St. Francis task force urges space optimization, flags urgent water/sewer and bus‑garage needs

St. Francis Area Schools heard an information-only presentation from a 20-member Community Engagement Task Force on district facility priorities, with members urging the board to focus on optimizing existing space and addressing urgent infrastructure problems rather than immediately pursuing major new construction.

"Does this make sense for the kids? Is it fiscally responsible? Will it have community support?" Kate Blanchard, a task force presenter, said as she outlined the group's decision criteria after more than 40 hours of meetings and tours. The task force reported roughly an 84% participation rate among appointed members.

Task force members highlighted several near-term priorities: improving cramped kindergarten and other early‑grade classroom space, repairing aging water and sewer systems at multiple sites, and resolving long‑standing problems with the district’s transportation (bus/garage) building. The group illustrated capacity and square‑foot‑per‑student metrics for Cedar Creek, East Bethel and St. Francis elementary schools and said some rooms are tight relative to target targets used for planning.

Keith Kersten, a task force member with facilities experience, urged the board to "evaluate and optimize program space needs including building utilization, grade configuration and alignment of programs and offerings with available space." He argued that reconsidering grade configurations or program placement could reduce near‑term capital demand and improve chances of community support for future measures.

Board members pressed for details. Carsten asked about enrollment projections; task force members said demographer Hazel Reinhardt’s analysis shows relatively flat districtwide enrollment but warned that internal distribution could shift if new housing is developed. On infrastructure, task force members reported that elementary sites currently on well and septic systems have experienced failures and that Cedar Creek’s drain field was described as effectively non‑compliant; presenters estimated repairs could cost "anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million," and said hooking up to city water depended on municipal bonding and grant decisions.

On transportation, several presenters described the bus garage as "a flashing light on the paper" and urged pursuing creative partnerships—including developer partnerships or moving the facility to less expensive peripheral land—rather than only budgeting for a full rebuild. Task force members suggested forming a focused committee to explore developer or city partnership options for a new or relocated garage.

Students and parents also spoke. Jenna, an 11th‑grade task force member, said the group reached consensus around ‘‘financial accountability and responsible stewardship’’ and prioritized safe, healthy facilities. Student speakers and other members flagged cracked tennis courts, undersized gym space and lost opportunities to host tournaments as examples of facility limitations with community and revenue implications.

The district also announced an immediate safety mitigation funded by a private donation: board members said donor Keith Kersten committed funds to install film and bonding on certain cafeteria windows identified as higher risk; a donation form will appear at an upcoming board meeting.

No formal board actions were taken at the special meeting. The board said it will hold work sessions to pare the task force’s recommendations into near‑term, short‑term and long‑term priorities, solicit additional input from district departments and municipal partners, and return to the community group for follow‑up. The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Votes at a glance: The board unanimously adopted the meeting agenda (motion moved by Mr. Orkin; second by Mr. Anderson) and later approved adjournment; no policy or capital approvals were requested or voted on at this session.