(Spirit Lake)– The Spirit Lake school board Monday reviewed new cost estimates and design schematics for the Sami Bedell Performing Arts Center. Larry Gleason of CPMI, the school’s consultant on construction projects, told the board the project is currently over the 9.1 million dollars budgeted as it moves out of the schematic design phase. Gleason said that’s nothing out of the ordinary, as it’s a natural to plan for the best just to see what it’s going to cost. Gleason said the architects and designers will now sharpen their pencils to find areas that could be reduced without jeopardizing functionality of the facility. The board passed a a motion last evening calling for the high school baseball field to stay in its current location after it was reported there will still be plenty of room for it even with the performing arts center located adjacent to it.
The board also reviewed estimates on the high school gymnasium project. Superintendent Tim Grieves reported a committee is still investigating the pros and cons and possible options on a one-station versus a two or three-station gym. About 2.2 million dolalrs is budgeted for that project. The committees for both the gym and performing arts centers will meet again prior to the next regular school board meeting.
The board also reviewed preliminary enrollment figures for the new school year. Superintendent Tim Grieves says they represent good news. He says preliminary indications are the district is up about 30 students over last year for certified enrollment, and will up about 40 students for “beds” data…or the actual number of students the district serves. Last year’s certified enrollment in the Spirit Lake district was 1,217.1. Grieves expects this year’s certified enrollment to be near 1,250 students. Last year’s “beds” number was almost 1,280; Grieves expects it will be about 1,320 this year.
The board also reviewed new requirements for credits that would be required to obtain a high school equivalency diploma through the Blue Water Alternative School. Under the proposal, 42 credits would be required effective with the current school year, with that number being increased to 46 credits…the same as what’s required of the traditional high school…effective next school year. A new requirement from the state is what resulted in the change. The board took no action on the proposal Monday, saying they want more time to review it. They’ll take it up again at their meeting next month.
