District unveils $14.63 million FY2028 facilities plan, votes to act at next meeting

Mark, a district facilities presenter, told the Stillwater Area Public Schools board the FY2028 long‑term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan lists 29 projects and totals $14,628,860. "So, if you look at the total amount of the projects is $14,628,860," he said while walking directors through color‑coded project categories for mechanical, interior, roofing/tuckpointing, restrooms and turf work.

The plan is an annual, 10‑year document the district compiles with site principals, engineers, its architect team and construction manager to balance building upkeep against taxpayer burden. Mark said the district will submit minutes and the board‑approved plan to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) at the end of July, and the board will take formal action on the plan at its next meeting.

Directors asked for clarification on scope and funding. Dr. Funk explained why projects cannot be added after the plan is submitted: the LTFM plan informs levy calculations the district uses to set its tax levy. "The revenue side of this goes into our levy," Dr. Funk said, noting the plan flows into the levy the board approves in the fall.

Mark reviewed major projects by site. Highlights included Afton’s conversion from steam boilers to a hot‑water system for energy efficiency and operations, tuckpointing at Anderson, sidewalk and flooring work at Brookview, operable‑wall replacement at Lily Lake’s gym, restroom and rooftop work at Oak Park and Oakland Middle, and several high‑ticket items at Stillwater High such as stadium lighting upgrades to LED and HVAC control work. Stillwater Middle will continue a multi‑year sprinkler‑pipe replacement project, and districtwide work includes replacing ballfield lights and backstops at JC fields.

Board members stressed the LTFM funding is for ‘‘like‑for‑like’’ replacement only, not additions. Mark and finance staff said the plan’s $14.63 million total is funded through a combination of levy proceeds and LTFM bonds; finance staff said they tried to hold the levy flat while sequencing bond issuance to smooth costs.

The board received the report; staff will incorporate any feedback and return with a resolution and supporting minutes so the district can submit the complete LTFM package to MDE.

Ending: The board did not vote on the FY2028 LTFM plan at this meeting; formal action is scheduled for the next board meeting so the required minutes will accompany the MDE filing.