INFORMATION #7 04-03-1995Jndependent School District
ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
400 School Street
Elk River, MN 55330
728 kr8 1 3 ,s~
IMVIU M. FLANNERV
Superintendent of Schools
(6121241.7400 Fex (812) 241.9407
April 11, 1995
The Honorable Hank Duitsman
City of Elk River
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330
Dear Mr. Duitsman:
Please extend the appreciation of the Elk River Area School Board to the entire
City Council. Our joint meeting was an opportunity to jointly discuss matters of
concern to both of our constituencies.
To recap some of our discussions:
S We do feel that we have done all we can to support the proposed ice arena. The
School District has donated the land for the facility and expects to support a long-
term rental/lease agreement for ice time. We do see this as an opportunity for the
School District and the City of Elk River to team up for the benefit of both of our
constituencies. This project has the full support of the Elk River Area School
Board.
The DARE Program is another excellent example where cooperation between the
City and the School District results in improved programs for all concerned. The
improvement of the program with the addition of the secondary portion is an
unqualified success. We support this initiative and await the results of efforts to
gain the support of the other municipalities in our District. This item will be
introduced into our budgeting process. Although there are many needs in the
School District, it is my hope that this important initiative that was supported so
wholeheartedly by the community in the building of the DARE house, will be seen
as a high priority worthy of monetary support.
We appreciate your efforts to develop along-range transportation plan and to
allow us an opportunity to comment on it.
As discussed at the meeting, we will have a Special Election on May 16 to
consider a 45.4 million dollar bond issue. I plan on briefing you and the City
Council on the spec'rfics of the bond issue as the first order of business at your
17 April City Council Meeting. The School Board will appreciate whatever efforts
you and the City Council Members deem appropriate in the way of support.
Passage of this bond issue is critical to the continued success of our School
District.
The School District does need to move forward on a maintenance facility for the
District. I have reached the conclusion that the present site is no longer adequate
for our needs. We may decide to pursue the industrial park site. We will be
appreciative of whatever efforts you can make on our behalf to minimize our
capital outlay for acquisition of the site and to minimize the costs of bringing city
services to the facility.
It is clear to me the City of Elk River and the Elk River Area School. District have
many common interests. It is also clear that through continued cooperation and
discussion, we will be able to maximize our resources in service to our taxpayers
and stakeholders. I look forward to our next joint meeting and hope this becomes
an annual event.
J. ly ~ ~ ~k%~~
n~ M
Elk River xCrea School Board