The future of elementary school facilities in Decorah - Let the discussions begin!

StruXture Architects reviewed their 50 page document the details the state of elementary school facilities in Decorah at the School Board meeting Monday night. The reports also provided some VERY preliminary options that will help the board and the Decorah Community think about how they will address the issue.

The report detailed the many problematic issues facing West Side and John Cline schools. Many issues surfaced, including: serious space deficiencies, both inside and out; inability to address safety and security issues in the current facilities; traffic and parking problems; deteriorating facilities (well maintained, but dated); lack of adequate HVAC systems; lack of sprinkler systems; inadequate electrical systems, and serious bathroom and accessibility problems.  The architects spoke often of facilities that would not be close to meeting today's required standards. They kindly added that "staff make the most of it."

In an attempt to facilitate the start of discussion regarding elementary facilities, StruXture presented four options as "ballpark" ways to think about the facilities challenges facing the district. But they emphasized that these were only very preliminary projections, based on today's costs. Certainly any of the approaches could be altered. The rough outline included:

• Option 1. This would essentially address ONLY the HVAC deficiencies of the two buildings. An initial cost of this, including some electrical upgrades, could be about $2.7 million. However, they noted that once building rehabilitation begins, then multiple other upgrades could be imposed by the State Fire Marshall to address building shortcomings that are currently "grandfathered in."

• Option 2a. This option would amount to two building renovations that would roughly parallel the current high school upgrades. Potential cost: $9.1 million. Many of the space, parking and traffic issues would remain. Both Option 2a and 2b would provide significant classroom and building usage upgrades.

• Option 2b. This option would include the renovation of John Cline space, plus additional space added to that facility, resulting in closure of West Side. Potential cost: $8.85 million. Problems with both the Option 2 plans include the failure to address space needs, as well as the difficulty of working on renovation while students are in the buildings. Temporary trailers, although used before, seemed like an unpalatable option.

• Option 3. New construction at a site to be determined. This option would have the ability to address virtually all the current concerns. Working out a potential site and funding would obviously be major community issues. A new building project could cost over $13 million, site acquisition not included.

Board Chair Melanie Tietz indicated that the board needs to seriously work at garnering community discussion and input regarding its wishes for elementary facilities. She said she would begin with Shareholder Group discussions in September, moving toward forums or town hall meetings in October.  Superintendent Haluska said that, while both Options 2 and 3 were 50 year plans, the community needs to think about 50 year plans that could adapt to increased enrollment such as is currently happening and forcing Carrie Lee remodeling. He also noted that the feeder schools of North Winneshiek and St. Benedicts could be in different positions in 10 years. Options 1 and 2 fall short in addressing future additional space needs.