South metro briefs: Prior Lake-Savage schools funding question to go on the ballot May 24

The annual cost to owners of an average-priced home in the district — worth $300,000 — is about $372. Officials anticipate an additional 1,500 students will enroll in district schools in the next five years. If the request is approved, the money will pay for additions and renovations to every district building, a new elementary school and a learning center. Security improvements, especially at the high school, would be made with new security cameras and visitor screening systems at each school.

ERIN ADLER

Nearly 30 years after starting out as an intern for the city of Lakeville, John Hennen has been chosen for the role of parks and recreation director.

Hennen has worn many hats during his time with the Parks Department, including serving as interim director in 2012 and during the past five months.

The previous parks chief, Brett Altergott, left the job abruptly last fall after spending about three years in Lakeville. He was only the second person to hold the job, after the retirement of Steve Michaud in July 2012.

Hennen was appointed as interim director in September and officially became director in February. His salary is $112,297.

Emma Nelson

The city's Parks and Natural Resources Commission signed off Monday on about $1.2 million in projects for the year. The bulk of the money is going toward park renovations, including replacing the spray fountain at Crosstown West Park and building a new restroom and concession building at Lac Lavon Park.

The Lac Lavon project will be discussed at a public City Council work session Tuesday.

Emma Nelson

Apple Valley is offering trees and shrubs for sale at wholesale prices as part of its effort to diversify the city's plantings in the face of the emerald ash borer and other pests.

Buyers can purchase as many as three trees and eight shrubs. An online order form can be found at apm.activecommunities.com/applevalleyrecreation/Home (under Program Registration, select "Tree Sales").

The sale runs through April 22; trees and shrubs can be picked up April 30.

South St. Paul is looking to hire an economic development director to oversee the economic future of the city once known for its stockyards.

The city has not previously had someone in that role. The new position would work on increasing the city's tax base and reorganizing the community development department.

City Administrator Stephen King said the city is trying to secure a job description and move forward in the coming months.

The city has yet to advertise for the position.

Several south metro schools are recipients of the Magnet Schools of America's annual national merit awards.

School of Excellence awards and School of Distinction awards are given for having high academic standards, diversity, specialized curriculum, family engagement and community partnerships.

In the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district, Cedar Park Elementary STEM School and Diamond Path Elementary School of International Studies were named Schools of Excellence. The honor also went to Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School in the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan district.

Schools of Distinction included Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Sciences in Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, and three West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan schools: Garlough Environmental Magnet School, Heritage E-STEM Magnet School and Moreland Arts and Sciences Elementary.