The South Washington County School Board reviewed progress on a major facility renovation project and received an updated budget showing improved financial outlook during its March 6 workshop meeting.

The board heard presentations on the Next Step Pathways program facility, which will consolidate two special education transition programs into a renovated church building in Cottage Grove. The project, designed by K Architects, will accommodate up to 120 students and is scheduled for completion by fall 2026. Construction is set to begin in September 2025.

The facility will feature flexible classrooms, a culinary lab, horticulture spaces, and a multi-purpose room that can serve as a community marketplace. The building will include outdoor learning areas and maintain an existing vegetable garden for the horticulture program. The district purchased the former church property at 70th and Jamaica in Cottage Grove in 2024.

Business Director Chris Blackburn presented a revised budget showing the district now projects a $1 million surplus for the current fiscal year, a significant improvement from the originally budgeted $5 million deficit. The positive shift resulted primarily from increased state special education aid of $8.1 million and higher-than-projected enrollment of 415 additional students.

The board also heard from high school students participating in a partnership between the AVID program and Kids Club elementary after-school programs. The collaboration, supported by a $25,000 Minnesota Department of Education grant, has enabled students to donate items to winter clothing programs and conduct service learning projects. The program has served over 450 students through various initiatives including a fundraising campaign that raised over $55,000 for snacks.