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Following the Oct. 9 regular School Board meeting, the board was given a tour of the new addition at Taylors Falls Elementary. Board member Jerry Vitalis was surprised when he was asked to read the dedication plaque at the front door of the new wing, which reads "Gerald Vitalis Education Wing."

He was also surprised when 100 or more of his family members, friends, former board members, teachers and other supporters greeted him and offered congratulations.

Principal Joe Thimm, Board Chair Mark Leigh and Superintendent Mike McLoughlin, along with Taylors Falls alumnus Duane Olson, all spoke about Vitalis's tireless dedication to education and being the obvious choice for the dedication of the new wing.

Vitalis was extremely touched by the sentiment, but tried to downplay his involvement in getting the new addition for the school, pointing at Thimm as the reason for the new building.

Vitalis taught for more than 30 years in Minneapolis, before "retiring." He has served on the Taylors Falls School Board and the Chisago Lakes School Board for a combined 30+ years, and is a frequent substitute teacher at Taylors Falls Elementary. He is running uncontested this November for another term on the CL School Board.

A reception in the school cafeteria followed the ceremony. Teachers, staff and parent volunteers worked to move classrooms into the new addition earlier in the week, to have them ready for Thursday night.

In regular business at the board meeting, the board approved a five-year lease with Chisago City to rent space in the city's new maintenance department building adjacent to school property.

This was the board's second look at a proposed lease contract with Chisago City. The board had asked Director of Business Services Heide Miller to request a shorter lease with the city than the originally proposed 15-year term.

Miller said the city wasn't willing to go with a three-year lease, but would consider a five-year lease, renewable for another five years after that.

"The cost will still be $1,400 per month, but they added 1,800 square feet to their building to accommodate the school district," Miller said.

The Chisago City facility is being built next to the old Lifgren property that is now owned by the school district, on Karmel Ave. north of Hwy. 8. The land was bought by the district with referendum money last fall.

Storage space for maintenance equipment and vehicles is scarce for the district right now, Miller said, since two old storage buildings were torn down at the high school to make room for athletic fields.

She said the new storage shed near the tennis courts at Chisago Lakes High School is full, and space is at a premium at the school because there is really no storage inside the main school building.

The new five-year lease was not available for the board to sign at last week's meeting, because of a computer crash in Chisago City Administrator John Pechman's office. Miller hoped to have the lease ready to sign within a few days.

"I think it's a fair price and it's good to be working with the city," Miller said.

The board approved the five-year lease.

New stadium officially opens

The board members were among an estimated 4,000 people who attended the Chisago Lakes homecoming football game Oct. 3 and helped to open the new stadium.

"It's a great place, and I know the community is really proud," board member Mark Leigh said.

Miller said the opening went well, albeit with a few logistical problems. More people should have been directed to use the district's new parking lot west of the ice arena, she added, because it was nearly empty and is a closer walk than much of the student parking lot at CLHS.

Training on the stadium's technology features was scheduled for this week, to familiarize personnel with the stadium's electronic systems.

Miller said with the stadium completion, most of the referendum projects are winding down. There are a few smaller projects slated for next year, including installation of a new elevator at the middle school, and developing a footprint for the new district property.

October enrollment down

Enrollment was down between September and October. The district started the year with 3,496 students enrolled at its five school buildings, but the official total that will be turned in for state funding this month is 3,482. Enrollment in Oct. 2007 was 3,491. The most noticeable decrease was at Chisago Lakes Middle School, which went from 845 students to 833.

Miler said declines are being seen at most districts statewide and the biggest factor seems to be more educational options.

"Home school numbers are about the same, but there are more charter schools opening and online learning options," Miller said.

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