PROPOSAL FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT

PROPOSAL FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT August 1, 2017 SUBMITTED TO: MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUBMITTED BY: RICHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #280 7001 Harriet Avenue South Richfield, Minnesota 55423 Contacts: Mr. Steven Unowsky; Superintendent PH: 612-798-6000 PREPARED BY: ICS CONSULTING, INC 3890 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 180 Blaine, MN 55449 Contact: Mr. Ryan Hoffman Ph: (763) 354-2670

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction and Project Team 2 1. Geographic Area and Student Population 3 2. Existing Facilities 4 3. List of Specific Deficiencies 5 4. Project Description / Scope Summary / Schedule 8 5. Method of Financing / Tax Impact 11 6. Required Additional Documentation 12 APPENDICES A. District Boundary Map B. Detailed Breakdown of Proposed Improvements and Associated Budgets C. Detailed Financial and Tax Impact Documentation D. R&C Attachment 1 Signed Compliance Document Proposal for Review and Comment 1

INTRODUCTION & SUMMARY DESCRIPTION In accordance with Minnesota Statute 123B.71, Independent School District No. 280 submits the following educational facilities proposal for review and comment. Richfield Public Schools has studied numerous variations and alternatives and prioritized in an effort to arrive at the most responsible project scope for the district. The proposed facilities improvements will allow Richfield Public Schools to address current physical and programmatic needs within all district facilities. Major components of the proposed improvements include: - Updates to major infrastructure and deferred maintenance items including mechanical systems, kitchens, restrooms and parking areas. - District Wide safety improvements including secured entrances, doors and hardware and access control systems. - Educational and programmatical enhancements district wide in areas of Special Education, Science based curriculum along with providing equitable spaces for all students across the district. DISTRICT CONTACT: SCHOOL BOARD: Mr. Steve Unowsky Superintendent Independent School District 280 7001 Harriet Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 PH: 612-798-6000 Christine Maleck, Chairman Crystal Brakke, Vice Chairman Tim Pollis, Treasurer John Ashmead, Clerk Paula Cole, Director Peter Toensing, Director TOTAL PROJECT COST: General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $86,800,000 which includes issuance and financing costs. MILESTONE DATES: Referendum November 7, 2017 Design & Pre-Construction November 2017 through October 2018 Project Bid/Award Multiple Packages Construction Phase: Spring 2019 thru Fall 2021 PROJECT TEAM: Architect / Engineer: Owners Representative: Municipal Advisor: Wold Architects and Engineers ICS Consulting, Inc. Ehlers & Associates Contact: Vaughn Dierks, AIA Contact: Ryan Hoffman Contact: Gary Olsen PH: 612-227-7773 PH: 763-354-2670 PH: 651-697-8522 Proposal for Review and Comment 2

1. GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND POPULATION TO BE SERVED Richfield Public Schools consists of approximately 7 square miles in Hennepin County. The District has educational facilities only located within the City of Richfield, however the district boundary does include some areas in the city of Edina as well. The district falls entirely within the Twin Cities metro area which currently contains about 36,000 residents which is home to on average just over 4,000 Pre-K thru grade 12 students and their families. Per current demographic information, Richfield Public Schools is projected to experience a stable overall student enrollment over the next 5 or more years. A District Boundary Map has been included in Appendix A of the submittal. Enrollment history, current enrollment, and projections are as follows: Proposal for Review and Comment 3

2. LIST OF EXISTING SCHOOL FACILITIES Richfield Public Schools educational programs are housed in seven (7) facilities consisting of four (4) Elementary Schools, one (1) Middle School, one (1) High School and one (1) early childhood and community education building. These facilities are all located in Richfield, MN. The District is proud of its tradition of excellence in academics, fine arts, community education and extracurricular activities. The existing facilities and sites are described below: Centennial Elementary School Sheridan Hills Elementary School Grades K-5 Grades K-5 Year Constructed 1958 Year Constructed 1955 Additions 1995 Additions 1958, 1985, 1995 Square Footage 75,700 SF Square Footage 71,349 SF School Site Size 5.5 Acres School Site Size 7.5 Acres Dual Language Elementary School Richfield STEM School Grades K-5 Grades K-4 Year Constructed 1952 Year Constructed 1957 Additions 1954, 1995 Additions 1976, 1995 Square Footage 58,697 SF Square Footage 201,368 SF School Site Size 8 Acres School Site Size 8 Acres Richfield Middle School Richfield High School Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 Year Constructed 1960 Year Constructed 1955 Additions 1976, 1995 Additions 1964, 1970, 1971 Square Footage 243,535 SF Square Footage 446,734 SF School Site Size 21 Acres School Site Size 28.5 Acres Central Education Center Maintenance Building Grades PreK & Adult Year Constructed 1956 Year Constructed 1948 Square Footage 8,800 SF Additions 1951 Square Footage 68,270 SF School Site Size 8.5 Acres Bus Garage Year Constructed 1982 Square Footage 16,144 SF Proposal for Review and Comment 4

