SF5037

Purpose

• Provide capital investment funding to renovate and upgrade three existing educational facilities in the Benton Stearns Education District No. 6383. The goal is to bring these buildings up to fire code, improve accessibility, and update key systems and spaces to support current educational needs.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation of money: An amount of 11,500,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of education.
• Grant to district: The money is for a grant to the Benton Stearns Education District No. 6383 to design, renovate, equip, and furnish three existing educational facilities within the district.
• Renovation scope: Funds may be used for fire code updates, accessibility improvements, HVAC and mechanical system upgrades, improvements to exterior doors and windows, and renovation of educational and office spaces with furnishings and equipment.
• Bond issuance: The commissioner of management and budget must sell and issue state bonds up to 11,500,000 to provide the appropriated funds, under the terms of Minnesota law and the state constitution (as referenced in the bill).

Financing Details

• Fund source: Bond proceeds fund.
• Issuance authority: Bonds to be issued in the manner and with the effects set forth by Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and Minnesota Constitution Article XI, sections 4 to 7.

Administration and Compliance

• Responsible entities: Commissioner of Education (for the grant), Commissioner of Management and Budget (for issuing bonds).
• Legal framework: Uses existing state bond issuance authorities and constitutional provisions to finance the project.

Significance and Impact

• This bill provides targeted capital investment to improve safety, accessibility, and functionality of three district facilities, supporting updated infrastructure and better learning environments.
• It represents a new appropriation and debt-financing obligation tied to building renovations, rather than a general operating expense.

Relevant Terms - bond proceeds fund - appropriation - grant - Benton Stearns Education District No. 6383 - three existing educational facilities - fire codes - accessibility - HVAC and mechanical systems - exterior doors and windows - furnishings and equipment - design renovate equip furnish - bond sale / bonds - commissioner of education - commissioner of management and budget - Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI, sections 4 to 7 - capital investment