The Minnesota State Department of Education has asked for a little more time to go over the details of the Duluth school district's long-range facilities plan before deciding whether to give it a positive review.
The department received a copy of the district's plan, known as the red plan, more than 60 days ago and was expected to issue its decision Monday.
Duluth Superintendent Keith Dixon said the district got a call from state officials Friday requesting more time.
"As we all know, this is a very comprehensive, thorough plan and we want to give the department all the time it needs," Dixon said. The department did not schedule a date to announce its decision, but Dixon said a time should be set within the next couple of days.
Dixon said the department recently sent personnel to Duluth to study the state of the buildings as they relate to recommendations included in the red plan.
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"They are being very thorough, which is what you'd expect," Dixon said.
Given the magnitude of the project, Dixon said the state's delay is not a reason for concern.
"I don't read into this one way or another; it's just part of the process," Dixon said.
The department did not return a phone call about the reason behind the delay, but Randy Wanke, director of communications, issued the following statement.
"The Department of Education takes its responsibility to review the educational and economic advisability of the Duluth proposal very seriously. That's why the review and comment period regarding the district's proposal will remain open pending the receipt and review of additional information from the Duluth school district, which is required to make a decision. We are hoping to close the review within the next week. We encourage all interested parties to continue providing their input on the proposal to the Department of Education."
If the department issues a favorable review of the plan, the district will be free to move forward with implementation; a negative or unfavorable review will make moving forward with the plan more difficult.
SARAH HORNER covers K-12 education. She can be reached weekdays at (218) 723-5342 or by e-mail at shorner@ duluthnews.com.
