WADENA-DEER CREEK

PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WORK SESSION
FACILITY & SITE IMPROVEMENT NEEDS
October 5, 2022 1
Agenda

• Review what we know

• Previous assessments – 2016/17

• Updated Assessments and Proper Planning

• Potential path forward

• Q&A
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT WDC

Playground Needs

HS Space Needs (CTE, small group, etc.)

HS Parking Lot Needs

HS Outdoor Athletic Field Needs

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Current Identified Deferred
Maintenance Needs
• Track and Field Surface
• Track and Field Lighting
• Football Field Bleachers
• Baseball Field Bleachers
• Softball Field Bleachers
• Football Field Concession Stand
• Outdoor Fencing
• Tennis Courts
• CTE Space
• Auditorium
• High School small group, classroom
and/or office space
• HS Parking Lot and Parent Loop
• HS Awning
• Playgrounds
Preliminary
Project Selection Worksheet Potential Funding Mechanism

Project Selected

Energy Savings
Health & Safety
Referendum

Lease Levy
Abatement

ESSER
Budget

Capital

LTFM
Estimated Budget

Building Improvement Measure (BIM)

Summary
Description

HIGH SCHOOL
Outdoor Athletics / Fitness
Resurface Track - 8 Lane (blue) $501,900 X
Install Turf Field $2,062,100 X
LED Lighting - Track/Field $451,900 X
Home - Grandstand (700 seats & Press box) $607,800 X
Visitor - Angle Frame Bleachers (300 seats) $98,700 X
Baseball (150 seat with cover) Bleachers $97,000 X
Softball (150 seat with cover) Bleachers $97,000 X
Concessions Building (remodel) $257,400 X
New Cold Storage Building $121,600 X
Baseball/Softball Field Fencing Replacement $362,600 X
Replace Tennis Courts $534,300 X
Sidewalks - ADA (TBD) $114,400 X
Tech. Ed.
Remodel / Additional Tech. Ed. Space $1,966,300 X
Other
Parent Pickup/Dropoff Modifications $1,347,100 X
Install Awning (shade) for HS/MS Patio $75,100 X
Auditiorium Addition (350-400 seats) $7,722,000 X
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Playgrounds
Additional K-2 Playground & New Equipment $364,700 X
M-State Playground (Resurface & New Equip.) $158,700 X 5
Previous Assessment Results

2016/17 Strategic Planning Process

1. Demographic Analysis Results (FJJ and Applied Insights)
2. Listening Session Results (FJJ)
3. Improvement Options and Budgets (FJJ)
Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools
Student Enrollment Projection
to 2026/27

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 The Overview
• From 2007/08 Wadena-Deer Creek’s K-12 enrollment declined from 1,076 to a low of 924
in 2011/12 and then began a steady rise.
• K-4 enrollment has increased from the around 380 to just over 400 with the major increase
over the past three years. Enrollment in grades 5-6 is up but fluctuates due to year-to-year
changes with only two grades in the mix. Grade 7-12 enrollment has steadily declined from
558 to 387.
• While the average Grade 7-12 class has declined from 93 to 65, the average K-4 class has
increased from 76 to 81. This points to a gradual overall increase in enrollment as the
younger grades progress into high school.
• The number of students living in the district regardless of which district they actually
attend (the so-called “resident pool”) declined through 2011/12 at which time the number
began rising, a trend that is expected to continue.
• Wadena-Deer Creek loses roughly 30% of its resident students through open enrollment to
other districts primarily Verndale, New York Mills and Bertha-Hewitt. In 2016/17 315
students (excluding Freshwater Education District) opted out while the number of students
coming to the district has risen over time from 86 to 112.
• Projected K-12 enrollment is expected to grow a robust 16% from 963
today to 1,113 in 2026/27.

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Wadena-Deer Creek PreK-12 Enrollment Projection to 2026/27
Grade 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27
EC 73 69 75 73 78 73 73 73 76 76 76
Kg 82 84 84 92 89 94 89 89 89 92 92
1 74 83 85 85 93 90 95 90 90 90 93
2 79 74 83 84 84 92 89 95 90 90 90
3 79 80 74 83 85 85 93 90 96 91 91
4 89 81 82 76 85 87 87 95 92 97 92
5 88 91 83 84 76 85 87 87 95 92 97
6 84 87 90 82 83 76 84 86 86 94 91
7 53 82 85 88 80 81 74 82 83 84 91
8 69 52 79 82 85 78 78 72 79 81 81
9 70 67 50 77 80 83 75 76 70 77 79
10 66 73 70 52 80 83 86 78 79 72 80
11 78 65 72 69 51 79 82 85 77 78 72
12 52 63 54 59 57 42 64 67 69 62 63
Total EC - 12 1,036 1,050 1,065 1,086 1,106 1,127 1,157 1,164 1,172 1,176 1,189
Total Kg - 12 963 981 990 1,013 1,029 1,054 1,084 1,091 1,096 1,100 1,113
K-4 403 401 407 420 436 448 453 459 456 460 458
5-6 172 178 173 166 159 160 171 173 181 186 188
7 - 12 388 402 409 427 434 445 460 459 458 454 466
Student Enrollment
17-18 18-19 19-20 20-21 21-22 22-23

