49.23 per year or $4.10 per month. Additional information regarding the tax impact and other items regarding the bond and special election can be found at www. isd15.org/bond. A list of
upcoming public meetings is also posted on the website. If you have questions or would like to schedule a speaker to address your group, email bond.questions@isd15.org or call 763-753-7040.
ISD 15 Bond Referendum Special Election polling places Tuesday, May 23, 2017 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Polling places and precincts for all Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) voters for the May 23 Special Election will be as follows: Precinct 1 Central Services Center (District Office) 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, Minnesota Precinct 1 includes all territory in ISD 15 located in the Cities of Bethel, Nowthen and St. Francis and Stanford, Athens and Spencerbrook Townships. Precinct 2 Lifelong Learning Center 18900 Cedar Drive NW Oak Grove, Minnesota Precinct 2 includes all territory in ISD 15 located in the Cities of Andover and Oak Grove (Cedar). Continued On Page 6
Inside
Sixth-grade language arts students in Jessica Rowles’ classes at St. Francis Middle School visited St. Francis Elementary School on February 23 to read to kindergarten, first and second grade students for I Love to Read Month. These preteens modeled the importance of reading to younger students. Jessica Rowles, SFMS Community Relations Coordinator
Schools in Action...................... 2 School Board Highlights......... 8 Community Education.......... 10 Community & Business......... 14 Spring Home & Garden......... 16 Sports & Outdoors................. 24 Meetings, Events & Benefits.. 26 Life............................................ 27 Easter Events........................... 29