Defined as "active parkland," the 20 acres will include a baseball field, a softball field, two full size multi-purpose fields for activities such as soccer, and a hill in the back that could possibly be used for sledding.  The City of Victoria will be responsible for maintenance of this park property.
"The city will take on the scheduling of the fields and give the school district first priority on using the fields," explained Mark.  "It's a win-win for everybody."
It's not new that developers in Victoria are required to dedicate a percentage of their new development as parkland to the City of Victoria, but it is new that the city won't have to pay to construct ballfields and parking lots.
Other parts of the "win-win" equation?  The school district doesn't have to go out and purchase land for the new school, and the developer gets a brand new school midst his property to enhance the sale of lots and homes.
As developer, Lundgren must also build the new roads, including Redfox Drive that will traverse the northern perimeter of the school property, and Carriage Drive, a street that comes south out of Deer Run to meet Redfox Drive..

A different school site in Victoria had been purchased by District 112 at the time of the previous school referendum of 1999, but that site near Diethelm Park and the Holy Family Catholic High School became the second choice of the school district.
Stated Jerry Bohn, Mayor of Victoria, "The school made its choice.  It chose the Lundgren site because it was more walk-able and bike-able for more kids.  There were fewer major roads for area kids to contend with."
Mayor Bohn is pleased that the resi-dents of Victoria will have another gather-ing place.  "The school will help create a sense of community," he said.  "A lot of parents will gather for school events, and people will get to know more of their neighbors that way."

Carver County Commissioner Gary Delaney, who is a resident at Smithtown in Victoria, is also pleased with the development of an elementary school in Victoria.
"I think it's a pretty exciting, community-building event for Victoria," said Commissioner Delaney.  "It helps give us identity.  People with or without kids will find it to be an added focal point for community functions."
How is a county commissioner related to new school construction?  The relationship is tied to the property tax statements.
Explained Gary, "The property tax statement is sent out by the county.  The county collects, allocates, and sends back to the governing units -- including the cities, townships, and school districts
-- their predetermined portions.  The school districts and cities and townships, with the help of the county auditor, know their portion."
In other words, the resident pays, the county collects, the schools receives.  And, of course, it's important to remember that "Schools R Us."

Says Nancy Wittman, already hired to be the first principal at Victoria Elementary School, "I feel so fortunate to lead the charge of literally building a school from the ground up."
Nancy was born and raised in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, but for most of her adult life Minnesota has been her home.  Nancy and her family have been residents of Chaska for the past 12 years.
Her family includes husband Bob, the Executive Director of Community Educa-tion and Public Relations for the Robbins-dale School District; daughter Andrea, 22, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; daughter Lacy, 20, a junior at Montana State University in Bozeman; and daughter Jenna, 19, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Menomonie.
What is the job of an elementary school principal as compared to a superin-tendent or president?  Replied Nancy, "I believe my job is to provide leadership that inspires and supports teachers, staff, and families to afford children the best possible education."
Her words are, at the same time idealistic and realistic.  "I believe my job is to create an environment where children strive and thrive so they will grow to be happy, healthy, and productive adults.  I believe my job is to delight in children and instill in them, and others, a love for learning."
Her good thoughts and words are backed up by experience.  "I have been the principal at East Union and Bluff Creek Elementary for the past four years," she said.  "Prior to that I was both teacher and administrative intern at Chanhassen Elementary for two years.  And before that I taught at Jordan Elementary School in Jordan for ten years."
Does a first principal at a brand new school have advantages or disadvantages?  "I believe advantages!" declared Nancy.  "What a wonderful opportunity to be awarded, and one that few principals are ever given!"
Quick to point to a team effort, she added, "We have assembled an incredibly talented core planning team that will begin its work this July.  The core team, along with parents, community members, and staff will create Victoria Elementary School together.  We are excited to join the community of Victoria and be yet another example of District 112 schools."

It's a wonderful never-ending story in Victoria, Minnesota, and the Victoria Gazette is happy to help tell it, one chapter after the other so we might always be aware of our blessings, past and present.  Telling the story is also important as we walk together trying to make improvements in our world for the common good.
We can talk about new businesses and new churches and new streets, but it's the schools that are, especially, signs of new life and vitality in a community.  Any way you look at it, breaking ground for the Victoria Elementary School is a breakthrough for the people of Victoria.