[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6305481,"mediaKeyId","2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26","parentId",2446748,"title","Board authorizes planning for Valley View Elementary indoor-air-quality and HVAC project","audioSeconds",2201,"startMs",3364000,"endMs",5565000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26&start=3364&end=5565","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26/thumbnail_3364000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6305481/Minnesota/Board-authorizes-planning-for-Valley-View-Elementary-indoor-air-quality-and-HVAC-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305481-2424a128098335a46417114f91f149e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770627234&Signature=l8RnhxA7c~qccRjkEbQB3~5j0x245Ct4kFXz3MAxLF2yOXPTW4kIMKo5zS3fcMWkzGoLxed6Pt2ZNva4rbe95TKao9nJfGvC2NAkEyqQRigF7tGDsmBk7mveGRtKKQaH8Dlwo2X4dS9JYoucfbS0rCyx9ehlf916BSF6guC~B7whUXWDYZr7OXs0vKyxjro8n-QTc7K0PVNuRuzQT5tMZ83KCY9t-kMNEZF-bqIfJYkEhwzjQPUN~qFIFfoQw4Hz2REg~rk8cAvy4eHRgCqmx8aW6-A12SW39oZMLOBIXxRjodz0kiMSr9o5zwORIvebAiVBT7TKlI9AgVpjuYbB7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST","date","2025-02-26T19:13:48Z","article","Director Hennikins told the Columbia Heights Public Schools board on Feb. 25 that the district needs a multi-year plan to address deferred maintenance at aging facilities and asked the board to authorize administration to engage Wold Architects & Engineers and Carl Sanderson to begin detailed planning for an indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC project at Valley View Elementary.

Hennikins said Valley View, built in the 1960s, shows the district’s highest facility-condition needs and that unit ventilators and other systems in classrooms are past useful life. He described a project scope that would replace older ventilation equipment in most of the building, add supplemental geothermal heating and dehumidification, update classroom casework and renovate main student bathrooms in affected areas, and replace ceilings and lighting where construction requires it. The presentation proposed keeping the district’s roughly four‑year‑old boilers and integrating geothermal heat pumps to improve efficiency and stabilize temperatures.

Hennikins presented an estimated total project cost of $16.32 million, with about $14.5 million of the work qualifying under the long‑term facility maintenance (LTFM) indoor‑air‑quality category (bonded through board authority). He said the remaining elements (classroom casework and bathrooms) would be bonded against existing LTFM dollars and would not require additional taxes. The district’s financial advisors and design partners were present at a prior work session, Hennikins said, and planning now would keep the team on a timeline that would place tax impact in 2026 and phased construction in summers 2026–27.

Board discussion covered financing mechanisms (voter‑approved building bonds, operating levy, LTFM, and board‑authorized facility maintenance bonds for indoor air quality), comparative tax impacts in nearby districts and the district’s low current debt burden. Hennikins summarized the estimated tax impact at roughly $6 per month on a $275,000 home for the IAQ portion; because of a separate tax decrease the district saw this year from the fiscal disparities pool, he said the net change for an average homeowner would be about $1.17 per month in the first year the IAQ bonds take effect.

Board members asked about alternatives, building age and which parts of Valley View would not be replaced immediately; Hennikins said the district’s deferred maintenance funding alone would not keep Valley View from moving toward critical condition and that without leveraging additional financing the district could face much larger future bonds or more rapid deterioration. Members emphasized student and staff respiratory health, absenteeism and building safety in supporting the measure.

