Robbinsdale School Board Outlines Critical Bond Referendum Plans
District officials presented details of a proposed bond referendum, emphasizing facility needs, potential cuts without approval, and a comprehensive community communication strategy.
The Robbinsdale Area School Board convened for a special study session on October 13, dedicating significant time to a presentation on a forthcoming bond referendum. The session, held at 6 p.m., centered on informing the board and the public about the necessity of the bond, the projects it would fund, and the district’s strategy for community engagement and education.
Superintendent Dr. Stalo led the discussion, articulating the district's overarching mission and how the proposed bond referendum directly supports its fulfillment. She stressed that the bond is vital for enabling the school district to continue its core work of inspiring and educating students effectively.
Ultimately, our purpose as a school district, the reason we exist, and the outcomes we seek each day are to engage in the most critical work that will allow our school district mission, which is to inspire and educate all learners to develop their unique potential and positively contribute to their community come to life for each and every one of our students.
Dr. Stalo also presented a stark scenario should the bond not pass, outlining the difficult decisions the district would face regarding budget allocation and programming. Without the necessary funding, significant reductions would be inevitable across various district operations.
Alternatively, without a bond referendum, the district will need to make hard decisions and cuts that will impact programming, transportation activities, and staffing. Budget decisions will be guided purely by efficiencies.
A key component of the presentation focused on the district’s commitment to an open and informative communication campaign. Dr. Stalo highlighted the responsibility of the district to provide the community with factual information, raise awareness, and educate residents about the specifics of the referendum.
As a district, our responsibility is to ensure that we have a strong referendum communication campaign to provide factual information, awareness, and education to our community.
Proposed Projects and Facility Impacts
The referendum outlines potential changes for multiple sites, including the unification of high schools at the Cooper High School New Hope Learning Center. Armstrong High School is slated for a new role, either housing Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion (Question 1) or being utilized as Plymouth Middle School (Question 2). Plymouth Middle School’s pool is proposed for improvement for competition under Question 1, or the site could be repurposed for Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion and other programs under Question 2. Samberg Middle School could see its pool space transformed into a multi-purpose area (Question 1) or receive a 400-seat auditorium (Question 2). Additionally, a new elementary school is proposed for the Robbinsdale Middle School site (Question 3), and the Education Service Center (ESC) could relocate to the Crystal Learning Center, a currently leased space.
Executive Director Williams provided insight into the current heavy utilization of existing facilities, particularly school pools. He detailed how these spaces serve various district and community needs, underscoring the ongoing demand for such amenities.
So what we what's currently happening at the at our pools is we do have we we use them for rentals. So three things we have our swim teams you know Cooper Armstrong swim teams um we use them for rentals community rentals and then we offer community education swim lessons. So our pools are used regularly regularly uh Monday through Friday um typically from 400 pm to almost 900 p.m. daily.
The presentation served as an informational item for the Robbinsdale Area School Board, and no vote was taken during this special study session. The district continues to prepare for the bond referendum, emphasizing public awareness and factual dissemination to guide the community in understanding the proposed changes and their potential impact on local education.
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Votes (4)
Bond Referendum Presentation
Dr. Stalo presented the bond referendum, emphasizing factual information and community education. Questions from the board included clarity on question specifics, ESC's future location, the 'reasonable amount' for expenditures, the financial delta between questions 1 and 2, utilization rates of existing facilities (e.g., Plymouth Middle pool), the district's legal role in leading the campaign, and contingency plans if the bond fails. The presentation outlined the current reality of declining enrollment and aging buildings, and the planned investments to create a sustainable future, improve learning spaces, and ensure financial stability. The potential impact of the bond's failure on programming and staffing was also detailed.
Tenative Agreement with 25-27 Principal Contract
Moved by Director Bowman [1:00:30] · Seconded by Director Hillbrand [1:00:40]
Director Long requested this item be pulled from the consent agenda for individual discussion. Executive Director O'Hearn outlined the specifics: 2.5% salary increase for 25-26, 85% (likely a misstatement for 0.85% or similar small percentage, given context) for 26-27, new longevity stipend, increased personal leave, elimination of sabbatical leave (reducing district financial exposure), and updated language for long-term disability, Minnesota paid family leave, and seniority determination. Board members questioned the clarity of document changes in black-and-white printouts and requested total cost figures for the package.
Review Draft of Superintendent Goals for 26-27
The Superintendent presented draft goals derived from board input, focusing on the bond referendum campaign, fiscal stability (SOD implementation), district improvement, and community engagement, aligned with MSBA standards. Board members engaged in a lengthy discussion about the need for more measurable, 'smart' goals, with both qualitative and quantitative metrics. Director Basset suggested looking at a document from the City of New Hope for goal-setting models, leading to a debate about adhering to MSBA standards versus exploring other public agency models. Concerns were raised about the subjective nature of some goal language and the Superintendent's use of 'lead' in relation to the bond campaign. The discussion highlighted a desire for clearer, more specific performance indicators and the importance of board support for the Superintendent's success.
Resolution Accepting Donations
Moved by Director Bowman [1:44:30] · Seconded by Director Hillenbrand [1:44:40]
A resolution was presented to formally accept community donations. The total amount of donations was $161,462.
Notable Quotes (10)
As a district, our responsibility is to ensure that we have a strong referendum communication campaign to provide factual information, awareness, and education to our community.
Ultimately, our purpose as a school district, the reason we exist, and the outcomes we seek each day are to engage in the most critical work that will allow our school district mission, which is to inspire and educate all learners to develop their unique potential and positively contribute to their community come to life for each and every one of our students.
Alternatively, without a bond referendum, the district will need to make hard decisions and cuts that will impact programming, transportation activities, and staffing. Budget decisions will be guided purely by efficiencies.
So what we what's currently happening at the at our pools is we do have we we use them for rentals. So three things we have our swim teams you know Cooper Armstrong swim teams um we use them for rentals community rentals and then we offer community education swim lessons. So our pools are used regularly regularly uh Monday through Friday um typically from 400 pm to almost 900 p.m. daily.
The salary increase for 2526 will be 2.5%. The salary increase for 2627 is 85%.
we have removed 6-1 leaves of absence with pay for sbatical... So that financial component that was a um a um what is a cost within that contract? So it is um oh exposure. So our financial exposure to that sbatical, so we have 37 principles in our district. Our exposure is for 37 sbaticals potentially that we could be open to.
this contract was settled within the board approved parameters.
how you envision in the next 12 months. Um how you would expect me to allocate the bulk of my time getting given the context of the district.
I am unwilling to get into the middle of this and then just sort of decide nah, let's have something else because then we never get anywhere.
I hope the goal is that you want to support me to be wildly successful so that this school district can be. And at the point that that isn't the goal, let me know, please.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Proposed investment to rightsize buildings, improve learning spaces, and ensure financial stability for the school district.
Approved wording for the bond referendum questions to be presented to voters.
District's long-term plan with four strategies, outcomes of which are part of Superintendent goals.
Recently completed study to ensure accuracy with enrollment projections.
Completed assessment to understand building needs.
Collective bargaining agreement outlining terms and conditions for school principals for fiscal years 2025-2027.
Official action to formally accept monetary donations to the school district.
Draft objectives for the Superintendent's performance aligned with district priorities and MSBA standards.
Framework adopted by the board for superintendent goal alignment and evaluation.
A document from the City of New Hope referenced by Director Basset as a potential model for board and superintendent goal metrics.
Financial documents outlining the district's statutory operating debt and related fiscal challenges.
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Other Topics from This Document
Principal Contract Tenative Agreement
Superintendent Goals 2026-2027
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