Committee updates dominated discussion at the Hastings School Board’s April 22 meeting, with board members outlining ongoing work in facilities planning, community outreach and regional partnerships.

Public schools campaign in the works
Director Mark Zuzek reported on work by the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) to launch a statewide public relations campaign aimed at strengthening public perception of schools.
The campaign will emphasize the value of public education in preparing students and supporting communities.
“As leaders in Minnesota, it’s our job to promote and protect public education,” Zuzek said, noting the effort will likely debut around the Minnesota State Fair.

Community collaboration efforts expanding
Director Elaine Mikel-Mulder highlighted growing participation in the district’s community collaboration initiative, which aims to strengthen relationships between the school board, staff and the public.
Following a well-attended April 1 event, the district is planning additional sessions:
•May 26: Board and staff-focused discussion at Hastings High School
•June 8: Community-wide session at the high school lecture hall
•October: Follow-up event
The next discussions will focus on improving “trust and respect” between the board, staff and community.
“We really love the feedback. We love the energy,” Mikel-Mulder said. “We want to build dialogue and build trust.”

Gym space issue remains unresolved
Facilities and finance discussions again centered on a long-standing challenge: space for gymnastics programs.
Currently, gymnastics occupies one of three district gym floors - at Hastings Middle School - for several months each year, limiting overall gym availability—particularly during the winter season when indoor space is at a premium.
“This is a challenge that we’re really trying to solve, and it’s complex,” Zuzek said.
The issue has been under discussion for several years and is expected to continue at upcoming work sessions.
The committee also recommended a $10,500 project at Pinecrest Elementary to replace a kitchen/cafeteria door to improve safety and emergency evacuation capacity.

Major facility costs on the horizon
Director Melissa Millner reported significant upcoming capital needs through the Joint Powers Committee, which oversees shared facilities with the City of Hastings.
Key projects include:
•Roof replacement at the joint maintenance facility, estimated at $772,000
•Replacement of rooftop equipment and ventilation systems
•Repairs to exterior building materials
The district is expected to share costs with the city under an existing agreement.
Additional concerns were raised about the Hastings Civic Arena, including:
•A varsity hockey locker room roof replacement
•Potential increases in ice rental fees
Millner noted the district is already paying $270 per hour for ice time, plus additional premium fees.
“We’re paying a lot already… and then this being dropped on us was a bit of a shocker,” she said.

Regional partnerships a priority
The Joint Powers Committee is also focusing on strengthening communication with surrounding cities and townships.
Future collaboration topics may include:
•Road construction impacts on transportation
•Tax-related communication
•Shared planning efforts
Meetings are expected to be held quarterly and rotate locations to improve regional engagement.

Strategic planning and district partnerships
Zuzek also provided an update on ISD 917, noting work is underway on a new three- to five-year strategic plan.
Board members recently visited one of the district’s 27 sites, an effort Zuzek said is important for understanding programs and facilities firsthand.
“It’s important to get out and actually see the space that education happens in,” he said.
Together, the committee reports reflected ongoing efforts to balance immediate operational needs with long-term planning, while also strengthening relationships within the district and across the broader community.