The board voted to authorize administration to engage Wold Architects & Engineers and Carl Sanderson to begin detailed planning and design for the Valley View IAQ project. The motion carried without a roll‑call vote.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting February 25th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Columbia Heights Public Schools board on Feb. 25 authorized administration to begin detailed planning and design for an indoor air quality and HVAC modernization at Valley View Elementary, a multi‑year project estimated at about $16.32 million.","taxTitle","COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38741,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6305485,"Native American parent advisory committee votes to concur on district program and outlines activities",399,2407000,2806000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26&start=2407&end=2806","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26/thumbnail_2407000.jpg","/articles/6305485/Minnesota/Native-American-parent-advisory-committee-votes-to-concur-on-district-program-and-outlines-activities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305485-93fea394d005c2fa7812a427b1f4d086/orig.mp4?Expires=1770627234&Signature=feIm2AKZ--NeEKaibOFvjCUhGU81XzGgCymmlGNrhkUfqJokxnJY0r7XywP-CVjS4iZi2QZdmTrZ3t0tgABdcM3O30NA8qGz-zkLv~yjXc~TyzKuiScKwNhxyMZP3PNFmXk9HUySSDUL3DBaIHLxwC9MtakZQXrQxMb0429Sk5Z1t8eAbo4m2cSR87HLpc9Hl4YqpO31cYlYeu~l7INxZCI0KnMNpvKRGJiGb~~USOx8Zay2joh~BkhFgFaUvyGYQq9Ldsx38VyQp5loMV8ovmZvSMQVxfGo9tdO1SEGwae0SDeRYbIHbkEP62D4ejbJj-Hpj7jjfsNMiN60JDAaBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Yolanda Doris Lowey, the district’s Native American mentor, told the Columbia Heights Public Schools board on Feb. 25 that the district’s Native American Parent Advisory Committee voted Feb. 5 to issue a concurrence for the district’s Indian education program and goals.

Lowey described program activities that include academic tutoring, cultural field trips (including visits to Mille Lacs Lake Indian Museum), powwow events tied to graduation, and an eagle-feather tradition at student celebrations. She said the committee is changing the local name from “IAPAC” to “Native American Parent Advisory Committee” to reflect preferred terminology while noting Minnesota Statutes section 124D.78 requires school districts with 10 or more American Indian students to maintain a parent advisory committee.

Lowey told the board the committee reported 67 enrolled Native American students this school year and representatives from 11 tribal nations. She said committee priorities are set by parents and that the committee will review the Indian education plan at the end of the year to confirm it meets student needs.

Board members thanked Lowey and committee chair Elena Wolfell for the presentation; Superintendent Stenvick and board members said they regularly attend PAC meetings and welcomed district staff, students and families to powwow events.

","The Columbia Heights Native American Parent Advisory Committee voted Feb. 5 to issue a concurrence for the district’s Indian education program; committee leaders described cultural activities, tutoring and powwow traditions and said 67 students from 11 nations participate.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6305490,"Columbia Heights students honored for All-State band and 2025 Scholastic Arts awards",497,134000,631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26&start=134&end=631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26/thumbnail_134000.jpg","/articles/6305490/Minnesota/Columbia-Heights-students-honored-for-All-State-band-and-2025-Scholastic-Arts-awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305490-758cb952fbd1da5caf1bce749f06a8c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770627234&Signature=gRMUWD8WwcccJXV8~LPPxZ-jYpCZqEW26140DCxVOW10L3bn50GNOsYylr4NoD83jX2IzjMZj35yPDIAaAM7T-RtPQYJvD9VT8OIFccxVffA2FYLY0UFYpDk2zPyqt~cAYzlzqKBWmVvGThkQb5hrjL~2wPB41RKfHxpLvyNMa0SmAeEfiFLgdjHKkUpk0KAwrfuZm~TzVJOgYusqQ~4J2zTNCFEnmy~Yawcp0NaNlcCiEH1CTMUJfiqFw4~oVss~xqQDrmriyj2wiJ0jU0SWU4~4qhbX52AdrAVQwKlsBtsLGggfEEUCGxs3TNyI2dQ4bWc2Y96calk0I2Cvx17-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Daniel Ababa, a Columbia Heights High School student, told the Columbia Heights Public Schools board on Feb. 25 that performing with the Minnesota Music Educators Association All-State Concert Band at Orchestra Hall “really felt unreal.”

The board read a Highlander Highlights report celebrating Ababa’s All-State participation and, in the same segment, recognized 17 Columbia Heights High School art students who earned a total of 34 Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention awards in the 2025 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards (MSAA).

The awards were submitted by CHHS art teachers Michelle Dietz, Sarah Honeywell and Isaac Glidden. Board members described attending recent concerts and school events and praised student discipline and teacher support. School staff noted the awards cover photography, ceramics and glass, drawing and illustration, digital art and painting.

