Not so long ago, the voters of South Washington County approved a school building referendum totaling $200 million, with $160 million to provide for safety and security enhancements as well as renovation and expansions, and $40 million to address elementary school needs at schools projected to exceed capacity.
Coming soon as a result, is construction!
Now in the draft plan phase with bidding and permits, construction is in store for Oltman and Woodbury Middle Schools, as well as all three district high schools. Proposed to start as early as this summer, the plans will see construction at secondary schools begin in 2025 with design and planning of elementary schools.
Come 2026, construction will continue for secondary schools will continue while elementary school updates get underway. Come 2027, construction will conclude.
Starting with Park High School, a list of planned improvements includes the following:
• Construction of a new cafeteria and kitchen addition to serve future student population growth.
• Renovation of existing spaces and construction of new Career and Technical Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) spaces to support growth and curricular offering.
• Creation of secure entry and consolidated Administration and Student Services offices.
• Reconfigured roadway to enhance traffic flow and safety for parent pickup and drop-off entryways for Park High School and Crestview Elementary.

At East Ridge High School the plans include several improvements, including the following:
• Construction of an addition to increase the capacity of the school to 2,300 students.
• A kitchen and cafeteria expansion to serve future student population growth.
• Construction of additional Career and Technical Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) spaces to support future growth and curricular offerings.
• Reconfigured drive lanes and parking lot to enhance traffic flow and safety for parent pickup and drop-off.
• A redesigned plaza space at the Athletics and Activities entrance.
• Renovation of existing spaces to expand and enhance Special Education and Online learning.

As for Woodbury High School, the planned renovations include the following:
• Creation of secure entry and consolidated Administration and Student Services offices.
• Construction of a new cafeteria and kitchen addition to serve future student population growth.
• Renovation of the Media Center, creating a large group gathering space, conference rooms, and additional storage.
• Reconfigured drive lanes and parking lot to enhance traffic flow and safety for parent pickup and drop-off.
• Renovation of existing spaces and construction of new Career and Technical Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and art spaces to support growth and curricular offerings.

As for the immediate middle school picture, the Oltman Middle School remodel is planned to consist of the following:
• Additional classrooms, increasing capacity to approximately 1,300 students
• Expansion of cafeteria and kitchen serving areas
• New STEM and special education spaces

Plans are in process to renovate Woodbury Middle School as well, with the following:
• Remodel existing space (old pool area) for additional multipurpose space
• Creation of a secure entry / Moving the main office
• Music suite renovations / Creation of third music room
• Create new bus road to revise traffic flow for safety

Upgrades are planned for Lake and Cottage Grove Middle Schools as well as the elementary schools are planned as well. Now in process, the updates and improvements to South Washington County Schools could start as early as this summer.