Superintendent says Gilbert property sale fell through; board hears plan for roundabouts but $14 million funding gap remains
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Summary
Superintendent Doctor Smith told the board a buyer’s financing collapsed and the Gilbert property sale will be relisted. He also said MnDOT and St. Louis County consider a second roundabout shovel-ready, but the project still needs roughly $14,000,000 beyond $7,000,000 currently identified to connect Gilbert Road; if the funds arrive, work could begin this summer.
Superintendent Doctor Smith updated the Rock Ridge board that a prospective buyer for the district’s Gilbert property was unable to complete financing and the sale will be relisted.
Smith said district staff will look for another buyer and noted the relisting as an informational update. He also briefed the board on ongoing efforts to address student behavior through teacher meetings and on a review of the teacher evaluation system: staff are comparing Charlotte Danielson, Marzano and a possible district-developed model to determine the best fit.
On transportation, Smith said MnDOT and St. Louis County view a second roundabout and an associated spur road to Gilbert Road as shovel-ready. The district has identified $7,000,000 for the road work but still needs about $14,000,000 to complete the connection; Smith said he and district lobbyists are pursuing additional bonding funds. If the remaining funds are secured, he said the roundabout could be built this summer.
Board members asked for clarification on timing and scope; Smith reiterated the roundabout is likely to improve traffic flow near Laurentian and Progress Parkway and emphasized that the full road project depends on additional funding.
No final action on property disposition or the road financing occurred at the meeting; the update was informational and staff will continue work with external partners.