Board members tour area schools

Elementary school site visits made by the facilities committee members of the school board over the last few months were the topic of the second March workshop. “One of the things we’ve been working hard on for the last several years is identifying some of the physical limitations at our elementary school, particularly some of the repairs that are coming to a head and some things we have to think about for the future facility needs,” Superintendent Eric Hudspith said to the board. “One of the things we haven’t spent much time thinking about is the teaching and learning aspect and the student experience at our elementary school and what we would like our buildings to eventually look like in some way, shape, or form.” The facilities committee visited four different elementary schools in February, interviewing principals and teachers about the designs and taking hundreds of photos. 

Hudspith said the committee took away some themes from the experience; grade-level communities, specialists located opposite instructional areas, a central media center, flexible instructional spaces/multi-purpose areas, common areas for collaboration and support, natural light, and strategic, secure entry and exit points.  “We feel pretty comfortable these themes are important to the teaching and learning experience of the kids.” The board was guided through a photo presentation of the elementary schools in Lakeville, Maplewood, Hugo, and Northfield which is also available to the public on the school website. Hudspith’s final slides outlined the considerations the committee members discussed with the elementary principals, including the placement of restrooms and sinks, storage, and inside and outside traffic patterns. 

“None of them had a single drop-off or entry point for all kids. They all had various locations to keep congestion down. Specialist areas were separate from academic areas to lower hallway congestion. Classrooms don’t get disrupted by the transitions that are happening there.” Hudspith ended his presentation to the board by summarizing the facility committee’s next steps: “Whatever choices we make going forward, we want to incorporate these things into the plan. We know there are things going on in the community that don’t positively influence what we need to do economically. We also know there are some needs we have to address as well.”

Hudspith also presented a legislative update to the board. “The legislature is really busy right now. There’s a lot going on.” He highlighted two items important to both the community and the board; a possible increase of the local optional revenue (what the board can approve for the levy without needing to go out for a vote), and a potential increase of equalization aid for smaller districts.  Other issues of concern in the legislature are bills for additions to the required courses for high schools in Minnesota. “I wonder if we’re going to need a fifth year of high school to get these all in,” Hudspith said.