Bond Projects

Why: The safety of our students, staff, and community is a top priority. As best practices in school safety evolve and our facilities age, our facilities must be updated to meet modern standards. These improvements are essential, not only for physical security but also for fostering trust, confidence, and well-being across our community. A proactive approach ensures a secure and safe environment where students can thrive.

Key Projects:

• Activity Center Security Doors: Installation of secure doors to separate sporting events from school academic spaces, controlling access during events, and minimizing disruption during the school day.
• Playground Surfaces: Replacement of surfaces with ADA-compliant rubber surfacing at Albertville Primary, Big Woods Elementary, Fieldstone Elementary, St. Michael Elementary, and Community Education playgrounds. This reduces injuries, prevents slips, and ensures accessibility for all children.
• Phones, Paging & Bell Systems: Upgrades to communication systems to improve emergency response, coordination, and real-time alerts throughout all buildings.
• Updated Fire Panels: Modernized fire detection panels at Big Woods, Fieldstone, and the high school to improve emergency preparedness and evacuation efficiency.
• Additional Security Cameras: Replace broken and outdated security cameras district-wide to enhance surveillance, deter incidents, and support real-time monitoring for increased safety.

Why: Our current technology is outdated and in urgent need of replacement. Critical classroom tools and districtwide infrastructure are no longer reliable, disrupting learning and daily operations. While we’ve stretched our existing systems as far as possible, further delays are not feasible. Investing in modern technology is essential to ensure high-quality instruction, support innovative teaching and learning, and maintain secure, efficient systems.

Key Projects:

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Improve network reliability and reduce downtime across all buildings, ensuring consistent access to online resources and instructional tools.
• Classroom Boards & Audio Systems: Replace outdated analog systems with interactive digital boards and enhanced audio systems, improving engagement and ensuring all students can clearly hear instruction.
• Auditorium & Gym AV Systems: Upgrade audiovisual equipment, including hearing assistive technology, to enhance performances, presentations, and assemblies. These updates improve accessibility, align with ADA standards, and increase the functionality of these spaces for school and community use.
• Boardroom Streaming & Recording: Enhance transparency and community engagement by upgrading equipment to stream and record school board meetings, allowing stakeholders to stay informed and connected.

Why: Many maintenance projects have been deferred for years due to funding challenges, as we prioritized classroom resources to directly support students and staff. However, continued delays are no longer sustainable. Investing in maintenance now is critical to ensure our buildings remain safe, functional, and efficient, providing well-maintained learning environments for years to come.

Key Projects:

• Activity Center Equipment & Flooring: Replace outdated equipment to enhance safety, align with current physical education standards, and support both student and community use.
• Baseball & Softball Infield Turf and Lighting: Install synthetic turf and field lighting to improve safety, reduce maintenance, increase usability, and expand access for student-athletes and community events.
• Flexible Music & Theatre Space (Black Box Theater): Renovate existing space to support band, choir, theater, and small performances. This multi-use fine arts area promotes student creativity and community engagement, and offers a potential revenue source through rentals.

Why: Investing in academic spaces ensures students are equipped with the skills they need for the future. The proposed projects promote critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, all essential for success in today’s world. These updates reflect our commitment to providing high-quality, future-ready learning environments for all students.

Key Projects:

• K-12 STEM Center: An addition to the high school serving grades K-12, featuring a high-tech lab, manufacturing lab, and robotics practice space. This center supports STEM education, robotics classes, and competitions, while also offering rental opportunities for community use.
• High School Media Center & Conference Rooms: Transform the current media center into a modern, flexible learning hub with open spaces and dedicated conference rooms for collaboration, group projects, and interdisciplinary learning. Conference rooms will also support meeting spaces for students, staff, and the community.
• St. Michael Elementary Media Center: Replace outdated shelving with modern, accessible furniture and update the circulation desk to improve organization, safety, and functionality. These updates create a more welcoming space and ensure consistency with other elementary schools in the district.