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2014 Levy Funding Facilities Needs for Columbia Heights Public Schools
Columbia Heights Public Schools is in the second of a 10-year Capital Project Levy passed by a majority of voters Nov. 4, 2014. The levy provides $1 million annually, for a total of $10 million over a decade, to address capital facilities (60 percent) and technology (40 percent) needs.
For the fiscal year 2015-2016, the first in which 2014 Levy funds were available, the District identified three first-year facility projects:
- Modifying or expanding existing vehicle entries, exits and parking for safety purposes at Highland Elementary School (including a new bus drop-off/pick-up), Columbia Heights High School and the District/Family Center.
- Commissioning a research study to address extensive internal and external brick-pointing at Columbia Academy.
- Replacing main entry windows at Columbia Heights High School.
“We completed each of the three first-year priorities,” said Director of Finance and Operations Bill Holmgren. “With the first goal we accomplished safety, with the second goal beginning the process to extend the life of a facility and with the third goal we are achieving energy conservation, all of which are investments and cost-savings in the future.”
Holmgren says he and his team refer to the District’s 10-year facility plan as they forecast projects that can be funded through the Levy. “We use the 2014 Levy funds wisely, meaning we must be financially prudent within the requirements of the law while addressing priorities.
The second year priorities address parking, bus drop-off and pick-up and entry/exit safety improvements at Valley View (photo of construction at left) and to begin the brick tuck-pointing at Columbia Academy.
Regarding Valley View, Holmgren said the most important safety change needed was eliminating a drive-through where cars were competing with busses. “This was unsafe for everyone concerned, most importantly our students,” he said. Busses now have a separate entry and exit to the east side of the building, while personal vehicles must park on the west side in a larger parking area. Holmgren added that work has begun on the brick tuck-pointing at Columbia Academy.
“I’m pleased to report each of our first-year projects were completed on-time and on-budget and the same should happen this year,” he said. “The bottom line is we are investing our taxpayer’s monies wisely.”
To learn more about the 2014 Capital Projects Levy and how the District is investing in facilities, visit colheights.k12.mn.us/capitalprojectslevy. For more information, contact Holmgren at 763-528-4411 or HolmgreB@colheights.k12.mn.us.