Planning Process FAQs from July 20, 2022
What is a bond referendum?
Bonds are for building. Bond Referendum provide districts dollars to make improvements to facilities and building infrastructure only. For example, bonds can be used for major construction such as renovation, building an addition, building new schools or for general building projects such as addressing deferred maintenance and ventilation deficiencies. Bonds, however, cannot be used to hire teachers, buy textbooks, or for the operation of the district such as utilities.
Why is the district pursuing an election?
The district is anticipating significant growth in student population within the next two years that cannot be accommodated in existing buildings.
The district’s enrollment study showed that in five years (2026-27) K-6 enrollment is projected to be 45 to 99 students larger than in 2021-22 and Middle School/High School enrollment will increase 37 to 48 students from 2021-22. However, enrollment will continue to increase between 2026-27 (5 years) and 2031-32 (10 years).
In ten years, Hawley Public Schools’ enrollment (excluding Early Childhood) is projected to increase ranging from 1,165 to 1,266 or 15% to 25% percent more than the 2021-22 enrollment of 1,013 students.
Why is the district holding a vote in the general election and not the Spring of 2023?
The district could hold the bond election in the spring, however, holding the vote in the general election minimizes the costs to the district, proposed project, and the taxpayers. When districts hold votes in the general election, the governing of the voting process, election duties and costs are the responsibility of local townships, city clerks and the county auditor. The district will have responsibilities in a general election, but those are limited.
On the other hand, if the district were to hold a special election, the district becomes responsible for the governing and managing all election duties which include hiring election judges, equipping and operating the polling places and compiling the results - all added expenses.
Moving the bond election to spring 2023 would not only increase construction costs, as the district would need to account for inflation, as well as put the district at risk for an increase in interest rates, both which would increase the tax burden but also extend the construction timeline.
What will additional staffing cost with new building and projected growth?
Staffing needs will not occur immediately. In fact, will be a couple of years out from the new build if needed at all. Most of the staffing for the new building will be filled by existing staff who will be relocated to the new school. If new staff are added due to growth, costs will be covered by existing operating dollars and additional funding received with new students.
What will happen to the current preschool? Can we sell the preschool and put proceeds toward this project?
The district will explore options for the current preschool, including the possibility of selling the building. No decisions have been made until it is confirmed that the preschool will move to the elementary school and all options have been explored. The school board will make the final decision based on feedback received from stakeholders and what they deem is the best option for the district and community.
Is land purchase price included in the total project cost? Do we know that the landowners will sell?
Yes. Approximately 20 acres is planned for purchase if needed. The exact amount will be determined during the initial design phase if the election is successful. Yes, discussions with the landowner have taken place.
Was building a new elementary explored?
Yes. A new elementary was explored with the Community Taskforce. Due to the substantial renovation needs to convert the existing elementary into a 5-8 middle school, a nearly 4-year construction timeline for this option, and costs, the Task Force did support developing this plan further.
What would the construction timeline be for the project?
The new building as well as additions and remodels to the existing buildings are scheduled to be complete for the start of school in the fall of 2025.
Why would we build only to cover growth?
The district must follow the Minnesota Department of Education Guide for Planning School Construction Projects in Minnesota, which recommends operating at a 90% capacity at the elementary level and at 80% capacity at the high school level. This allows for future growth and implementation of new programming if needed. The Department of Education must approve the district plan for a new building prior to going to the voters and base the size of the proposed new building on the current and future demographic data. The district must stay within the MDE guidelines when developing plans for a new building.
The district commissioned a demographic study looking at enrollment the past 5 years, current enrollment, and projected enrollment based on birthrates, housing, etc. The proposed plan addresses project growth and will also allow for easy expansion in the future if enrollment continues to grow.
If we build new, will growth increase? Is there data on other schools who have built?
There is a potential that growth could increase above the demographer’s prediction, however it will be based on several factors including jobs, housing, programming, and learning opportunities offered, etc. The Department of Education does not track enrollment data based on new buildings or types of facilities.
What is BASE/FITS it and why is it needed?
The space designated for the BASE/FITS program would act as a flexible, multi-functional space during the school day that could be used for indoor recess, large group events, STEM activities, and multi-class programs, along with the after-school and summer child care programs described below.
