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WEM board hears Southwest Metro plan to use Morristown facility for regional programs
Summary
Dr. Jeff Horton of Southwest Metro presented options to relocate programs into the Morristown facility, describing facility zoning, potential cost-sharing, and a decision timeline that would require WEM’s indication by December or January.
Dr. Jeff Horton, representing Southwest Metro School District 288, told the WEM Board of Education that Southwest Metro "is looking for space" and that the Morristown facility is under consideration for relocation or construction of its programs.
Horton said Southwest Metro commissioned an independent facility and financial study and that Waseca currently houses one of the programs but is seeking to expand. He warned the board that selling the Morristown building could trigger bond defeasance, delaying access to sale proceeds — potentially for years — and leaving district taxpayers responsible for bond payments in the interim.
Horton described how the building could be zoned for elementary programming, autism services, and transitions, and suggested the gymnasium and kitchen could remain available for WEM athletics and community use. He outlined a possible cost-sharing arrangement that would adjust depending on how many associate districts joined the partnership and said WEM would need to indicate interest by December or January to move forward.
Board members asked operational questions about schedules, staffing, and the membership model. Horton noted that many programs have extensive waitlists, and that non-member districts would face higher per-student charges if they sent students to the facility.