3. LIST OF SPECIFIC DEFICIENCIES The district has gone to great lengths over the past year and half to involve both internal and external stakeholders in identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing needs within the District. The proposed referendum improvements have been developed to address the most critical and urgent needs within its facilities. Deficiencies common of all Richfield Public School Buildings All buildings within the district require upgrades to the HVAC and electrical systems to meet current ventilation standards, parking lot flow and configuration along with improvements to the main entrances for visitor access and occupant security. All buildings require upgrades to building envelope components and interior finishes. Each building house Special Education in areas not ideal for the specialized teaching and assisting needed for the various required instruction and the spaces available are undersized and often not located appropriately for push in or pull out functions. All buildings require kitchen prep area upgrades along with serving enhancements for student flow and scheduling improvements. The quantity of and condition of the restroom facilities throughout the district needs to be addressed with infrastructure upgrades, fixture replacements, interior finish improvements. Various buildings need ADA accessibility upgrades to meet current code requirements. Deficiencies of Centennial Elementary School Centennial Elementary, grades K-5, lacks the ability to expand beyond its current footprint due to the strong community support of its playfields that were donated by past residents. The existing courtyard is underutilized and contains two large mechanical units that block doors and windows of classrooms. The kitchen prep area is undersized for the student enrollment and the serving location is separate from the cafeteria which creates traffic congestion by requiring students to pass through halls and doorways with food trays to the eating area. Deficiencies of Sheridan Hills Elementary School Sheridan Hills Elementary, grades K-5, is deficient in providing a secured visitor entrance which allows all visitors to bypass the main office located down the hall from the entrance and proceed to the classroom areas without detection. The building has an oversized media center not being utilized efficiently with only one teaching staff for multiple teaching stations (CPU labs.) The building contains a stage area that is not being used due to no ADA access and its location from the rest of the learning areas. Deficiencies of Richfield Dual Language School Richfield Dual Language School, grades K-5, is located on the same property as the Richfield STEM School. The combination of the two schools being in such close proximity and also located within an urban setting creates a safety concern for bus drivers and parents dropping off and picking up students, and for visitors trying to access the main entrance of each facility. While strives have been made in arranging the traffic flow to manage all the different users, the sheer number of vehicles all traveling through the same parking lot is not ideal. The Dual Language School also does not have a media center or a classroom that can be used for any science based curriculum. Security is of concern due to the fact that each visitor is trusted to enter the main door and navigate to the main office across the hall and adjacent to the entrance. Proposal for Review and Comment 5

Deficiencies of Richfield STEM School The Richfield STEM (RSTEM) School, grades K-4, has a variety of building deficiencies. The main office is approximately 200 feet from the main entrance down two hallways. The building has an oversized and underutilized media center along with need for additional lab and flexible learning areas for the STEM curriculum. A courtyard within the building needs updates to the door hardware and site drainage for the continued use as an outdoor learning environment. The building is connected to a pool facility that is currently not in use. Deficiencies of Richfield Middle School The Richfield Middle School, grades 6-8, is similar to the RSTEM school in design. The main office is approximately 200 feet from the main entrance down two hallways. The building has an oversized and underutilized media center along with need for additional labs and flexible learning areas. The building has both an auditorium addition and pool addition that are utilized by the school along with community for the pool. In order to access the pool, one must navigate through the building leaving no ability to maintain student security if the pool is being utilized by the public. Deficiencies of Richfield High School Richfield High School is deficient in organization and adequate instructional spaces for the curricular offerings. The High School is over sized for its current enrollment however the building utilization could be improved with minor modifications to the building layout. The student population is required to travel great distances in the building depending on the classes scheduled and available instructional spaces. The cafeteria location is set apart from the rest of the building leaving the students feeling isolated and eager to return back to the main building area. The congregating of students within the halls adjacent to the cafeteria and kitchen causes a supervision gap along with congestion to move students in and out of the serving and dish wash area which is not connected to the kitchen. The building administration is housed in offices in the central part of the building not allowing for a secure entry. The main entrance, while pleasant in appearance is set back from the visitor parking area leaving the distance to travel to the front doors long and inefficient. Deficiencies of Central Education Center The Central Education Center is used for the District s Community Education services and early childhood programs. The building s main office area is located in the opposite corner of the building from the entrance doors causing confusion for the various program attendees and users of the facility. The building does not have a functioning kitchen or ADA access to the stage area. The building is home to multiple different programs with no ability to secure one portion of the facility from another. The building lacks meeting and conference rooms for its occupants which causes scheduling conflicts with tenants of the facility. Proposal for Review and Comment 6

