Discovery Center Kitchen Remodel Approved, Tennis Court Project Faces Permitting Delay
Orno Public Schools moves forward with a $365,570 kitchen upgrade to enhance on-site meal preparation, while new tennis court construction awaits approval from the Minihaha Creek Watershed District.
The Orno Public Schools Board has greenlit a significant remodel project for the Discovery Center kitchen, a move expected to vastly improve on-site meal capabilities for various programs. Concurrently, another planned capital improvement, the construction of new tennis courts, has encountered a delay due to ongoing permitting processes.
The kitchen upgrade at the Discovery Center was approved following a bid process, with Daring Pearson Group of Rogers, Minnesota, securing the contract. The base bid for the project stands at $354,000. An additional $11,570 was also approved for kitchen casework demolition, bringing the total cost of the project to $365,570.
Superintendent Dr. Flesher emphasized the crucial need for the kitchen remodel, highlighting the current operational challenges. The Discovery Center, which hosts numerous summer and early learning programs, currently lacks the capacity to prepare meals on-site.
As a reminder to our broader community, we are unable currently to cook at the Discovery Center. We prepare all of the meals at other kitchens and then bring them over on a daily basis. So this will add significant value to our programs and primarily we're able to utilize excess federal food service dollars to support the project.
The financial strategy for the remodel is particularly advantageous, as the district plans to leverage existing excess federal food service dollars to fund the project, minimizing the impact on the general fund. This investment is anticipated to not only streamline meal service but also enhance the overall experience for students and participants at the center.
Nick Tainter, Director of Business Services, provided further details on the bidding process and the approved costs during his presentation.
At the end of the day, Daring Pearson Group from Rogers, Minnesota submitted the low bit base bid in the amount of $354,000. A selection of alternates does not affect who will be the low bidder. We did have one alternate that was included and that was also in conjunction with Darren Pearson's bid to additional work on kitchen casework demolition and that was $11,570 which we're also recommending for accepting as well.
Tennis Court Project Delayed
While the kitchen remodel moves forward, the construction of new tennis courts has hit a roadblock. The project, aimed at upgrading athletic facilities, is currently on hold due to required permitting. The delay has been attributed to the permitting authority of the Minihaha Creek Watershed District, which is reviewing the plans.
District officials did not provide a new timeline for the tennis court construction but indicated they are actively working with the watershed district to resolve the permitting issues. These ongoing projects underscore the district's commitment to improving its physical assets for the benefit of students and the wider community.
Our proprietary artificial intelligence agent analyzed publicly available documents including meeting agendas, minutes, and transcripts to write this story to help inform local residents. Feedback helps us improve, so please consider rating how we did with the thumbs up or down below.
Go deeper on this topic
Research related meeting documents and build a brief — without rewriting the story.
Full analysis
Votes (4)
Orno Foundation for Education Annual Gift Presentation
Dissent: None
Katie Hollererman, outgoing chair, and Molly Hollererman, student volunteer, presented a gift of $700,711 from the Orno Foundation for Education. The funds are earmarked for various crucial district initiatives including general fund support for class sizes and AP courses, literacy, character education, educator excellence, and safety and security enhancements (e.g., new camera system). Molly shared insights into the positive student impact, particularly regarding the College and Career Center.
Approval for Discovery Center Kitchen Remodel Project Bid
Dissent: None
Moved by Board Member [During vote] · Seconded by Board Member [During vote]
Nick Tainter, Director of Business Services, presented details on the Discovery Center kitchen remodel project, which aims to enable on-site meal preparation. The project is funded by excess federal food service dollars. Following a bidding process with seven companies, Daring Pearson Group of Rogers, Minnesota, was identified as the lowest responsible bidder for a total contract of $365,570. The project is expected to start in January and be completed by late February with minimal disruption.
Resolution of Dissolution for MHSL Cooperative Sponsorship Agreement with Delano Schools (Nordic Ski)
Dissent: None
Moved by Board Member [During vote] · Seconded by Board Member [During vote]
The board discussed the necessity of dissolving the existing MHSL cooperative sponsorship agreement for Nordic Skiing with Delano Public Schools. This action was a precursor to establishing a new, expanded cooperative agreement that would include Rockford Area Schools, following their request to join the program.
Approval of New MSHSL Cooperative Sponsorship Agreement for Nordic Skiing with Delano and Rockford Schools
Dissent: None
Moved by Board Member [During vote] · Seconded by Board Member [During vote]
Following the dissolution of the previous agreement, the board considered and approved a new MSHSL cooperative sponsorship agreement for Nordic Skiing. Under this new agreement, Orno Public Schools will serve as the host school, with both Delano Public Schools and Rockford Area Schools participating as districts, effective for the 2026-2027 school year.
Notable Quotes (7)
The foundation's tireless fundraising efforts help the Orno schools to not choose between program options for our students, but rather enhance our students experiences through investing their in their education.
This 700,711 is a reflection of a community that believes deeply in its schools and continues to invest in its students and educators.
These numbers represent real things that students will experience every day. whether it's having supported t-shirts to or teachers, feeling safe at school, receiving a scholarship at scholarship night, or having resources that help us figure out what we want to do after graduation.
As a reminder to our broader community, we are unable currently to cook at the discovery center. um we prepare all of the meals at other kitchens and then bring them over on a daily basis. So this will add significant value to our programs and primarily we're able to utilize excess federal food service dollars to to support the project.
At the end of the day, Daring Pearson Group from Rogers, Minnesota submitted the low bit base bid in the amount of $354,000. A selection of alternates does not affect who will uh be the low bidder. We did have one alternate that was um included and that was also uh in conjunction with Darren Pearson's bid um to additional work on kitchen casework demolition and that was $11,570 which we're also recommending for um accepting as well.
Consequently, the existing cooperative with Delano needs to be dissolved prior to entering into the new cooperative sponsorship agreement with both schools. The first item is the dissolusion of the partnership with Delano and the second item is the approval resolution to enter into a new partnership with both Delano and Rockford.
I move to approve the MSHSL cooperative sponsorship agreement for Nordic Skiing Boys and Girls with Orno Public Schools acting as the host school and Delano public schools and Rockford area schools as participating districts effective for the 2026 2027 school year.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
The financial report for which Orno received the ASBO Certificate of Excellence.
Proposed strategic goals for the Superintendent for the upcoming school year.
Resolution to dissolve the existing Nordic Ski cooperative with Delano Public Schools.
Resolution to approve a new Nordic Ski cooperative with Orno, Delano, and Rockford area schools.
Source document
Was this story helpful?
Other Topics from This Document
School Year Start & Achievements
Financial Reporting Excellence & Oversight
District Enrollment Trends
Orno Foundation for Education Annual Gift
Superintendent's Strategic Goals for 2026-2027
Discovery Center Kitchen Remodel Project
Nordic Ski Cooperative Agreements Restructuring
Community Education Program Review and Future Initiatives
Want to know when new stories arrive?
Enter your email to receive updates.
We will not use your email for any other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.