(Spirit Lake)– The Spirit Lake School Board Monday evening reviewed renderings and cost estimates for renovations and new construction at the elementary, middle and high school facilities, along with a possible indoor athletic facility. The proposed plans are based on recommendations from a facilities needs study that’s been ongoing for several years.
Elementary Principal Jessica Vancura says a good deal of that facility is no longer adequate for modern day educational standards…
The preliminary estimated cost of the work at the elementary was put at $28.5 million.
High School Principal Casey O’Rourke says a major part of what’s being proposed for that facility includes moving the industrial tech area, that’s currently in a stand-alone building, into the main high school, along with addressing what’s known as the Schuchert Circle…
Under proposed plans presented Monday evening, the Schuchert Circle would be demolished and replaced with a new two-level facility. Total preliminary estimated cost of work at the high school was put at $24.5 million.
Plans for the middle school also include some renovations and an addition. It’s coming in at an estimated cost of $4.2 million.
The board also reviewed a proposal for a new 60,000 athletic field house or “bubble” that would house a full new football field with end zones that could also be used for softball, soccer and wrestling, at an estimated cost of $13 million.
The board did not take any public comment on the proposals at their meeting Monday evening. Superintendent Dr. David Smith says that will come at a special meeting the board will hold August 19th…
As Dr. Smith mentioned, the board will to decide by August 26th what, if any proposal, they’ll bring to the voters this November. Meanwhile he’s urging district patrons with any questions or those wanting to tour the buildings prior to the August 19th meeting, to contact the District Office…
School Board President Jeromy Mouw says he’s confident the needed stakeholders have had active roles in the process…
The August 19th meeting is scheduled for 5:30 pm. A location for that meeting hasn’t been announced yet.
