[0:01] [music] [0:07] The building our future bond referendum [0:09] projects are nearing [music] completion, [0:10] marking an exciting new chapter for [0:12] White Bear Lake Area Schools and the [0:14] community we serve. [music] During the [0:16] summer of 2025, our middle schools were [0:18] busy construction zones. At Mariner [0:20] Middle School, major HVAC upgrades were [0:22] [music] completed. Improvements that may [0:24] not be easily seen, but can certainly be [0:26] felt throughout the building. At Central [0:28] Middle School, phase 2 [music] updates [0:29] came to life. The project's completion [0:31] was celebrated during homecoming week [0:33] when students, families, and community [0:35] [music] members filled the halls for a [0:36] community open house. Guests explored [0:39] the gymnasium [music] edition and toured [0:41] beautifully renovated spaces, including [0:43] the expanded cafeteria, new learning [0:45] commons, and refreshed areas of the [0:47] former district center, [music] now [0:48] returned to vibrant middle school use. [0:51] The final project from the 2019 bond [0:53] referendum is the transformation of the [0:54] former Sunrise Park Middle School into a [0:56] [music] multi-use facility that brings [0:58] together the early childhood center, [1:00] transition education center, [music] [1:02] senior center, and the district service [1:04] center. The senior program and district [1:06] offices have settled into new spaces [1:08] [music] following their moves last [1:09] spring. The new senior center, designed [1:12] with input from program participants, [1:14] [music] supports the wide variety of [1:16] activities that make this space such a [1:17] lively and welcoming hub. [1:19] >> [music] [1:19] >> The district offices also reflect [1:21] thoughtful design, open layouts, and [1:23] shared spaces that foster collaboration [1:25] between departments and strengthen the [1:27] support we provide to schools, [music] [1:29] programs, and community members. And [1:31] this year, we've proudly opened a new [1:33] gymnastics gym in the renovated Sunrise [1:35] facility. Complete with a foam pit, [1:37] [music] it serves as a true home gym for [1:39] our team, one that no longer needs to be [1:42] assembled [music] and taken down after [1:43] each practice. Construction is being [1:45] finalized at the early childhood [music] [1:47] and transition education centers at the [1:49] Sunrise Park building, which will allow [1:51] these programs to move during the summer [1:53] of 2026. The extensive planning and [1:55] collaboration that have guided these [1:57] projects ensure [music] that the new [1:58] spaces will provide a warm welcome to [2:00] students, families, and staff for the [2:02] 2026 27th [music] school year. As we [2:05] near the finish line of the building our [2:07] future projects, White Bear Lake Area [2:09] High School stands as a powerful symbol [2:11] [music] of our community's investment in [2:12] education. The redesigned academic [2:15] spaces feature studio style classrooms [2:17] that [music] promote collaboration, [2:19] creativity, and project-based learning. [2:21] Enhanced athletic and competition areas, [2:24] [music] both indoor and outdoor, provide [2:26] modern, inviting environments that [2:27] encourage teamwork, fitness, and school [2:29] spirit. These inspiring spaces [music] [2:32] prepare students for success in college, [2:34] career, and life while offering [2:36] exceptional places for the community to [2:38] gather and celebrate together. [music] [2:39] Our fine arts facilities are equally [2:41] impressive with new band, orchestra, and [2:43] choir rooms supporting growing music [2:45] programs. The 845 seat performing arts [2:48] center or [music] pack offers a [2:50] professional quality venue for concerts, [2:52] theater productions, and community [2:54] [music] events. In November, soldout [2:56] crowds filled the pack for the high [2:57] school's first fall [music] musical in [2:59] the new space. The students production [3:01] of Cinderella was truly magical. [music] [3:03] Perfect example of the creativity and [3:05] talent that shines within our schools. [3:07] Thank you to the hundreds of individuals [3:09] [music] who contributed to our strategic [3:10] planning process and our facilities [3:12] master plan, helping create the vision [3:14] that brought these transformations to [3:16] life. [music] [3:17] None of this would have been possible [3:18] without that thoughtful planning and our [3:20] community's support of the 2019 bond [3:22] referendum. The progress we've made [3:24] [music] through building our future is a [3:26] lasting reflection of our community's [3:27] pride, vision, and commitment [music] to [3:29] our youth. Together, we have transformed [3:31] not only our flagship high school, but [3:33] also the learning and gathering spaces [3:35] across our district. As we mark the [3:37] conclusion of these [music] projects, we [3:38] invite you to stay connected. Visit the [3:40] building our future page on our district [3:42] [music] website for the latest updates, [3:44] photos, and videos. Stay tuned and join [3:47] us as we celebrate what we've built [3:48] together. Go Bears.