SPECIFIC BENEFITS: The proposed project scope will result in several direct benefits to students, staff, and the surrounding community. First and foremost, the District is responding to the will of its greater community by reinvesting in its existing school buildings and assets. Through completion of the proposed improvements, the District will be enhancing its ability to continue to provide excellent educational programs and community use access to sites and facilities for many years to come. Infrastructure improvements, space needs and deferred maintenance work scopes at all district facilities, including HVAC improvements, infrastructure upgrades and building envelope maintenance will immediately improve and protect the indoor teaching and learning environments, while extending the physical life-cycles of the facilities ensuring their ability to serve the District s needs long into the future. Expanding the science based learning environments and enhancing all buildings with flexible, multi curriculum areas will allow the administration and teaching staff to continue to provide students with up-to-date educational offerings preparing them for life after graduation. Maintaining the demographic boundaries for each school is a high priority for the District. Providing the proposed solutions will allow for equitable spaces at each facility keeping students receiving the education desired regardless of location of residence. As is the case with most all Districts within the State, Richfield Public Schools is dedicated to providing safe and secure facilities for all students, staff, and visitors. To that end, included in the proposed referendum improvements is the continuation and enhancement of existing safety functions to further secure entrances, facilities and visitor management at all district facilities. The intent of these improvements will be to enhance safety and security while maintaining warm and welcoming environments at each of the facilities. Parking lot improvements and re-configurations will greatly increase safety for all occupants and visitors to each facility immediately after implementation as well. In addition, completion of the proposed improvements will address identified space needs, educational delivery methods and community access to all the facilities. The proposed solution will provide not only the district with exceptional facilities for education, but also the community for education as well. Proposal for Review and Comment 7

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The following is an outline of the improvements to be completed as part of this project proposal: Infrastructure and Deferred Maintenance Long Term Facilities and Maintenance (LTFM): All buildings within the district will get major upgrades to infrastructure and existing mechanical and electrical systems. The District will bring every building up to current ASHRE ventilation standards and install building automation systems for enhanced performance and energy efficiency. All buildings will receive building envelope improvements including roofing, tuckpointing and entry door replacements. All buildings will receive restroom upgrades in terms of infrastructure water and sanitary piping but will also include new wall, floor and ceiling finishes along with fixtures. Additions and Renovations at the High School: The proposed scope of work at the High School also includes an addition to the main entrance to house the Administration along with providing a secured entry vestibule. The addition will lessen the travel distance from the main parking lot and allow the existing location of the administration to be converted into a cafeteria/commons area in the central part of the building. The kitchen will be reconfigured to allow serving and dishwashing areas to be connected to the prep area allowing for efficiency of students receiving and dropping off food containers. A variety of underutilized classrooms will be converted to lab spaces for various curricular programs and also create flexible learning areas for individualized or small group learning. Renovations to the media center which will now be adjacent to the new commons will enhance the learning opportunities of students who potentially will be able to access the area before and after the school day due to its proximity to the commons. The special education service areas will be renovated for program appropriate space and location to required personnel and/or building core spaces. Renovations at the Middle School: The proposed scope at the Richfield Middle School also includes renovations to the Media Center and classrooms to provide a flexible learning environment with multi-function lab spaces along with small, medium and large group areas. The main office area will be relocated adjacent to the main entrance allowing for a secured entry vestibule. The kitchen and serving area will be reorganized to provide a more efficient and less congested lunch period. The access to the pool area will be a renovated to keep in session use of the pool separate from the students. Parking lots will be reconfigured to maintain separate parent and bus traffic, but also allow for additional safety of the visitors of the building. The special education service areas will be renovated for program appropriate space and location to required personnel and/or building core spaces. Renovations at Richfield STEM School: The proposed scope at the Richfield STEM School is similar to that of the Middle School due to the building footprint being almost identical. The STEM School includes renovations to the Media Center and classrooms to provide a flexible learning environment with multi-function lab spaces along with small, medium and large group areas. The main office area will be relocated adjacent to the main entrance allowing for a secured entry vestibule. The kitchen and serving area will be reorganized to provide a more efficient and less congested lunch period. The special education service areas will be renovated for program appropriate space and location to required personnel and/or building core spaces. The courtyard area will be revitalized for continued use as an outdoor learning environment. Proposal for Review and Comment 8

