School Board views initial renovation drawings for High School and John Cline

The Decorah Community School Board met Monday afternoon to view architectural renderings from Struxture Architects for renovations at the high school and John Cline Elementary. Struxture has been involved in discussions with the Shareholders Group for the past year and a half. The Shareholders communicated that their clear endorsement was toward "Scheme 7" presented by Struxture for the high school renovation. That plan would involve an addition to the front of the high school, an addition to the northeast corner for new industrial technology space, and a new gymnasium and locker room area to the north of the existing space.

The renovations would include relocating the kitchen and cafeteria areas to the current gym location, new locker facilities and fitness areas. Administrative offices would be included in the front addition that also aims to exercise a clear control point for building entrance. Numerous other offices and programs would also be shuffled. Gender equity in regard to restrooms would also be a major component of the project.

While the potential of a $22 million price tag may seem daunting, several points emerged in discussions to put things in perspective. First, Board member Melanie Tietz noted that a full 40 percent of the high school project is related to the basics of renovation and replacement of outdated HVAC systems, electrical systems, and roofing. It is clear that these systems are in dire need of replacement, and that the district lives in fear of breakdowns that could close school for an extended period of time. Questions emerged regarding new vs. renovation costs, and the clear winner was renovation – based not only on costs, but on the current location being the only reasonable site. The same appeared to the case for discussion regarding renovation for John Cline.

The renovation plan for John Cline included two additions to the south of the building for classroom, music and art space. That allows for relocation of the cafeteria area apart from the gym. While this project (which could cost over $3 million) was seen as important, it was also clear that the Shareholders viewed the high school renovations in the urgent category.

Although Superintendent Mike Haluska said all this was in the initial stage and that discussion of funding and bond issues is well in the future, the meeting also had a sense of urgency to it. By initially accepting the high school plan that includes a new gymnasium, the Board asked Struxture to prepare grant materials that could be approved by the Board and submitted to FEMA by May 1. Winning a FEMA grant could pay for up to 80 percent (almost $1 million) of the structural component of a "safe room." That safe room area would be the new gymnasium that could accommodate about 1,000 people as a FEMA tornado safety approved shelter.

Significant time was spent noting the critical nature of staging related to any project, and the plan overwhelmingly supported by the Shareholders seemed to provide the least disruption to students, activities and educational projects. Once started, the entire project could take almost three years to complete. Although Haluska said that funding discussions were in the future, the Struxture architects noted the current economic conditions were favorable for bidding and that in such times, several million dollars could be shaved off the project.