Eight constructions projects were completed across the District during summer 2011.  Low interest rates, a competitive bidding climate and the District's long-term enrollment plan make the construction very advantageous for the District.

Projects boosting energy efficiency were a priority for our long-term maintenance plan.  Seven of our schools earned the 2010 Energy Star Awards. With the 2011 energy efficiency improvements, we expect all buildings to qualify for the rating during the next evaluation period in 2012.

Elementary Schools

• Clear Springs - One music room and one classroom completed.  Parking lot improvements also made.
  
  
• Deephaven - Common  sink areas and plumbing updated in a way that opened space for the construction of a small specialist room. In addition, ceiling, lighting and flooring replacement was completed in two other specialist rooms.
  
  
• Groveland - One music room and two classroom spaces completed.  Parking lot improvements also made.
  
  
• Excelsior - In order to alleviate traffic congestion and parking capacity issues, the School Board approved the purchase of additional land from Lyman Lumber, the owner of the land immediately to the northeast of the school.  Additional parking for approximately 80 cars and additional vehicle circulation will improve safety at the school.  This project will be completed during the 2011-12 school year.  

Secondary Schools

• Middle School East - Using existing space within the school, three large storage areas were transformed into classrooms.  The kitchen facilities were updated to include an additional serving line within the cafeteria. The outdoor tennis courts were resurfaced and expanded to seven courts, with funding provided by the Hennepin County Youth Sports Commission (e.g., from the Stadium tax).
  
  
• Middle School West- Using existing space within the school, four large storage areas were transformed into classrooms. The kitchen facilities were updated to include an additional serving line within the cafeteria. The outdoor tennis courts were resurfaced and expanded to seven courts to be equitable with MME.
  
  
• High School - As part of the District’s Long Term Maintenance Plan, the boilers were upgraded with energy efficient components. The inclusion of heat recovery units increased efficiency of the boilers into the 88 to 90 percent range. This will result in annual savings of approximately $16,000 annually at current natural gas prices.

Community Education Center
A conference room on the lower level was converted into office space and the larger office space was converted into a classroom to open more spaces for the Explorers program.