ARCHIVE of over one year of Facilities Study and Bond Referendum Updates preceding the Feb. 28, 2006 election:       q

a vote on a Long-Range Facilities Improvement Plan
February 28, 2006 Referendum: An investment in the future of Blaine, Spring Lake Park, and Fridley's students, families, and communities


A successful bond referendum would  g  address a projected
20% growth in enrollment by adding classrooms at all schools 
g include major renovation and new construction to address deferred maintenance needs on 35 to 50 year-old facilities  g build
a new 750-student K-3 school  g meet state and federal guidelines, address issues of safety and security  g provide long-range educational solutions for this and the next generation of students

A BRIGHTER FUTURE. a FIRST LOOK AT BOND PROJECT TIMELINES.
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Elections results: Its a good day for kids
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VOTING INFORMATION AND MAP
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MORE ANSWERS TO YOUR REFERENDUM QUESTIONS
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Education Today - Bond Update 5.   "All the important information in one place"
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Benefit for kids, sound investment, effective use of tax dollars
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Map: New school location, exiting schools, population growth
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Answers to your questions
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Jan. 26: New Versions of Architect's Drawings
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Jan. 20: Education Today Bond Update 4
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Jan. 12: A Successful Bond Referendum Would Benefit All Students
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Jan. 10: Architect's Conceptual Drawings
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Jan. 10: Informational Meetings Schedule
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Jan. 4: How to Find Out More
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Dec. 13: Education Today Bond Update 3
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Dec. 9: Survey Shows Support for Bond Project
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Dec. 8: Superintendent's Message on Board Decision
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Dec. 7: Board Decides on Feb. 28 Referendum
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Nov. 30: Board to Decide on 2006 Bond Referendum on Dec. 6
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Nov. 9: Education Today Bond Update 2 - Final Task Force Report and Recommendations
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Oct. 18: Education Today Update 1
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Oct. 10: Deferred Maintenance Photos from Community Meetings
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Oct. 7: Handouts from the Community Meetings
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Oct. 6: Comprehensive Enrollment Report
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Sept. 29: Excerpts from Preliminary Plan presented to the Board
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Sept. 23: October Community Meetings
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Sept. 15: Task Force Work Nearly Complete, Community Meetings Announced
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Aug. 29: Answers to Your Questions, Fast Facts
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Aug. 12: Early History of District Facilities
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June 30: Preliminary Task Force Report to the Board
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June 22 Update: Preliminary Report to be Presented June 28
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June 9: Facilities Update
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May 26: Facilities Update
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Apr. 26: Community Presentation No.1
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Apr. 22: Facilities update on Apr. 26
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Mar. 24: Update
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Mar. 15: Community Will Help Develop Facilities Plans
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Mar. 14: Planning for Growth, Welcoming Students and Families
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Feb. 1 Revised Timeline
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Background and Overview

School Board sets date for special election vote
The Spring Lake Park School District 16 school board unanimously authorized a bond referendum special election for Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at a special board meeting on Tuesday, December 6. Click here for full story.

Have Your Questions Answered
We welcome your questions.  We want everyone to have the information necessary to make an informed decision.  Superintendent Don Helmstetter will personally respond when you leave your question on one of these Hotlines. 

E-Mail Hotline:
2006BondReferendum@district16.org

View Facilities Videos
View one of four online informational videos. Go to videos.  District 16 long-range facilities plan and referendum informational programming also air on local Comcast cable channels 14, 15, 16, and 19; and local Time-Warner cable channels 15, 16, and 17.
 
DVDs are also available
If you can't access the online videos or one of seven area cable channels, stop by one of our schools, the district office, or community services for a DVD copy.  Or, call 763-785-5513 and we'll send you one.

Questions, Answers, Fast Facts
For continually updated answers to your questions, click here

Pictured: The community-school Facilities Task Force, that met January - November 2005, at a summer meeting.  For a list of members, click here.

Your Property Tax Impact
Find out how the bond referendum would affect your property taxes. Click here for the tax impact calculator.


History & Overview.  The Facilities Improvement Plan
In March 2004, Spring Lake Park Schools began an extensive process to review all of its facilities and their needs.  The process was launched with a study conducted by architects and engineers with input from district staff.  This study included research into the adequacy of facilities for grade level configurations and class size equity in the years to come.  It resulted in a detailed review of mechanical systems, academic programming, technology, and expandability of existing facilities.

It also included a review of all district sites, including buildings, driveways, parking lots, play fields, and grounds. In addition, it addressed significant deferred maintenance items such as roofing and window needs.

A community-staff Facilities Utilization Task Force then met from January through November 2005.  Members toured and reviewed all district sites, prioritized current and future facilities needs, reviewed enrollment and demographic data, reviewed state statutes related to renovation and new construction, and formulated recommendations for long-term facilities improvements.