Why is there such a focus upon gym space? Why are 2 practice football fields needed?
The gymnasiums not only support physical education and indoor recess (when needed), but the space also supports multiple after-school and summer sports and activities, and community organizations, programs and events. Scheduling is very difficult, and often youth activities are scheduled late into the evening due to lack of accessible gym space with some activities, unable to secure any space. Additional gym space is needed to support student learning and support the after-school activities and community needs. Last year alone the fieldhouse was used 92% of the time. It should be noted that many requests were denied.
The fields shown on the concept site plan would be used for many different uses as it is now. This would include physical education classes, recess, field events (shot put and discus), community ed activities such as soccer, as well as football practice for elementary and high school. Football field markings are only shown on the concepts to demonstrate the overall size of the green space.
What are the options for parking? Where will the bus barn be located?
There are many options for parking including the number of spaces and locations. These will be determined after the site is surveyed during the design process and based on the final location of a new building. The location of a bus garage will be determined as part of the design process for a new building. It will be dependent on the location of the proposed new building.
What are the next steps?
The district will consider all stakeholder feedback and the recommendation from the task force planning committee to determine in August 2022 whether a bond election will be pursued on November 8, 2022. If yes, the district will need to submit a review and comment to the Minnesota Department of Education by August 14, 2022, and adopt a resolution calling for an election by August 26, 2022. Additional community meetings will be held up until election day to inform district residents about the plan.
I don't have kids in school. Why should I care about this?
Good school facilities are important to our neighbors who own a business or work at area companies, as well as to families considering a move to our community. Strong schools help support a strong and vibrant community. Local community and business leaders are active on our task force and will help guide future decisions.
How can I find out more?
Click on this link to view the Comprehensive Planning Summary from May 22, 2022
Bonds are for building. Bond Referendum provide districts dollars to make improvements to facilities and building infrastructure only. For example, bonds can be used for major construction such as renovation, building an addition, building new schools or for general building projects such as addressing deferred maintenance and ventilation deficiencies. Bonds, however, cannot be used to hire teachers, buy textbooks, or for the operation of the district such as utilities.
Why is the district pursuing an election?
The district is anticipating significant growth in student population within the next two years that cannot be accommodated in existing buildings.
The district’s enrollment study showed that in five years (2026-27) K-6 enrollment is projected to be 45 to 99 students larger than in 2021-22 and Middle School/High School enrollment will increase 37 to 48 students from 2021-22. However, enrollment will continue to increase between 2026-27 (5 years) and 2031-32 (10 years).
In ten years, Hawley Public Schools’ enrollment (excluding Early Childhood) is projected to increase ranging from 1,165 to 1,266 or 15% to 25% percent more than the 2021-22 enrollment of 1,013 students.
Why is the district holding a vote in the general election and not the Spring of 2023?
The district could hold the bond election in the spring, however, holding the vote in the general election minimizes the costs to the district, proposed project, and the taxpayers. When districts hold votes in the general election, the governing of the voting process, election duties and costs are the responsibility of local townships, city clerks and the county auditor. The district will have responsibilities in a general election, but those are limited.
On the other hand, if the district were to hold a special election, the district becomes responsible for the governing and managing all election duties which include hiring election judges, equipping and operating the polling places and compiling the results - all added expenses.
Moving the bond election to spring 2023 would not only increase construction costs, as the district would need to account for inflation, as well as put the district at risk for an increase in interest rates, both which would increase the tax burden but also extend the construction timeline.
What will additional staffing cost with new building and projected growth?
Staffing needs will not occur immediately. In fact, will be a couple of years out from the new build if needed at all. Most of the staffing for the new building will be filled by existing staff who will be relocated to the new school. If new staff are added due to growth, costs will be covered by existing operating dollars and additional funding received with new students.
What will happen to the current preschool? Can we sell the preschool and put proceeds toward this project?
The district will explore options for the current preschool, including the possibility of selling the building. No decisions have been made until it is confirmed that the preschool will move to the elementary school and all options have been explored. The school board will make the final decision based on feedback received from stakeholders and what they deem is the best option for the district and community.
Is land purchase price included in the total project cost? Do we know that the landowners will sell?
Yes. Approximately 20 acres is planned for purchase if needed. The exact amount will be determined during the initial design phase if the election is successful. Yes, discussions with the landowner have taken place.
