School Board Approves Construction Bids for Elementary Projects
The Independent School District 279 School Board approved construction bid awards for multiple elementary school projects during its regular meeting Tuesday, advancing the district's Build a Better Future initiative.
The board unanimously approved bids for renovations at Oak View Elementary, Woodland Elementary, Rush Creek Elementary and Basswood Elementary, along with construction of a new elementary school in Maple Grove and maintenance additions to the Educational Service Center. Executive Director of Finance and Operations John Morstead presented renderings of the projects, which include media center renovations, new flex spaces and outdoor classrooms at existing schools.
The new Maple Grove elementary school will be the district's first two-story elementary building, accommodating approximately 1,100 pre-K through fifth grade students on a 139,000-square-foot campus. Located at the corner of Arbor Ridge Parkway and Ste Road, the school features six learning studios with six classrooms each, along with breakout spaces and dedicated teacher offices.
Superintendent Dr. Kim Hile provided updates on attendance boundary changes affecting families beginning fall 2026. The district has received feedback from 600 community members since releasing four boundary scenarios online last week. A final community informational meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 5:45 p.m. at Maple Grove Middle School, with feedback collection continuing through February 7.
The board also conducted first readings of nine policy updates, including revisions to family and medical leave, travel procedures, investment policies and data request protocols. The policies will be posted for 30 days of public comment before second readings at the February 18 meeting.
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Votes (2)
Construction Bid Approvals for Elementary Sites and ESC
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Mitchell [42:59] · Seconded by Director Dawson [43:06]
The Executive Director of Finance and Operations presented renderings and plans for construction projects under the 'Build a Better Future' initiative. This included a new two-story elementary school in Northwest Maple Grove, featuring natural light and specialized learning studios, as well as renovations to media centers, flex rooms, and the addition of outdoor classrooms at Oakview, Woodland, Rush Creek, Basswood, and Fernbrook Elementary schools. An addition to the Educational Service Center maintenance facility was also discussed. All presented projects are currently on budget, and a K-12 furniture replacement initiative (mid-$2 million range) is also underway across the district.
Notable Quotes (1)
it's really exciting to see it come to life and one of the things I'm always reminded when you're sharing about um Renovations and we show some of them when we think about across the system we're elevating all of our sites I know we've talked before about the selection of finishes making sure that all of the sites have the same quality and level of finishes to select from
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
States that students with disabilities must have access to extracurricular and academic opportunities in the least restrictive environment.
Award honoring six district senior high school students for dedication to academics, athletics, and arts.
Item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Policy under first reading to clarify eligibility, qualifying reasons, and combined leave for spouses.
Policy under first reading with procedure updates regarding immunizations, eye drainage, and N95 masks.
Policy under first reading, moving definitions from procedures to the main policy.
Policy under first reading to clarify purpose, update ride share references, and remove a procedure by directing staff to the website.
Policy under first reading to align with Minnesota School Boards Association policy, clarifying scope, purpose, ethics, and the prudent person standard for investment.
Policy under first reading with similar updates to Policy 705, ensuring consistency with MSBA guidelines for post-employment benefits trusts.
Policy under first reading, adding a section on an individual's right to contest the accuracy of data held by the institution.
Policy under first reading to clarify definitions and ensure consistency, maintaining a minimum fund balance of 5%.
Policy under first reading with minor stylistic updates to titles and procedures.
A new policy from the previous year, with no proposed updates at this time.
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Other Topics from This Document
Student Accessibility and Least Restrictive Environment
Attendance Boundary Changes for Fall 2026
District Points of Pride and Community Engagement
First Reading of Policy Updates
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