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.