K 81 76 95 91 86 90
1 75 85 78 84 85 85
2 79 73 86 72 84 86
3 80 79 80 86 77 90
4 78 76 80 80 91 75
5 87 79 81 78 81 94
6 94 85 80 76 79 77
7 84 89 86 79 78 76
8 64 76 82 84 78 77
9 64 62 82 74 85 76
10 72 63 63 78 77 92
11 74 74 61 57 75 80
12 67 71 64 55 52 75

Total 999 988 1018 994 1028 1073

Projections from 2017 Actuals as of September ‘22

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 ELMENTARY TEACHER PRIORITIES HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER PRIORITIES STUDENT PRIORITIES CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
1. No air conditioning/heating issues 1. Climate control 1. Weighted classes 1. HVAC
2. Quality bathrooms 2. Ventilation 2. Better disciplinary actions 2. Cafeteria
3. Green space/playground 3. Storage 3. Lack of Colors 3. Lighting and Electrical upgrades
4. Bigger classrooms 4. ISS room 4. HVAC 4. Technology infrastructure Elem
5. Hot water/plumbing 5. Building security 5. More and Better food 5. Unappreciated Auditorium
6. Security 6. Bigger classrooms 6. Expand Curriculum 6. Traffic
7. Electric outlets/plug-ins 7. Special ED classrooms 7. Pride in School/Student involvement/ Extra-Curr 7. Parking
8. Windows 8. More classrooms 8. Water temp-washrooms 8. Interior Facelift
9. Wired for technology 9. Facility aesthetics 9. Band room Storage 9. Handicapped Accessibility
10. Parking 10. Shop area size 10. Shades in Gym (3)
11. Leaking roof 11. Elem. Auditorium “electrical disaster” 11. Better hand dryers –washrooms
12. More space 12. Hot water in bathrooms 12. 6th hour stench BUS DRIVERS, COOKS & CUSTODIAN PRIORITIES
13. Asbestos/mold 13. Proper floor drains 1. Communication between Depts.
14. Sensory integration 14. Out door storage 2. Bus garage

Listening Session Results

15. Storage 3. 5 YR maintenance plan and stick to it
16. Space for student activities 4. Loading Zone and Delivery
17. Staff lounge/collaboration rooms 5. Better parking Elementary
18. Lockers 2016/2017 6. HVAC
19. Manure smell BOARD AND ADMIN PRIORITIES 7. Rooms designed for subject area
20. Large cafeteria 1. Update Elementary Tech/Security 8. New Counter Tops
21. Age of building 2. Revamp Elementary cafeteria
3. Open enrollment concerns NON-CERTIFIED STAFF PRIORITIES
1. HVAC Elem
4. New Pre-K center for Elementary
2. Handicapped Bathrooms
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES 5. New boiler system at Elementary “infrastructure, HVAC, Elec., plumbing”
3. Bus Pickup and drop off Elem
1. Parking for public/Handicapped Elem 6. Update washrooms & locker rooms
4. Roofs/windows that leak
2. Security and Safety Elem 7. Elementary green space needs to be cleaned up
5. New Elem School
3. Mold problems Elem Lower level 8. Traffic flow parking
6. Restrooms by Cafeteria
4. Leaks in Roof Elem 9. Building Envelope issues 7. Intercom/Bell/dismissal Elem
5. Crosswalk Lighting #29 10. Elementary Building exterior updates 8. Parking/public parking
6. HVAC 11. High School Tech Ed. 9. Plug In’s in Staff room
7. Fix Auditorium 12. Funding everywhere 10. Mold Smell Elem basement
8. Acoustics inadequate Gym, Classroom/cafeteria 13. Facility accommodations for increasing enrollment 11. Larger nurses office
9. Improve Playground equipment Including 14. Poverty in community 12. Need Staff work room south End
Handicapped 15. Need school colors in the High School 13. Storage Elem
10. Issues with Bathrooms/Crowed/Door too heavy Elem 16. High School storage issues 14. No Hot water West side of Elem
11. Hot water in Locker Room 17. New/additional baseball & softball fields 15. Hot water in staff Bathroom HS 11
2016/2017 Improvement Options

Focused on
Elementary School
Needs/Improvements

12
Where do we
go from
here?

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Proper Planning
• What are our immediate needs?
• What are long term needs?
• How do we prioritize?
• How do we fund?
• How do we plan well in advance for larger needs in the future?

