Mid-State Education Celebrates New Facility
Public gets first glimpse of specialized learning environment
A year after breaking ground, Mid-State Education District welcomed the public Wednesday at an open house at its state-of-the-art Setting IV facility.
It was the second such celebration in as many days for a central-Minnesota school district. Freshwater Education District also celebrated the opening of its new Setting IV facility on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
The public explored Mid-State Education's 35,000 square-foot building on Wednesday afternoon. The new facility serves students in grades K-12 with unique needs requiring a specialized learning environment.
For the first time since its formation in 1971, all district programs will be located under one roof, greatly enhancing efficiencies and collaboration.
With the help of a design team consisting of Mid-State representatives, as well as professionals from Nor-Son Construction, the Gordian Group, and ORB Management, each ‘neighborhood’ within the facility has been designed with age- and disability-appropriate areas for sensory and behavior regulation, a lunchroom, and spaces to meet recreation needs.
Also included is an area for transition-aged students between 17- and 21-years-old who will participate in career exploration and job skills training and coaching. Mid-State anticipates serving around 85 students in the new facility with approximately 45 program staff, as well as additional child-specific staff. It is located in the Little Falls Industrial Park - 15770 18th Street Northeast, Little Falls.
What is Setting IV?
Setting IV refers to programming in a separate school setting for students with significant behavioral or mental health needs. Students get extra academic, behavioral, and mental health programming in the alternate setting.
Long-time coming
Like Freshwater, Mid-State Education has been dreaming for years of a one-stop shop built with its unique student population in mind. In October 2016, area special education leaders met with Sourcewell (formerly National Joint Powers Alliance) staff and put the dream into motion.
Sourcewell gave $5 million to each district making their ideal facilities a reality.
Sourcewell empowers public employees through dynamic solutions and services that drive efficiency and impact. As a government organization serving thousands of public agencies across the United States and Canada, Sourcewell understands the day-to-day challenges public employees face. From cooperative contracts and related solutions, to education and community resources, Sourcewell is committed to providing high-quality service while supporting community success. Visit sourcewell-mn.gov to learn more. See current job openings at sourcewell-mn.gov/careers.