November 2020 Groundbreaking Ceremonies

Principals, Board liaisons, district leaders and construction partners gathered recently to celebrate groundbreakings at construction sites currently underway throughout the district. The projects, approved by district residents in the 2019 Bond Referendum, represent the first phase of a construction plan that is anticipated to take place in phases until the 2024-25 school year.

The projects include an additional gymnasium at the current South Campus; additions at Lincoln, Matoska International, Vadnais Heights and Willow Lane Elementary Schools; and a brand new Transportation Building.

Additional details about each project:

• White Bear Lake Area High School - South Campus (will be converted to a middle school) (3551 McKnight Road North, White Bear Lake)
  The $6.2 million, 16,900-square-foot project features a new 14,500-square-foot gym, including a new entrance, vestibule, restrooms and storage. The remodel includes constructing a corridor between the new addition and the existing gyms, and the installation of a new walk-in freezer in the kitchen.

• Lincoln Elementary (1961 6th Street, White Bear Lake)
  The $9 million, 26,801-square-foot expansion features a new gym, storm shelter area, conference room and offices. The project includes renovations to the cafeteria, kitchen, media center and bathrooms. Improvements also include a new parking lot, bus loop, asphalt, curbs, gutters and landscaping. 

• Matoska Elementary (2530 Spruce Pl., White Bear Lake)
  The $4.1 million, 11,000-square-foot project adds two new classrooms, flex space, lockers, entrance and corridor. Renovations will be made to the learning commons, classrooms and restrooms, and a new walk-in freezer will be added to the kitchen.  

• Willow Lane Elementary - 3575 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake
  The $2.7 million, 7,190-square-foot project includes a new addition to the media center and remodels the kitchen, storage areas and bathrooms.

• Vadnais Heights Elementary School - 3645 Centerville Rd., White Bear Lake
  The $1.7 million, 3,449-square-foot project includes a new maintenance addition and renovates the kitchen, restrooms and learning commons.  

• Transportation Facility - 13411 Fenway Blvd North, Hugo
  A new $8.9 million 12,900-square foot transportation facility will house, maintain and manage the district’s transportation vehicles and staff.

These projects, and all those approved in the 2019 Bond Referendum, are made possible through the support of district residents. Detailed information about the district's facilities projects can be found on the Building Our Future page of the White Bear Lake Area School District website.