622 Connections
Published for District 622 alumni and community leaders
A message from Superintendent Osorio
Greetings!
In the fall of 2018, District 622 began the exciting work of renovating and adding onto Castle Elementary in Oakdale and Richardson Elementary in North St. Paul. With Phase I of the facilities plan underway, we are looking ahead to Phase II.
Almost all of the buildings in District 622 are over 50 years old, and most have not ever had a comprehensive renovation. As we look to renovate old buildings, our priorities include safe and secure schools, innovative learning spaces, and comfortable and healthy learning environments.
Overcrowding continues to be a challenge within our buildings. The majority of our schools were built in an era all that was needed was 20 classrooms and a Principal’s Office. Today, additional small classrooms and office spaces are needed for support services. Because our buildings weren’t designed to support additional programming, spaces that were never intended to house students are being used as instructional spaces.
Our primary goal with building renovations is safety and security. We hope to redesign our school entrances with a modern secure design, which includes a double vestibule entrance that flow visitor traffic into the main office before given access into the school. Ideally, each school would also have redesigned door hardware, a bullet-resistant film on windows, and lockdown zones where, at the push of a button, certain areas can be locked down to restrict entry. Additionally, our hope is to improve traffic flow in and out of school parking lots for improved safety.
As we design innovative learning spaces, we want to have flexible furniture that can be configured for different learning styles and group settings.
Lastly, we have a goal to create healthy and comfortable environments for students and staff. Gone are the days where schools were closed during the hot and humid summer months. In 2018, District 622 served over 3,000 students during the summer programs! To that end, air conditioning is a priority. We also plan to replace noisy air exchangers with quiet energy efficient systems that also improve indoor air quality. Adjustable LED lighting will also improve energy efficiency while supporting a positive learning environment.
Thanks to a positive debt forecast for District 622, we have a unique opportunity to re-invest in facilities. Old facilities debt is on the verge of being paid off, allowing money to be re-invested into facilities, with minimal impact to shareholders ($5 per month for the average homeowner). In order to stretch our building funds to update all schools, we may consider school closures/consolidations.
On Tuesday, February 26, school board members unanimously agreed to request voter approval for these improvements. The bond referendum will come to voters on a May 14, 2019 election.
Community members can follow 622 facilities updates through the District 622 mobile app, or by visiting the district website, www.isd622.org.
Warm Regards,
Christine Osorio
Alumni Spotlight
Jackie Larson, third from right, pictured at the Castle Elementary groundbreaking ceremony with District 622 leadership and key project leads from Adolfson & Peterson.
Alumna Returns to Shape Future of District
Last October, Minneapolis-based construction company Adolfson & Peterson broke ground on major undertakings at Castle Elementary and Richardson Elementary.
When complete, each building will feature safety updates, updated mechanical and electrical system updates, exterior site improvements, and building renovation and expansion.
Jackie Larson, 2011 District 622 graduate turned field engineer with Adolfson & Peterson, will play an important role in these projects.
"I am excited to be working with the district updating and making great new spaces for students at Castle and Richardson!" Larson said. "I have always been interested in construction and how buildings are built. I also like that construction is fast-paced and always changing."
During her time as a student in the district, Larson attended Cowern Elementary, Maplewood Middle School, and Tartan High School. An involved student, Larson dedicated time to Relay for Life, gymnastics, and cross country.
"District 622 allowed me to take drafting classes that eventually helped me with college courses later on," Larson said. "I was also able to sign up for CIS (College in the Schools) classes that gave me college credit going into my freshman year. A personal success for me was graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Construction Management degree, in which I was one of five women that semester."
Thinking back on her time in District 622, Larson feels like it was an experienced and welcoming community. She also feels like those in the district welcome new people and ideas and are very willing to learn from others.
"Everyone in District 622 I have come into contact with have been very knowledgeable and are eager to share their experiences to benefit students," she said.
In her spare time, Larson is the proud owner of a rescue dog named Logan.
District 622 Communications
Email: 622connections@isd622.org
Website: www.isd622.org
Location: 2520 East 12th Avenue, North St. Paul, MN 55109
Phone: 651-748-7583
Facebook: facebook.com/District622Alumni
Twitter: @isd622