Dear Glenville-Emmons School Community,
Please excuse the dust, we’re tackling some facility and technology improvement projects! Last night, our school board approved repurposing one-time funding that will address crucial facility needs at the High School including asbestos abatement, roofing repairs, painting and air ventilation unit updates. In addition, our board approved updating our student iPads to provide all students with new 1:1 devices. I want to share with you what these projects mean and how we are able to financially fund these last-minute projects.
How are we paying for these projects and technology updates?
If you remember from 2021, the federal government issued Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our district has remaining funds that need to be spent by September 15, 2024 - or they would need to be returned. We have received permission from the Minnesota Department of Education to use these funds to cover asbestos abatement, air ventilation unit updates, and iPad devices. With the deadline of September 15 for spending these funds and teachers returning to school the week of August 26, this is why we are moving forward quickly to complete these projects.
What areas will be undergoing asbestos abatement?
Primarily the front half of the High School will be undergoing a transformation, including removing the 9”x9” tiles and mastic which contain asbestos materials from when the floor was originally installed. After these tiles and mastic have safely been removed, we will polish the concrete floors and leave this as our flooring solution for the upcoming school year. We may come back in the future to epoxy or put down a different floor, but for now our priority is to remove the tiles and mastic so we can continue with facility improvements.
Is the roof being replaced at the High School?
At a special meeting in June, the school board approved replacing the roof over the majority of the classrooms and hallway at the High School using Long-Term Facility Maintenance funding provided annually by the State of Minnesota. This project covers roughly 1/3 of the roofing needs for the building and the remaining 2/3 of the project will still need to be completed in the coming years. The project is slated to start in the next few weeks (weather dependent) and should be completed by the end of summer.
Inside the building, our custodial team will be tackling cosmetic improvements under the new roof including deep-cleaning classrooms, painting, and touching up any areas that have been affected by water damage.
What does this mean for the High School during the project?
While asbestos materials are safe while left undisturbed, during the removal process our High School is going to be closed to the general public from August 8-23. During this time, our offices will be located at the Elementary School so we can continue to provide exceptional customer service for you.
Why aren't we using Long-Term Facility Maintenance Funds to complete all of the projects?
Long-Term Facility Maintenance Funding is provided annually by the State of Minnesota to school districts to fund regular maintenance projects including electrical work, painting, plumbing, hardware and equipment, etc. This funding is based on student enrollment in each district and annually we receive approximately $115,000 for regular maintenance needs. Unfortunately, given the age of our buildings, $115,000 does not cover nearly enough to maintain our annual facility needs, let alone giant projects like roof replacement, asbestos abatement, etc.
What about 2024-25 school year registration?
Our 2024-25 school year registration will be held on August 14 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and August 15 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Elementary School. We’re excited to welcome you back and show off the improvements that have been made in the Elementary School!
I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools as we work to tackle these important facility improvements.
Sincerely,
Allen Berg, Superintendent