Among the named winners, CHHS senior Daniel Ababa received a Gold Key in photography for a piece titled Triumph; junior Yumna Ali received a Gold Key in ceramics and glass for The Weight of Progress; Dominic Baker (listed as Dominic in the district materials) received a Gold Key in photography for Gatekeeper; and Tamaya Jackson received a Gold Key in painting for Exploration. The district read a long list of silver keys and honorable mentions during the meeting.

Teachers who accepted the recognition told the board the awards reflect sustained classroom work and community support, noting new resources such as a kiln and expanded portfolio (AP) preparation helped students succeed. Boards members said they appreciated the programs’ role in students’ broader academic development.

The board invited students and teachers to remain for the meeting and arranged a photo opportunity following the recognition.

","A Columbia Heights High School student who performed with the Minnesota Music Educators Association All-State Concert Band and 17 CHHS art students who won 34 Scholastic Art awards were recognized at the Feb. 25 Columbia Heights Public Schools board meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":46,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6305477,"Votes at a glance: Columbia Heights Public Schools board actions on Feb. 25, 2025",4344,1221000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26&start=1221&end=5565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2446748-39e4d58f4f7b58856c8a55f905a68b26/thumbnail_1221000.jpg","/articles/6305477/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-Columbia-Heights-Public-Schools-board-actions-on-Feb-25-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305477-da8fb3740aa6bc9ad891fc05f96f4880/orig.mp4?Expires=1770627234&Signature=jGGoctsasN0ZPbgNrypTZR5E9oY2g49H3XrsHTBe1y6y63jT~KtoGaAqOb-ktV7DuGec28rXjHY6Xqg6NJoSSj5qGZKLU2dWW29LuuVrnTCAIkLDO~0Xry7NlbgL2XZZNtI3gSgPEbFa3~cmktXyAzNGFHNtFPBafPud~cd2DdK2vC7d4m7uJeaQ8O~w7ubNzVoqDbFKBiTNnHxQtRPIZTLeLoVFvTge1esRDYAsUAQQkIEb4a2EvyY4~exST0OcJIK2N8x3IyqhC776FSYSaCXU-fYr1cU6UQZE4jP28SCYkxrkZ69CTJWCO~lFoRLPE8TRWcGLAYWaEDPb0DJ5Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia Heights Public Schools board recorded multiple formal actions during its Feb. 25 meeting. Key votes and outcomes are summarized below.

Motion to approve remainder of the consent agenda (with one seniority list item pulled for separate consideration): Passed by voice vote. The board approved the consent agenda except for the seniority list item that had been pulled for discussion.

Motion to approve seniority list for teachers and ECFE teachers (item B pulled from consent agenda): Passed. Member Jessica announced she would abstain because her spouse is listed on the seniority list; the board proceeded, the motion carried.

Motion to approve the Achievement Integration budget for 2025–26: Passed by voice vote. Administration presented details at a prior meeting and members said the previous work session covered the item in detail.

Motion to authorize administration to engage design and engineering partners for Valley View Elementary indoor air quality and HVAC planning (see separate article): Passed by voice vote. Administration estimated a total project about $16.32 million with an IAQ‑eligible portion of roughly $14.5 million; the IAQ portion would be financed through board‑authorized LTFM bonds and is estimated to increase taxes by about $6 per month on a $275,000 home (netting to about $1.17/month given a separate fiscal‑disparities adjustment noted by the district).

Votes were taken by voice, and no detailed roll‑call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript for the items above except where abstentions were noted.

","The Columbia Heights Public Schools board took several procedural and budget actions on Feb. 25, including approving most consent‑agenda items, approving a seniority list with one abstention, adopting the Achievement Integration budget and authorizing planning for the Valley View IAQ project.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board authorizes planning for Valley View Elementary indoor-air-quality and HVAC project

Native American parent advisory committee votes to concur on district program and outlines activities

Columbia Heights students honored for All-State band and 2025 Scholastic Arts awards

Votes at a glance: Columbia Heights Public Schools board actions on Feb. 25, 2025