To be successful... the plan must:

• Put students and staff first
• Communicate early and with
transparency
• Provide data and fact-based
recommendations
• Engage the community and be driven by
them
• Provide high value to taxpayers
• Identify and implement all necessary financial
resources
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Four Phase Approach
Communicate Communicate Communicate Communicate
Process Findings Recommendations Results

Phase I:
Assessment Phase II: Phase III: Phase IV:
Solutioning Decision Process Implementation
Space Needs 50 YARD LINE!
Analysis
Stakeholder Listening Sessions

(Demographics)
Develop Solution Options
Educational
Adequacy & Develop Community
District Board Project
Technology Financial Leadership
Consultation Approval Implementation
Assessment Options Review

Feedback &
Facilities, Refinement
Operational and
Architectural
Assessment

Accountability!
15
Community and
Stakeholder Input

ICS will facilitate a

series of community
and stakeholder
listening sessions to
gain input/feedback
on district needs and
proposed
improvements

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Community & Stakeholder Input
Listening Sessions
• Separate Listening Sessions:
• Community Stakeholders
• Students
• School Board & Administration
• Teachers & Staff (Elementary/High
School)
• Open & honest responses should reflect
the point of view from each of the
stakeholder groups
• Each group holds a UNIQUE perspective
on the schools

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Community & Stakeholder Input
Developing Common Topics

Prioritizing District Needs

18
Space Needs

Professional
demographic study to
identify projected
future enrollment.
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Space Needs
Updated Demographics Study
Past Future
Trends Births
Population
Dynamics

Adjacent Today’s
Districts Picture
District District Economic
Enrollment
Enrollment Factors
Dynamics
Past The
Trends Future

Wild
Cards
Other Adjacent
Factors Districts
20
Space Needs
Updated Demographics Study

Are we still on
track for
projections?

21
Educational Needs

Providing a 21st
Century Learning
Environment
Educational Needs
Educational Adequacy Assessment

CATEGORY COLOR
1 Classroom Size and Suitability Y
Educational Adequacy is a complete analysis
2 Cafeteria/Kitchen/Serving Y
3 Security and Supervision R of a school building focusing on multiple
4 Main Office/Nurse/Support Services R categories
5 Science Classrooms/Labs G
6 Art Classrooms/Labs R
7 Music Classrooms/Practice Areas/Etc. Y Analysis in each category is based upon…
R
1. Current District use
8 Staff Lounge/Collaborative Planning Areas
9 Student Commons/Break-Out Areas R
10 Physical Education/Athletics/Locker Rooms/Pool Etc. Y
2. Accepted education guidelines
11 Site Suitability: Fields/Green Space/ Storage Etc. Y 3. Designing School Buildings for 21st Century Learning
12 Parking/Bus Drop-Off: Staff/Students/Parents R 4. Anticipated future needs
13 Technology G
5. Input from the district’s educational staff
14 Library/Media Center: Location/Size/Layout Y
15 Special Education/Support Services G
16 Auditoriums/Performing Arts Spaces R
17 Career and Technical Education Y
18 Hallways/Lockers/Washrooms/ Maintenance space Y

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Facility Needs Assessment
Are we missing anything?

A team of
Professionals will
conduct a facility
assessment from
building envelope to
infrastructure to
interior finishes to
exterior spaces
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Facility Needs Assessment
Interior Spaces
Exterior and Building Envelope

Site, Playground, and Exterior 21st Century Learning/Project

Learning Needs Based Learning Spaces

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Planning Process Outcome

/ FACILITY NEEDS / SPACE NEEDS

Updated Facility Assessment Updated Demographics

/ EDUCATION NEEDS / COMMUNITY &

Educational Adequacy & STAKEHOLDER DESIRES
Technology Stakeholder Listening Sessions
Planning Process Outcome
Data and fact-based recommendations

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Four Phase Approach
Communicate Communicate Communicate Communicate
Process Findings Recommendations Results

Phase I:
Assessment Phase II: Phase III: Phase IV:
Solutioning Decision Process Implementation
Space Needs
Analysis
Stakeholder Listening Sessions

(Demographics)
Develop Solution Options
Educational
Adequacy & Develop Community
District Board Project
Technology Financial Leadership
Consultation Approval Implementation
Assessment Options Review

