HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016.02.01 RESO 2016-03 Position re closing of Withrow School RESOLUTION 2016—3
APPROVING A POSITION REGARDING THE CLOSURE OF THE WITHROW
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS PROPOSED BY THE STILLWATER PUBLIC SCHOOL
DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the voters within the Stillwater Area Public School District voted to pass a Levy in
2013 and a Bond in 2014 in order to fund the area schools in a variety of ways; and
WHEREAS,many voters understood that the passing of the levy and bond meant that no schools
were to close in the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, the Stillwater Superintendent proposed the BOLD initiative which would result in
the closure of three elementary schools in the district: Withrow Elementary, Marine Elementary,
and Oak Park Elementary; and
WHEREAS, the proposal to close schools emerged from inside the district, without input from
the general public and without sufficient details provided to the city or the public; and
WHEREAS,the Hugo City Council recognizes the value to the community of each school facility,
which serve as venues for social interactions, activities and recreational opportunities, and
WHEREAS, the City strives to expand and improve partnerships with all school districts within
the City and collaborate for the purposes of providing the community with educational and
recreational activities that result in improvements to the quality of life for the citizens; and
WHEREAS, the proposal to close schools does not consider the impact on the communities; and
WHEREAS,the Stillwater Area School Board members either did not receive the City's invitation
to attend the January 4ffi City Council meeting, or refused to attend to discuss the merits and
consequences of this initiative; and
WHEREAS, the process and timeline outlined for deliberation of this important decision, which
may have widespread community impact, is short and scripted without time for legitimate debate
and careful consideration of ideas and alternatives; and
WHEREAS, Withrow Elementary is an important community asset located within the City of
Hugo and has recently received U.S. Department of Educational National Blue Ribbon Award for
academic excellence; and
WHEREAS, Withrow Elementary School is located in a rural setting without municipal services
such as city sewer and water, and further,it is located along low traffic roadways,in an agricultural
zoning district; and
WHEREAS, the existing zoning, lack of public improvements in the area, and surrounding land
use patterns makes the viable re-use or sale of the building unlikely, leading to possible
Resolution 2016-3
Withrow Elementary
abandonment of the structure and the eventual establishment of blight within this portion of the
city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hugo's Parks Commission has donated some of its limited financial
resources toward the installation of recreational playground equipment at Withrow Elementary
School for the enjoyment of citizens with the City of Hugo and the Stillwater School District.
WHEREAS, the Withrow school grounds include other outdoor recreational amenities that serve
a need for area residents, and it remains unclear whether those amenities will remain available or
will need to be replaced at a new location and at additional expense to the city of Hugo.
WHEREAS, the School District has not requested feedback from the City of Hugo concerning
the impacts to the City that such a decision might have.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does respectfully request the
Stillwater Area Public School District to do the following:
1. Delay taking any action on February 11, 2016 that involves the closing of schools, and reset
all timelines that depend on this action.
2. Create a process that is inclusive of the impacted communities and families and includes an
open evaluation of alternatives, vetting of ideas, and proper study of implications.
3. Ensure that any proposal factors the value that the school facilities and associated activities
have on the communities in which they are located and determine the impact of the loss of
those facilities and activities.
4. Review the "Mission" of the Stillwater School District and determine the proper role of the
school district in maintaining a strong community, soliciting feedback and valuing of
community partnerships.
5. In partnership with the City of Hugo,evaluate the likelihood of re-use possibilities for Withrow
Elementary prior to making a decision. Determine the impacts that a vacant or repurposed
facility will have on the vibrancy of this part of the City, or share plans to demolish the facility
and return to an allowable agricultural or recreational use.
6. Include within the process a method of community engagement that attempts to identify all
positive benefits and negative consequences of the proposal and provide a mechanism for
evaluating, weighing, and balancing any factors identified.
7. Determine whether this action collectively improves the quality of life for residents within the
community and whether the vacated space may be put to a future use that is beneficial.
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Resolution 2016-3
Withrow Elementary
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that:
1. The City of Hugo offers its assistance to the school board and its staff in facilitating or
participating in a proper process.
ADOPTED by the City Council this 1St day of February, 2016.
Tom Weidt, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michele Lindau, City Clerk
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