Paving the Way for Safer Schools

Anyone who has previously driven our school parking lots knows that it could sometimes feel like an off-roading adventure. That’s why we are excited to announce significant improvements have been made to our parking lots across the district. Beyond upgrades to the infrastructure, these improvements reflect our continued commitment to student safety, family convenience, and responsible use of community resources. We’re also proud to say that we completed this project without any impact to local property taxes.

The middle school parking lots were redesigned and rebuilt. An additional parking lot was added at the high school to increase capacity for our students and community members. All other lots across the district were repaved, crack sealed, or fog sealed. This will extend the life of our assets and reduce future maintenance costs. As the school year gets started, families will experience the benefits of a smoother and safer start to each school day.

For years, our middle school parking lots have posed challenges for students, families, staff, and community members. The Cambridge Middle School lot, constructed on challenging terrain, had deteriorated despite its relatively recent installation. Limited space for drop-offs and pick-ups led to potentially hazardous traffic backups on nearby roads.

At Cambridge Middle School, we have addressed the issues related to the site's difficult conditions. By incorporating advanced materials and improved drainage solutions, we have created a more durable surface designed to withstand Minnesota's harsh weather better than before. This upgrade is not just about visual appeal; it's about ensuring a safer environment for our students and minimizing future maintenance costs.

The new traffic flow at both middle schools now includes two lanes: a right lane for safer drop-offs next to the sidewalk and a left lane for cars exiting the area. This will facilitate more efficient and safer student drop-offs and pick-ups while reducing traffic backups on main roads and easing congestion for the broader community. Families will now be able to pull up to designated curb areas, allowing their children to safely exit or enter their vehicles without navigating between moving cars. Special thanks to middle school principals and staff for your help with drop-off and pick-up for the next two weeks.

These improvements also extend beyond the school day. Our parking lots serve as community assets, used for sports events, concerts, and other gatherings throughout the year. The upgrades will enhance safety and accessibility for everyone attending these events.

We are particularly proud to have achieved these upgrades without increasing the tax burden on our community. Through careful financial management and strategic resource allocation, we have funded these projects while upholding our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

We are grateful for the support and patience of our community throughout this process. Your investment in our schools—through your tax dollars, time, and trust—makes projects like this possible. As we celebrate the unveiling of these new parking lots, we are also celebrating our community's dedication to providing the best environment for our children's education.

The first day of school always brings excitement and new possibilities. This year, that excitement extends to the moment families arrive at our upgraded parking lots. It's a small but meaningful step in our ongoing commitment to making Cambridge-Isanti Schools as safe, welcoming, and effective as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you and experiencing these improvements together. Here’s to a great—and safe—school year ahead!