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Construction update: Media centers, other improvements underway as Fit for the Future projects near completion

Classroom transformation at Dayton Elementary School to turn open classrooms into walled classrooms(07/12/2024) In 2017, voters supported the Fit for the Future plan, approving a request for new funding to create safe and secure learning spaces by removing all portable classrooms across the district, constructing additional schools and classroom space, providing solutions for maintaining quality schools at every building in the district and addressing class sizes at every level. 

Many major projects were completed at the start of the 2019-20 school year, including the opening of Brookside Elementary School in Ramsey and Sunrise Elementary School in Blaine. 

Concluding the Fit for the Future plan, all district schools were to receive a number of science, media center, and special education improvements, scheduled to be completed by the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

Sites receiving media center updates this summer include Andover, Anoka, Champlin Park and Coon Rapids high schools, Anoka Middle School for the Arts Fred Moore campus and Coon Rapids Middle School.

As the 2023-24 school year concluded, projects began at 32 sites across the district. Funding for these projects also originates from long-term facilities management funds and district capital funds.

Take a look at some of the work being done this summer:

  • Anoka High School: eight science rooms are being updated and the media center renovation projects are underway.
  • Blaine High School: an eight-classroom project of science rooms and media center updates are underway at BHS.
  • Champlin Park High School: the second year of a three-summer installation process to replace the hydronic piping and systems associated with failing air handling and cooling systems is underway. CPHS is also receiving security updates, including updates of the school’s main entrance and front office area.
  • Coon Rapids Middle School: the media center is getting an upgrade.
  • Dayton Elementary School: is in the second phase of a four-year project to transform open classrooms into walled classrooms for educational and security benefits.
  • McKinley Elementary School: is in the second phase of a three-year project to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning.