This article is a feature from the 2022-23 Minnetonka Public Schools Annual Report.

From sustainability to security, updates to Minnetonka school buildings are a regular part of each school year and summer, when the majority of construction projects take place. The District’s rolling Long-term Facility Maintenance 10-Year Plan ensures that buildings receive the attention they need. As updates occur, energy efficiency and enhanced security are underlying priorities, ensuring that Minnetonka’s learning spaces are prepared for students and teachers both now and in the decades to come.

“We are efficient in energy use and saving money to put more toward the classroom as a core value in how we operate the District from a financial standpoint,” said Paul Bourgeois, Executive Director of Finance and Operations for Minnetonka Public Schools. 

Energy efficiency is a priority when planning building maintenance, such as including additional insulation to roofs for increased thermal efficiency. New additions and window replacements in existing buildings include installation of double-pane argon-filled 20%-tinted windows, saving on heat in the winter and air-conditioning costs in the summer.

All of the District’s boilers have been converted from indirect-fire to direct-fire models, increasing efficiency by about 10%. The boiler systems have also received exhaust stack recovery units to increase efficiency by 10%. Existing HVAC mechanical units have been replaced with modern energy-efficient units.

Minnetonka Public Schools participates in seven community solar garden contracts, with the District as the anchor tenant with 40% of the generated output. It also has a Renewable*Connect contract with Xcel Energy for wind and solar sourcing of electricity.

All District buildings use LED interior lighting, and there are occupancy sensors in all classrooms and hallways to minimize lights on when spaces are not in use. Energy management controls in rooms minimize both electricity and natural gas use by targeting energy needs. 

Outdoors, building security and parking lot lights also feature LED bulbs. In the Tonka Dome that is put up over Einer Anderson Stadium each winter, lights were switched from 1,000-watt halogen bulbs to 100-watt LEDs. Other Einer Anderson Stadium and Veterans Field lights are also now LEDs

“This has all happened over the years,” said Bourgeois. “Energy efficiency continues to be a core factor in our ongoing building component upgrades that we do to keep our more than 1,833,000 square feet of facilities in a state of good repair for the long term.”

Security remains a constant consideration in all District building upgrades, as well. “We are always evaluating ways we can keep students and staff as safe as possible in our schools and buildings. We revise and update procedures, and we upgrade security systems and equipment, taking recommendations from experts in the field to stay on the cutting edge,” said Superintendent David Law. 

An additional level of security and controlled entry was completed for all school buildings during the 2022-23 school year, requiring visitors to show identification before proceeding to main offices from entryway vestibules. For the 2023-24 school year, a new Security and Emergency Management Coordinator position was added to support needs across the District. 

Photo caption: The LED bulbs at Einer Anderson Stadium light up the night much more efficiently and cost-effectively than halogen bulbs.

Spotlight on Spaces Around the District

Update on VANTAGE/MOMENTUM Building
The District broke ground on its newest instructional space, the VANTAGE/MOMENTUM Building, in May 2022. Since then, the land was cleared and graded for construction and the structure has been built. While the building’s completion timeline has been impacted by industry supply shortages, the work has been progressing very well. When completed in late winter/early spring, the building will be home to several VANTAGE strands and MOMENTUM’s new aviation program. Read more about the expansion of MOMENTUM and the building project within the Annual Report.

 

Groveland Elementary’s Outdoor Classroom Offers Fresh Opportunities for Learning
In collaboration with the school’s parent teacher organization, a new outdoor classroom was installed on the grounds of Groveland Elementary. Whimsical cement seats shaped like acorns and sized for elementary learners create a small amphitheater that can be utilized by classes and clubs. “The classroom has been a big success,” said Andrew Gilbertson, Groveland Elementary Principal. “Classroom teachers and specialists have used it to get students learning outside and to increase engagement.”

 

New Playground at Minnetonka Community Education Center Supports the District’s Youngest Learners
Minnetonka Community Education replaced its 30-year-old playground with brand-new, fun, colorful and state-of-the-art equipment for the start of the 2022-23 school year. The new playground meets the needs of students ages two through five in the Minnetonka Preschool and Junior Explorers program. The play space includes a variety of equipment pieces for students of all ability levels, and it also provides a community space to socialize and play.