Feedback &
Facilities, Refinement
Operational and
Architectural
Assessment

Accountability!
28
 Solutioning
WADENA - DEER CREEK - PRELIMINARY BIM SUMMARY - DRAFT
Project Selection Worksheet Potential Funding Mechanism
Project Selected

Energy Savings
Health & Safety
Referendum

Lease Levy
Abatement
"Selected Only"

ESSER
Capital

LTFM
Estimated Budget
Estimated Budget

Building Improvement Measure (BIM)

BIM # Description

HIGH SCHOOL
Outdoor Athletics / Fitness
E-# Resurface Track - 8 Lane (blue) $501,900 X $0
E-# Install Turf Field $2,062,100 X $0
E-#
E-#
LED Lighting - Track/Field
Home - Grandstand (700 seats & Press box)
$451,900
$607,800
X
X
$0
$0 Prioritize Needs
E-# Visitor - Angle Frame Bleachers (300 seats) $98,700 X $0
E-# Baseball (150 seat with cover) Bleachers $97,000 X $0
E-# Softball (150 seat with cover) Bleachers $97,000 X $0
E-# Concessions Building (remodel) $257,400 X $0
E-# New Cold Storage Building $121,600 X $0
E-# Baseball/Softball Field Fencing Replacement $362,600 X $0
E-# Replace Tennis Courts $534,300 X $0
E-# Sidewalks - ADA (TBD) $114,400 X $0
Tech. Ed.
HS-# Remodel / Additional Tech. Ed. Space $1,966,300 X $0
Other
E-# Parent Pickup/Dropoff Modifications $1,347,100 X $0
E-# Install Awning (shade) for HS/MS Patio $75,100 X $0
E-# Auditiorium Addition (350-400 seats) $7,722,000 X $0
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Playgrounds
HS-# Additional K-2 Playground & New Equipment $364,700 X $0
HS-# M-State Playground (Resurface & New Equip.) $158,700 X $0
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Financial Opportunities
Minnesota school districts have been empowered through
these financial solutions:
• MN Statute 123B.65 (Performance Contracting)
• MN Statute 123B.595 (Long-Term Facility Maintenance)
• MN Statute 123B.57 (Health & Safety)
ICS specializes in
• Abatement Levy Authority the careful
• MN Statute 126C.44 (Safe Schools) utilization of these
• MN Statute 126.40 (Lease Levy Authority) statutes to address
facilities’ needs.
• Building Bond Referendum

“Using a combination of Capital, Health and Safety, as well as Long Term Facility Maintenance funding, our
District bonded $4.6 million to renovate our two buildings. We replaced the aged heating system in our
Elementary Building, converting from steam to hot water. We also replaced one boiler in each building, thereby
updating our equipment by over 60 years. Heating, roofing, asbestos abatement, security, ceilings, lighting,
flooring and parking lot improvements were all planned and managed by the FJJ team..”

Daniel W. Posthumus– Superintendent– Wheaton Area Schools

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Tax Impact
Four Phase Approach
Communicate Communicate Communicate Communicate
Process Findings Recommendations Results

Phase I:
Assessment Phase II: Phase III: Phase IV:
Solutioning Decision Process Implementation
Space Needs
Analysis
Stakeholder Listening Sessions

(Demographics)
Develop Solution Options
Educational
Adequacy & Develop Community
District Board Project
Technology Financial Leadership
Consultation Approval Implementation
Assessment Options Review

Feedback &
Facilities, Refinement
Operational and
Architectural
Assessment

Accountability!
32
Four Phase Approach
Communicate Communicate Communicate Communicate
Process Findings Recommendations Results

Phase I:
Assessment Phase II: Phase III: Phase IV:
Solutioning Decision Process Implementation
Space Needs
Analysis
Stakeholder Listening Sessions

(Demographics)
Develop Solution Options
Educational
Adequacy & Develop Community
District Board Project
Technology Financial Leadership
Consultation Approval Implementation
Assessment Options Review

Feedback &
Facilities, Refinement
Operational and
Architectural
Assessment

Accountability!
33
Potential Path Forward
• Updated Demographics Analysis
• November 2022 – January 2023
• Stakeholder Listening Sessions
• Board Members early Jan. 2023
• Staff/Administration Jan. 16, 2023
• Students Jan. 2023
• Community Mid January 2023
• Surveys and Assessments
• November 2022 – January 2023
• Develop Project Scope Options and Alternatives
• February – April 2023
• Board Works Sessions to prioritize needs
• April 2023 – May 2023
• District Communications Planning
• Ongoing
• Public Review of Options
• June 2023
• Board Decision
• July 2023
• Bring Preferred Plan through Referendum Election Process
• August 2023 – November 2023
Q&A