Nov. 10, 2021

The Facilities Planning Board Advisory Committee discussed enrollment, master facility planning and operating capital project planning during its November meeting.

Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Brian McKenney presented a district enrollment update, noting an overall increase in K-12 enrollment. The district enrollment increased by 88 new students this year, continuing a 10-year growth trend. Enrollment is expected to continue growing, to a total of approximately 8,000 students in 2027.

The district will work with Business Information Services LLC to conduct an updated demographic study and review a wealth of data, including 2020 Census data and St. Louis County demographic data. This report, expected to be complete in early February, will guide the district's future planning.

Superintendent Dr. Tony Lake provided the committee with an update on the district's Master Facility Plan. Included in this plan is a Gifted Center to move PEGS out of Kennerly Elementary School and create a permanent home for gifted education programming. In December, the Board of Education will interview firms for Construction Management at Risk to manage this project. The district is also planning for a potential no tax rate levy increase bond issue in April 2024, to meet facility needs at Truman Middle School, and across the district.

In addition, Chief Financial Officer Joël Scheible reviewed the district's Operating Capital Project Plan, including current annual recurring priorities for the district. These include parking lot repairs and upgrades, playground improvements and installation of parking lot bollards for school safety.

The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12.