Was building a new elementary explored?
Yes. A new elementary was explored with the Community Taskforce. Due to the substantial renovation needs to convert the existing elementary into a 5-8 middle school, a nearly 4-year construction timeline for this option, and costs, the Task Force did support developing this plan further.
What would the construction timeline be for the project?
The new building as well as additions and remodels to the existing buildings are scheduled to be complete for the start of school in the fall of 2025.
Why would we build only to cover growth?
The district must follow the Minnesota Department of Education Guide for Planning School Construction Projects in Minnesota, which recommends operating at a 90% capacity at the elementary level and at 80% capacity at the high school level. This allows for future growth and implementation of new programming if needed. The Department of Education must approve the district plan for a new building prior to going to the voters and base the size of the proposed new building on the current and future demographic data. The district must stay within the MDE guidelines when developing plans for a new building.
The district commissioned a demographic study looking at enrollment the past 5 years, current enrollment, and projected enrollment based on birthrates, housing, etc. The proposed plan addresses project growth and will also allow for easy expansion in the future if enrollment continues to grow.
If we build new, will growth increase? Is there data on other schools who have built?
There is a potential that growth could increase above the demographer’s prediction, however it will be based on several factors including jobs, housing, programming, and learning opportunities offered, etc. The Department of Education does not track enrollment data based on new buildings or types of facilities.
What is BASE/FITS it and why is it needed?
The space designated for the BASE/FITS program would act as a flexible, multi-functional space during the school day that could be used for indoor recess, large group events, STEM activities, and multi-class programs, along with the after-school and summer child care programs described below.
- BASE is the Before and After School Enrichment program that was started at Hawley Elementary in 2001. It operates during the school year from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. BASE provides care for PreK-6, with a goal to help children reach their potential socially, physically, and academically, while provide a safe and loving atmosphere for children. Students are provided with homework help, the chance for free play, gym games, and opportunities to be outside. Students are also provided the opportunity to be creative by providing art activities and occasionally plays and talent shows.
- Fun In The Sun (FITS) is the summer childcare program that Hawley has for kids Kindergarten through 6th grade. The FITS program operates the entire months of June and July, and is open the first, second and third weeks of August. The program makes sure that the kids get to where they need to be for any summer recreation programs that they are signed up for. When the Hawley Pool is open, some afternoons are spent there as well. This summer childcare program provides a loving environment for all students. FITS provides for the children from 6 am to 6pm M-F with meals, actives, care, adventure, quiet time, and so much more.
Why is there such a focus upon gym space? Why are 2 practice football fields needed?
The gymnasiums not only support physical education and indoor recess (when needed), but the space also supports multiple after-school and summer sports and activities, and community organizations, programs and events. Scheduling is very difficult, and often youth activities are scheduled late into the evening due to lack of accessible gym space with some activities, unable to secure any space. Additional gym space is needed to support student learning and support the after-school activities and community needs. Last year alone the fieldhouse was used 92% of the time. It should be noted that many requests were denied.
The fields shown on the concept site plan would be used for many different uses as it is now. This would include physical education classes, recess, field events (shot put and discus), community ed activities such as soccer, as well as football practice for elementary and high school. Football field markings are only shown on the concepts to demonstrate the overall size of the green space.
What are the options for parking? Where will the bus barn be located?
There are many options for parking including the number of spaces and locations. These will be determined after the site is surveyed during the design process and based on the final location of a new building. The location of a bus garage will be determined as part of the design process for a new building. It will be dependent on the location of the proposed new building.
What are the next steps?
The district will consider all stakeholder feedback and the recommendation from the task force planning committee to determine in August 2022 whether a bond election will be pursued on November 8, 2022. If yes, the district will need to submit a review and comment to the Minnesota Department of Education by August 14, 2022, and adopt a resolution calling for an election by August 26, 2022. Additional community meetings will be held up until election day to inform district residents about the plan.
I don't have kids in school. Why should I care about this?
Good school facilities are important to our neighbors who own a business or work at area companies, as well as to families considering a move to our community. Strong schools help support a strong and vibrant community. Local community and business leaders are active on our task force and will help guide future decisions.
How can I find out more?
Click on this link to view the Comprehensive Planning Summary from May 22, 2022