District 196 outlines multi-year school construction plan, flags Rosemount High traffic impacts

District 196 construction staff presented a multi-year calendar of bond-funded projects on Feb. 10, telling the school board that multiple high-school additions and renovations will start this spring and continue into 2026–27.

The presentation, led by Mark Stotts, covered activity-center additions, science-lab renovations, privacy-toilet upgrades and performance-space work at Eastview, Apple Valley, Rosemount and Scott Highlands, plus middle‑school and auxiliary projects. "Rosemount High School — this is the biggest project within the referendum, approximately a hundred and $50,000,000," Stotts said during his report.

Board members were told bids for Eastview and Apple Valley were being processed and that construction is planned to begin in May 2025 with completion of several high‑school projects targeted for late 2026; Rosemount High School will be a longer, more complex job with work extending into 2027. Stotts also explained scheduling tradeoffs designed to limit disruption to school operations: the activity center and classroom additions at Rosemount will be built first so portions of the school can relocate into the new spaces while interior renovations proceed.

Why it matters: the package covers major instructional and community-access assets — new activity centers will be available for city and association scheduling — and one of the projects (Rosemount High School) will require traffic and site changes that the district said could affect summer access.

Key details and schedule - Eastview High School: bids received; work expected to start May 2025 and finish late 2026; scope includes activity center, science renovations, privacy toilets and performance-space upgrades. - Apple Valley High School: bidding February 27, 2025; similar scope and target start May 2025, finish late 2026. - Scott Highlands (Scott Highlands Bridal School in transcript): two‑summer project starting July 2025 with an 8‑classroom addition and new science labs; completion planned August 2026. - Rosemount High School: largest project in referendum (Stotts estimated ~$150 million); bids due April 1; start May 2025; phased work through late 2027. Early phases will require temporary pedestrian and construction routing; some athletic fields will be relocated. - Valley/Scott Highlands middle‑school projects and Falcon Ridge middle‑school science/restroom work are scheduled across 2025–26 with attention to plumbing‑permit timelines.

Permitting and timing risks Stotts flagged longer state plumbing‑permit lead times as a recurring constraint. At Valley Middle School, work that does not require plumbing permits is scheduled for summer 2025, while plumbing‑dependent work will move to summer 2026 to avoid delays. Rosemount site logistics will overlap with a MnDOT roundabout project on Highway 3; the district will establish a temporary access road for construction vehicles and a contractor parking area to avoid using student/staff parking.

Community access and partnerships The district emphasized partnerships with the cities that host the high schools and with local athletic associations; activity centers will be scheduled for community use (through community education scheduling) when not needed by schools.

Board reaction and next steps Board members asked about permit timing, parking, and where to find live progress media; Stotts pointed members to the district’s website live construction feeds and drone videos from the construction manager. The presentation concluded with a Q&A; the board will receive additional bid and contract materials as individual projects move into procurement.

Ending Stotts asked board members to raise any specific questions as projects proceed; the board will consider individual contract awards and project budget details as bids are evaluated.