School board approves extensive renovations for local high school by 2026

The Osseo Public Schools held a regular school board meeting on March 18, 2025, where significant renovations and additions to a school building were discussed. The meeting focused on a comprehensive plan aimed at modernizing facilities to enhance the educational environment for students.

The proposed renovations include a new addition to the building, which will feature a larger parking lot and loading dock on the south side. Key updates will be made to the main entry area, media center, and student services, including the creation of a secure vestibule to improve safety. The media center will undergo a transformation to provide a more flexible and inviting space for students, incorporating a "living room feel" alongside educational areas.

One notable addition is the establishment of a school store, which will allow students in business programs to manage operations and offer merchandise to the school community. The health sciences area will also receive updates, with renovations planned for existing labs and locker rooms.

A significant concern addressed during the meeting was the cafeteria's size. To alleviate overcrowding, the current weight room will be repurposed to expand the cafeteria, enhancing the dining experience for students. The wrestling room will also be relocated and expanded, providing over 500 additional square feet of usable space.

The meeting highlighted the removal of underutilized lockers, with less than 20% usage reported. This space will be converted into a forum room, allowing for more versatile student use. The renovations are designed to support career and technical education, providing various lab spaces to accommodate different learning styles.

Construction is set to begin this summer and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026, ensuring that the updated facilities will be ready for students at the start of the school year. The board emphasized the importance of these improvements in creating a modern and functional learning environment.