Alarming news from School District 911

On October 25th the Isanti Park and Recreation Board was informed of the decision by School District 911 that a playground was not to be built at the new school in Isanti. The School district had committed to building this last year. Superintendent Novak approached Isanti City staff with a request to build this playground. This was part of the bonding issue that was approved last year. Mr. Novak stated that increased construction cost led to the removal of the playground.

This was discussed at the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. The board instructed staff to ask Superintendent Novak to provide us with the proposed playground equipment cost. The board discussed several options including a community build to lower cost. We also wanted to know what else was cut from the District’s budget. We did not feel it is proper to pay School District expenses with City of Isanti funds. We have an obligation to protect the interest of our citizens. A deadline of November 16th has been set for a response to our questions.

The City of Isanti did not require any park land dedication from the Sun Prairie development because of this commitment. Last fall the School District made the City of Isanti blindly commit to having sewer and water connections to the new school location by 2006. The City of Isanti is fulfilling its commitment and yet District 911 is not living up to theirs.

I am angry that the City of Isanti was not asked to partake in the cost cutting process since it has such a dramatic effect on City Planning. As a partner with the School District, I believe these arbitrary actions will lead to further anxiety in the relationship between the Citizens of Isanti and District 911.

Bombarded with information on the growing obesity epidemic in school age children, I find it hard to fathom how this School District would eliminate this exercise option from our children. I am extremely angry with this decision. This playground would have fulfilled the park requirement in the comprehensive plan — which affects the area south of 5 and east of 65. I don’t believe it’s fair that the Citizens of Isanti must bare the cost of this School District expense.

As always, I will keep you updated.