Decorah School Board members edge closer to asking the public to support a new elementary school building

No vote was taken Monday night, but Decorah School Board members left no doubt about where they stand on the district's facilities needs--they think a new elementary school should be built.

The problem with John Cline Elementary, said school board member Ron Fadness, is that it just isn't worth putting money into.  Fadness said facilities discussions must center on the best use of the taxpayers' money and he believes "The smart move is to NOT put more money into that facility."

School board member Cindy Schissel agreed, saying "We just don't have a structure to work with."  The two noted that the school district has remodeled its buildings in the past, such as Carrie Lee and Decorah High School, when it thought the facilities were worth keeping, but there are too many issues with John Cline to make that practical.

The Decorah School District's Shareholders group, which is made up of citizens acting as advisors, has listed four different elementary school options--and has recommended building a new school.