ISD 2142 - New North School Moves Forward, Receives St. Louis County Planning Commission EAW Approval

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Charles Rick
Superintendent, ISD 2142
(218) 749-8130, ext. 1104

ISD 2142 receives approval of final aspects of EAW from St. Louis County Planning Commission regarding the New North School

Virginia, Minn. (October 14, 2010) – Independent School District 2142 received formal permission from the St. Louis County Planning Commission today to move to the next step in its process to build its New North School on Olson Road in Field Township.

Following detailed presentations by stormwater and wastewater engineers, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Planning Commission voted 7-1 to issue a “negative declaration” related to an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the school site. A negative declaration means the District's plan properly mitigates any significant environmental effects, Planning Commission questions related to wastewater treatment and stormwater management have been satisfied, that the EAW is approved with no changes, and that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

“Both the MPCA and the Planning Commission were diligent in their environmental review to ensure that the New North School would not have any negative impacts on Flint Creek and the surrounding area,” said Charles Rick, superintendent of ISD 2142. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Commission as we work to bring a modern, new school to fruition for the people of this area.”

The next step for the district is to submit information for approval of a Conditional Use Permit, which is expected to be acted on at the November 10, 2010, meeting of the St. Louis County Planning Commission. Additional information about ISD #2142, including site plans for the new schools, can be found at http://www.isd2142.k12.mn.us/.

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Independent School District 2142 is Minnesota’s largest school district geographically, encompassing just over 4,000 square miles of the St. Louis County. It currently serves more than 1,900 students at seven K-12 school buildings located at Orr, Cook, Tower-Soudan, Babbitt-Embarrass, Cherry, Cotton, and AlBrook. ISD 2142 employs nearly 400 teachers and support staff who make it their mission to offer every child the personal attention they need to realize their individual goals.