Community growth and increased attendance contributed to Sauk Rapids-Rice School District building their new high school in the summer of 2003. With the new facility came the need to plan for additional office furnishings. They were using Steelcase furnishings throughout the District for over 30 years and because of its durability and competitive price, they wanted to continue with Steelcase systems furniture for their new High School.

When planning for their new facility, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School went through the bid process with Marco and Steelcase furnishings and one other vendor. Marco and Steelcase were not new to Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. John Clark, Building Project Coordinator, and Greg Vandal, Superintendent, had worked with Vince Mohs, Marco Workplace Interiors Sales Manager, since 1989 when they built their new Middle School.  According to John, “Vince and I have worked together for a long time, and we have a good, open working relationship.”

“We wanted all of our systems to be interchange-able,” said John. “If we needed to move furniture to a different area, it needed to be easily configured to another office. This allows us to not only use the leftovers here, but in the Middle School as well.”

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School’s staff had much input in their furniture specifications and requirements since they used the furniture the most.

Erika Fahl, Marco Workplace Interiors Designer, met with the staff to review their needs and specifications. Using their input, she created CAD layouts of the various areas. John commented, “We made a lot of changes. That is one of the things we really appreciate about Marco is that they accommodated us in making many design changes.”

Marco installed Steelcase Answer and Avenir systems furniture in the High School’s administrative areas and teachers’ offices. The superintendent’s office was furnished with one  of Steelcase’s wood systems called Relevant. The task chair is a Steelcase Leap in black leather and the wood side chairs are Steelcase Mingle.

Greg Vandal said, “There is no question that the offices are productive and running smoothly. The flexibility of the furniture works well with the flexibility of our business.”

To help manage multiple computer wires and cables, Marco provided the High School with over 150 custom tables for their media center, computer labs, and music labs. Tables were modified for different types of computer stations. For example, in the music labs, modifications were made to hold keyboards for the students.

Marco also provided approximately 1,100 Steelcase Max stacking chairs for cafeteria seating and general use. Over 350 industrial stools by Craemer were placed in their Industrial Arts area.

“When we call, Marco listens and responds in a timely manner,” said John. “Their design, sales, delivery, and installation people are top notch.”

According to John, “Our move was largely accomplished through our student organizations. Students were paid to help with the move, with the funds being allocated to student fundraisers.”

“In terms of durability and strength, you can’t beat Steelcase,” explained John. “It will last us for many years and was the most cost effective solution available to us. Marco has proven to us that they are a company dedicated to meeting their customers’ needs, which was a very important part of our decision to go with Steelcase products. Superior products, sales, and service, coupled with competitive pricing, is a tough combination to beat!”

Greg added, “Instead of just planning for today, we’ve looked forward. I think the community prides itself on doing it right.”

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School is located in the greater St. Cloud area along Highway 10. The new High School was built in 2003 and serves approximately 1,400 students in grades 9-12. As a district, Sauk Rapids-Rice is recognized for providing excellent educational opportunities and a comprehensive and successful activity program for their students.