On Thursday, August 6, Minnetonka Public Schools broke ground on the first of two new gymnasium and performance venue for its middle schools. The first groundbreaking took place at Minnetonka Middle School West.

The project is part of more than 80,000 square feet of new construction and over 30,000 square feet of renovation taking place across the school district, including a matching gym and performance venue at Middle School East, new science classrooms, and improvements at six elementary schools and the high school.

An $85 million building bond referendum to fund these additions and renovations, was approved by nearly 69 percent of voters this past November — the District's first building bond request since April 1996. The referendum followed a yearlong process led by a Facilities Task Force of parents, staff, and community members, who met 15 times to gather input through staff presentations and both staff and community surveys before bringing a prioritized list of projects to the School Board. The Minnesota Department of Education reviewed and gave a positive review to the district's plan.

"From the very beginning, our Facilities Task Force weighed every recommendation against three priorities: strengthening student instruction, respecting our taxpayers, and planning responsibly for the district's future," said David Law, Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools. "This groundbreaking is proof that those priorities aren't just words on a page — they are creating needed, innovative spaces our students will use for decades to come."

Because the new bond replaces older bonds as they are paid down, the investment comes at no net rate increase to property taxes for Minnetonka residents.

"This groundbreaking belongs to our community as much as it does to our schools," said Kemerie Foss, School Board Chair. "Every voter who cast a ballot, every Task Force member who gave their time, and every family who shared their input made this moment possible."

A second groundbreaking for the matching project at Middle School East is scheduled for August 20. 

More details about upcoming facilities projects are available on the District website here.