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District 196 bond projects: Emerald Trail open, Rosemount Middle School on schedule for 2027
Summary
District 196 presented progress on Building Our Future bond projects, saying Emerald Trail Elementary opened on time and on budget, major activity center work is underway with completion aimed for 2026, and Rosemount Middle School construction is on track for 2027.
District 196 staff updated the school board Sept. 29 on the status of projects funded by the 2023 Building Our Future bond referendum, reporting a mix of completed work, active construction, and planned future milestones.
Carol Hauschild, coordinator of project management and purchasing, said Emerald Trail Elementary opened welcoming nearly 700 students and staff, and the district has advanced security upgrades across campuses including secure vestibules, key‑card access, door‑prop alarms and expanded two‑way radios.
Carol and Christopher (project finance) gave a drone‑photo tour of active sites. Thomas Lake received a new bus loop and extended sidewalk to improve arrival/departure safety; Dakota Ridge opened a new addition with gym and storm shelter; Scott Highlands and Falcon Ridge received interior refreshes and ongoing additions. Carol said the projects aim to reduce overcrowding and modernize facilities while improving safety.
Christopher presented budget figures tied to the referendum: an approved referendum total of $538,000,000; about $365,000,000 in bids to date (roughly 70% of the budget); $137,000,000 expended so far; and roughly $18,000,000 in interest earnings on funds on hand. He said the district issued the first $300,000,000 of bonds in 2023 and plans a second issuance in 2026 to align with construction cash flow. "We look forward to welcoming students to the new Rosemount Middle School in 2027," the presenters said.
Project managers from contractors were introduced; Mitch Elliott noted current trade staffing and heavy roof joists for gym construction. The Apple Valley and Eastview activity centers show precast panels and roof joists in place with anticipated openings in 2026 and late fall 2026 respectively, while Rosemount High School site work is ongoing pending permits.
Administrators said the projects are being managed to minimize disruption to schools and that safety improvements reflect community priorities identified in referendum planning.
