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To the casual observer, Chisago Lakes High School doesn’t look like it needs about $29 million worth of TLC, but people taking a tour of the site last week were advised many issues to be addressed are hidden in  building systems and structure.  Pipes, air handlers, wiring, alarms, lighting, rooftops,  are priorities for this upcoming May 13 ballot asking taxpayers to allow the district to borrow $63.7 million.  

 The Chisago Lakes High School on Olinda Trail in Lindstrom has been built onto and expanded several times.  Even as the school continues to be in constant use— key systems have become obsolete over the decades.

Superintendent Brian Dietz and other district staff spoke with members of the public who attended a referendum project  tour last week.  Two other tours have been conducted at the Chisago Lakes Middle School, also slated for major renovations and upgrades.

Dietz convened the group in the library/media center and led the group around the high school pointing out where windows have begun to leak and condensation is damaging the structure.  Leaks are worsening in the 1999 addition piping.  A total of 14 toilet rooms need to be replaced, not to mention locker room showers and mechanicals.  High school intercoms don’t work. And, based on past experience, at least one electrical blackout is expected annually. Some small building sections lack fire suppression.

The budget adds up exponentially when it is pointed out funding will also go into re-fitting 13 air handlers at one time. 

Those on the tour were advised the work is not going to go down in price.  The funding being sought is meant to be sufficient for years and years. “We can tell you we won’t be coming back” for added borrowing, Dietz stated.  

The superintendent, who came on board at Chisago Lakes in 2023,  said the district has adopted a long range plan, and compiled a detailed facilities study so that key repairs and maintenance are not being put on the proverbial back burner.

A tour participant asked why the district didn’t address some of these critical issues in 2017 when the last bond referendum was approved, saying there’s a perception  the Wildcat Community Center should have been delayed if there were other pressing concerns.

School Board member Jeff Lindeman, who is a retired Chisago high school instructor, responded that the community “...looked at things differently” back then,  and “...we can’t go back and undo what was done.”

The Wildcat Center, by the way, is busy and a hub of community involvement, he added.

Superintendent Dietz remarked that it is heartwarming when students and non-students of all ages “co-mingle” at the facility on occasion when activities overlap.

Dietz said it is his intention to move forward, “build back trust” and continue to be  wise stewards of the tax dollar.  He also reminded the tour attendees that Minnesota has an unjustifiable school funding formula and that Chisago Lakes is near the bottom for per-pupil appropriations due to how aid is structured.  Stress to state lawmakers to address this, he  explained.

The facilities study consulting firm Nexus, had a representative on the tour who told the audience itemized projects will get underway quickly if bonding is approved. Fine tuning the bids will take about six months. The middle school is the number one starting location.  

The total package of work covering  various district buildings is expected to need three years. 

Any local contractor looking for more details,  should the referendum pass,  is welcome to contact his company, Nexus.  Certain tasks will require large numbers laborwise;  but he assured the tour group there are opportunities for smaller local companies.

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