09-27-2017 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 PRESENTATION — Dr. Aldo Sicoli, Roseville School District 623 Superintendent stated that DR. ALDO SICOLI, the district is asking for a $144 million bond over 10 years to address the ROSEVILLE aging buildings and deferred maintenance. He noted that all of the school SCHOOL district's buildings, except Harambee, are over 50 years old. He reported DISTRICT #623 that all buildings would get some work done since the district is behind on SUPERINTENDENT maintenance, and there are space issues due to the growing population. Dr. Sicoli explained that the last school district referendum was in 1992, and then in 2001, the state had financial problems and took money from school districts' fund balances. He reported that the district has a growing enrollment, and is projected to add almost another 1,000 students by 2026, which is 15.3% growth. He stated that there are over 400 students who are open enrolled into the Roseville District, and they closed open enrollment this year for grades 7-12 due to lack of space. He noted that there are over 400 total students open enrolled, but 210 of them go to Harambee Charter School. Dr. Sicoli explained that there are plans for improved safety and security at the schools, more career and college readiness programs, and updating activities and athletics facilities. He noted that some of the athletic facilities will need to be closed if not upgraded soon. He stated that a committee has been doing a long-range facilities study to identify needs educationally, activities, and in buildings. He reported that the district is addressing the challenges through long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) and a bond referendum. The LTFM and bond would add $39 monthly to the property taxes on a $250,000 home. Currently, Roseville School District property owners pay the lowest school taxes among the 40 metro area school districts. Fischer asked if the referendum passes, would there would separate accounts for this new money, and if there would be project managers put in charge of the improvements. Dr. Sicoli stated they will be working with Ehlers, their financial consultant, to be smart about how to manage the fiends during the 11 years. Torkelson asked whether industrial technology space will be added since businesses have a big need for these skills. Dr. Sicoli stated that they will be doing that and are creating partnerships with businesses. He noted that they will not have the best facilities around, but will snake some smarter changes to better serve the students, such as moving the auto mechanics shop from Roseville Area Middle School, which was the functioning auto shop when the building was Kellogg High School, to the high school to eliminate the students having to travel to and from the junior high for their auto class. Keis clarified the requested funding timeline and amounts. 2