A walkway between buildings is really important, we know you have to do that, but is that exciting? Probably not.”

Gary Cerkvenik

ELY – With a multi-million dollar facility renovation on the front burner, ISD 696 school board members hired a lobbying firm this week to help them explore potential funding options above and beyond any property tax increase needed to fund the project.
“It takes money to make money,” said Superintendent Erik Erie in recommending the school board hire the Costin Group after the board listened to a presentation by Gary Cerkvenik and Jeff Anderson.
For a retainer fee of $2,000 per month for a one-year term, the Costin Group proposes “to perform government relations, public relations, and related services directed and approved by the superintendent of the Ely School District.” Such services will include representation at the Minnesota Legislature and its committees, state agencies, and the governor’s office in order “to promote the mission of the Ely Public Schools in northeastern Minnesota.”
In making his case to represent the school district, Cerkvenik noted that Ely’s distance from other schools makes it difficult to collaborate extensively, which could qualify the district for certain funding sources.
“You do have a story to tell, however, where you are already collaborating in several things including your business manager, some sports relationships, like swimming with Northeast Range School, and the potential to explore some industrial (arts) activities with them.”
The Costin Group, according to Cerkvenik, proposes to bring their skills, “in partnering with you and where the opportunities could be to try to get more incentives started to bring a good package to the voters.”
Anderson, an Ely High School graduate, said possible school facility renovations were talked about when he was a student back in the early 1990s. “It will be exciting to work with you on this, with new leadership at the helm and some new energy and excitement that you have something special to bring to the voters,” he said.
Board chair Ray Marsnik pressed Cerkvenik to elaborate on the results of a recent survey used to judge taxpayer support for a bonding measure and whether funding options might be available through the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation.
Cerkvenik indicated that the renovation proposal survey focused too heavily on paying for school building improvements rather than increasing technology and increasing academic offerings, especially through reaching out to other school districts through collaboration efforts.
“A walkway between buildings is really important, we know you have to do that,” he said, “but is that exciting? Probably not. A new roof is not exciting, but it is something you have to do.”
He said he was looking at things that could be packaged to advance academic performance. “Talk about these things, with passion and enthusiasm, to the public and policy makers, along with the things you need to keep your hundred-year-old buildings operational. That was lacking in the survey.”
Cerkvenik warned against moving too quickly on presenting a bond referendum to school district voters. “Don’t put something on a ballot until you get a package that is based upon your survey and you think about it more,” he said. He also added that all opinions must be considered, including those yet to come in from Winton voters, many of whom did not receive surveys initially.
He also suggested that board members engage with community members about the project. “Get a little more reaction back from the survey, too. Survey the survey, if you will,” he said.
He said he was pleased with the survey’s 25-percent response rate. “You have the people’s interest and that is really positive. It is also a recognition that the community is pretty knowledgeable about the condition of your buildings,” he said. ”Taxpayers are more likely to support a project if they know they will receive some outside assistance.”
There is no guarantee that the $24,000 to be paid to the Costin Group over the next year will bring in any new money for the school renovation project. “We don’t try to oversell what he we do,” Cerkvenik said. “We are lobbyists, and we try to listen to what you want, give you feedback, listen to policy makers and what they’re saying about their goals, and help package things in a more efficient way rather than you going at it alone. We provide a practical staff and assistance.”
He agreed that any funding from IRRR should be identified before the school board goes to voters with a bonding referendum. “That is our primary task,” Cerkvenik said. “Right now, we can’t give you an idea of what that dollar amount will be.”
School board member Tom Omerza stressed that the district needs to “keep our foot on the gas” in terms of moving forward with the renovation project. “Like Jeff said, these same issues were here when he was a student. I don’t want to be sitting here in four years with still no connections to the buildings, and no help for our lack of gym space, or more curriculums for our students. If anything, we’ve had our foot on the brakes too much over the last many years.”
The board voted 4-0, with two members absent, to hire the Costin Group for lobbying services. Either side can end the agreement with a 30-day notice.
Board members will consider the updated survey results and discuss their next steps regarding the renovation project at their Nov. 25 study session.

Other business
In other action the board:
Heard from Architectural Resources Inc. about roof repair for the Memorial school building. According to ARI’s Scott Sosalla, the roof can be replaced for an estimated $280,000 with a 20-year warranty, or repaired at a cost of $52,000 with a one-year warranty.
Approved paying dues of $400 to the Ely Community Economic Development Joint Powers Board.
Nominated Ray Marsnik for a two-year term on the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools Board of Directors.
Hired Victoria Scarborough for the para-professional position.
Approved Paul Kienitz and Donald Klick as substitute teachers.
Approved the following assistant coaches for the 2019-2020 school year: Jake Myers, assistant hockey coach, Shelby Swanson, junior high girls basketball coach, Mike Keller and Max Gantt, junior high boys basketball coaches, Stan Skelton, volunteer assistant hockey coach, Tyler Fish, assistant Nordic skiing coach, Jerritt Johnston and Liz Anderson, junior high Nordic skiing coaches, Travis Durkin, Heather Durkin, Barb Thompson, Will Helms, Jen Stouffer, Jeff Nelson, Molly Olson, Carl Skustad, Molly Johnston, Mark Olson, Mark Grayson, Heather Cavalier, Christian Cavalier, Heidi Favet, Sarah Sponholtz, Mark Sponholtz and Madeline Swenson as volunteer assistant Nordic skiing coaches.
Approved lane changes for Autumn Boedeker, Mary Fleetwood, Cory Lassi, Kelly Noble and Megan Wognum.