Ask Mr. Answer Person: a reader asks multiple questions about the potential new elementary construction and its location

William sent multiple questions to Mr. Answer Person concerning the potential new elementary site in Decorah. Mr. Answer Person has condensed the questions to include: what's the rush?; issues of congestion at current and potential site; if the City of Decorah sells the Claiborne site in question, would the school need to find a site for the softball field and parking?; can't the North Winneshiek facilities be used until a new site is constructed?

Superintendent Mike Haluska has provided the following response:

"The "rush" has to do with the fact that we're running out of room.  This is especially true at the Middle School, but we've been pushed for space over the years at both John Cline and Carrie Lee.  The North Winneshiek building ... is of the same vintage as John Cline and ... is largely lacking in air conditioning too.  Furthermore, a number of the classrooms are between 500-700 square feet.  That would either require a significant remodel to use the facility or try to put classes in very, very small spaces.  The First Grade rooms at John Cline are our biggest issue there and they are 775 square feet.  I'm not sure how we function in spaces smaller than that.  

While the issue of traffic 'congestion' comes up, I'm not sure where adequate space exists in town that wouldn't create even larger issues. Police Chief Bill Nixon studied traffic flows in other potential locations and they created even bigger challenges.  Keep in mind that Claiborne St. is the widest street in town.  It does offer some space not found in other areas of Decorah.  While not an ideal location in terms of 'congestion,' I'm not sure such an ideal location exists.

Finally, the North Winneshiek building may have to factor into short-term plans.  The other option would be utilizing modular buildings and, at the minimal cost of $150,00 for a two-classroom model in the first year (not to mention set-up costs). We may have no other fiscally-responsible choice."

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Mr. Answer Person adds some other comments: 1) the School District would not have responsibility for the City of Decorah softball field relocation, etc. That is a city decision, if they elect to sell the property in question; 2) when the district recently added another middle school teaching position, this confirmed issues of increasing  enrollment (without North Winneshiek considered) and it also puts considerable stress on the Carrie Lee space utilization; 3) finally, Mr. Answer Person reminds readers of the work the Decorah Shareholders (citizen input group) has done, confirming the current, serious inadequacies of the current elementary facilities.