Duluth Schools ISD 709 - Long Range Facilities Plan

Why were some schools rebuilt new, rather than just updated/refurbished?

There are three key reasons why construction of new facilities was part of the overall plan to reduce excess building capacity:

• Some schools were beyond repair. At the time, the average age of Duluth’s school buildings exceeded 50 years and many had few upgrades or structural improvements since they were built. In some cases, extensive repairs were needed. The Minnesota Department of Education needs to approve all school refurbishing and upgrade plans in order for Duluth to receive state funding for a portion of the construction costs. If the cost to bring an old school up to modern safety and education standards is more than 60% of the cost of a new school, state standards require districts to build a new school rather than repair the old one. In Duluth, that meant Laura MacArthur and Lester Park Elementaries needed to be rebuilt.
• School consolidations provide savings. In some cases, the Facilities Plan consolidated two existing schools into one new school designed to meet the projected student enrollment and educational needs of future students. When schools are consolidated, money is saved through more efficient operations in new, upgraded schools and through the sale of land where old schools are located. Upgrades occur in one of the properties, while the other property may host classes during construction and closed once the upgraded school is available. The reconstruction of Piedmont Elementary and consolidation with Lincoln Park is an example of this approach.
• New schools are located where students live. Student population projections and community feedback made it clear that Duluth schools should be located closest to where students live.