THE NEED
Our current buildings need significant renovations and repairs to support students’ modern education needs.
Assessments by independent experts have concluded that it would cost $41-$47 million to adequately address the extensive infrastructure deficits of our school buildings. Today, N-K Elementary School and N-K High School fail to meet more than half of the Minnesota Department of Education’s standards for school facilities.
EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY ASSESSMENT
A review of the physical layout of each school was conducted to determine whether the spaces aligned with the MN Department of Education’s guidelines. Each category was assigned a rating based on all reviews and analyses by educational consultants and district administration. The categories of Adequate, Questionable Adequacy, or Inadequate are broken down by color in the table for both buildings below.
N-K Educational Adequacy Assessment Results
Educational Adequacy Legend
CLASSROOMS AND LEARNING SPACES NEEDS:
Most of our classrooms, shops, science labs, and facilities are undersized and outdated.
At both N-K Elementary School and N-K High School, most classrooms and other instructional spaces are much smaller than what’s recommended by the Minnesota Department of Education. Many spaces cannot accommodate modern equipment, specialty programs, or various approaches for flexible learning.
Lack of proper classroom space limits collaboration -- small group projects and hands-on learning are critical to student success.
Outdated electrical systems in classrooms, kitchen workstations, and shops are inadequate for running the multiple devices needed for student work.
Band and choir rooms have limited space to store instruments and music.
Elementary special-ed space is undersized and limits student learning.
The weight room, library, and art rooms don’t support student or community use.
High school students don’t have a cafeteria.
MECHANICAL AND STRUCTURAL NEEDS:
Our buildings need major mechanical and structural infrastructure repair or replacement.
Our maintenance staff has done a fantastic job of keeping our buildings in working order, but after more than 100 years of use by thousands of students, teachers, and community members, many essential parts of our buildings have simply reached the end of their useful life.
Roofing
Windows
Indoor air quality mechanical systems upgrades
Outdated HVAC systems mean poor ventilation and difficult-to-control temperature control in classrooms, resulting in students needing their coats in some classrooms during the winter.
Interior and exterior door replacement
Elevator update
Parking lot repairs
The leaking pipes and cracked exterior have damaged the ceilings, walls, and floors.
Electrical updates to support today’s technology needs
Boiler replacement
Accessibility updates
Indoor air quality mechanical systems upgrades
Outdated HVAC systems mean poor ventilation and difficult-to-control temperature control in classrooms, resulting in students needing their coats in some classrooms during the winter.
Windows
Exterior door hardware replacement
Interior door replacement
New lockers
Concrete walkway replacement
Interior flooring replacement
Updates to lighting and electrical to support today’s technology needs
Boiler replacement
Accessibility updates
SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS:
Our buildings lack critical safety and accessibility features.
Our facilities should be usable by all community members, regardless of ability or physical limitations. The age and antiquated design of our schools make it increasingly challenging to meet these goals, despite past improvements and maintenance.
Difficult to monitor and secure building entrances
The fire alarm system needs to be replaced
Entrances are restrictive and pose difficulties for people with physical limitations.