Additions and Renovations Centennial Elementary School: The proposed scope of work at Centennial Elementary includes enclosing the existing courtyard area to create makers labs and flexible learning environments for the surrounding classrooms. Renovations to existing classroom areas will allow for re-organization of the building to bring adjacent grade levels together in location. The serving area of the kitchen will be renovated to allow students easy access during lunch periods and eliminate the bottle neck of small doorways and corridors that currently exist. The existing secured entry vestibule will be enhanced with additional door hardware and security systems. Renovations at Sheridan Hills Elementary School: The proposed scope of work at Sheridan Hills Elementary School includes relocation of the main office to a renovated area within the current media center. This move will allow for the creation of a secured entry while also providing a more space and location appropriate area for special education who will be relocated to the existing main office area. The renovated media center will become more efficient with the reduction in space and will maintain all the current offerings of computer labs and study area. The existing stage is proposed to be converted to a parent room and/or conference space also being enhance by getting an ADA accessible ramp or lift. An enclosed vestibule will be added to the gymnasium exit closest to the parking lot as it is used for student drop off/pick up by parents. This will increase safety for the student by providing visibility to the traffic line and protection from weather. Additions and Renovations at Richfield Dual Language School: The proposed scope of work at the Richfield Dual Language School includes a small addition for relocation of the main office to provide a secure vestibule at the main entrance. The scope will also include an addition for a media center which the school currently conducts its media services out of a typical classroom. Renovations to the existing main office will provide special education space appropriate for the needs of the programs and students. Classroom renovations will include the creation of a science lab which the building does not currently have. A kitchen addition and renovation will allow for cooler and freezer food storage to be added and serving line modifications for easier student flow during lunch periods. Renovations at the Central Education Center: The proposed scope of work at the Central Education Center includes renovations to the gym, cafeteria and office areas. Relocation of the main office will provide a much-needed secure entry for all visitors also providing a uniform location for all the tenants that occupy the building during the year. The gym equipment and finishes will be updated along with ADA access to the adjacent stage which will be renovated for conference or work room space. Area separation doors will be added to allow tenants access to their own areas of the building and maintain security from the rest of the building. Safety and Security Enhancements: Included in the proposed referendum improvements is creation of secure entrances and visitor management at all District facilities. The intent of these improvements will be to enhance safety and security while maintaining warm and welcoming environments at each of the facilities. Proposal for Review and Comment 9

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AND SOFT COSTS: A detailed cost breakdown of all proposed improvements as described above has been provided in Appendix C of this submittal. Project Budget Summary: Operating Cost Impacts: Construction: $69,267,500 Permits, etc.: $ 4,502,388 FFE: $ 4,600,000 Soft Costs: $ 9,004,775 Bond Issuance/Financing: $ 447,147 (Per Ehlers) Contingency: $ 3,778,667 Total: $87,000,477 (Total includes expected interest earnings per Ehlers) Implementation of the proposed improvement projects is anticipated to have a minimal impact on overall District operating costs. The additional operating costs have been allocated within the District s annual operating budget without a negative impact. In addition, the proposed improvements will address numerous physical repair and maintenance needs throughout the facilities which will ease pressure on annual operating dollars that are currently allocated to address such needs. Furthermore, although no major changes in staffing are anticipated because of implementing the proposed improvements, the District intends to take this opportunity to analyze its current staffing structure to identify any potential efficiencies. PRELIMINARY PROJECT SCHEDULE MILESTONE DATES: The projects identified will have various requirements for design and end user input. Design, Bidding and Construction will all be phased according to the need of each project and the ability to be implemented with little to no impact to the District typical school schedules. Bond Referendum: November 7, 2017 Design Phase: November 2017 October 2018 Bidding Phase: November 2018 January 2019 Construction Phase: March 2019 August 2021 Occupancy: Various Occupancy Dates Proposal for Review and Comment 10

5. METHOD OF FINANCING / TAX IMPACT MS 123B.71 (5) specification of the source of financing the project, including applicable statutory citations; the scheduled date for a bond issue or school board action; a schedule of payments, including debt service equalization aid; and the effect of a bond issue on local property taxes by the property class and valuation; Richfield School District, ISD #280 proposes to obtain financing from the sale of General Obligation bonds. The School District will seek voter approval of one building bond ballot question on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 475 which, if approved, would result in a $86,800,000 bond issue. Costs of issuance and underwriter s discount are estimated at $447,147. The difference between the amount requested to be authorized by the voters (plus estimated interest earnings in the construction fund of $647,324) and estimated costs of issuing this debt equals $87,000,447, the amount the District expects to need for construction projects. The General Obligation Bond question will be the second question on the ballot after that of a Operating Levy revoke and replace question that will add $450/ppu. Questions 1 and 2 are not contingent upon each other. Please refer to the detailed documentation provided in Appendix D of this submittal. Proposal for Review and Comment 11

6. REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION Appendix A Please refer to attached boundary map. Appendix B Please refer to attached project budget breakdown. Appendix C Please refer to attached financial, sources and uses and tax impact information. Appendix D Please refer to attached Attachment 1 certification document in of this submittal. Proposal for Review and Comment 12