Decorah School Board begins to regroup after City Council rejects idea of property purchase in downtown Decorah

As expected, after the recommendation from the Decorah City Council Property and Purchasing Committee, the Decorah City Council on Monday night rejected the request from the Decorah Community School Board to purchase property at the corner of  Heivly and Claiborne for the construction of new elementary school facilities. The vote was 7-0.

Shortly after that Council vote, the Decorah Community School Board began its regrouping process during its regular monthly meeting. The discussion, while short, highlighted some important considerations. Superintendent Mike Haluska said he would seek legal counsel regarding the issue of open meetings in regard to property discussions and searches. While board members expressed the need to be transparent to the public, they also expressed concerns that wide open discussions about potential properties would be unfair to property owners, as well as potentially compromising negotiations regarding purchase.

The Board generally agreed that they would need to meet soon in special meetings to develop a matrix regarding the priorities related to a desired site.  Haluska noted that Nick Hildebrand from StruXture Architects would be available to assist the district in the development of such a matrix.  

Board member John Hjelle suggested that most of the community did not know the extensive work already done by the Board in searching for an appropriate site. The difficulty in finding an ideal site was communicated earlier this month when the Board met with the full City Council. In that meeting the Board expressed its frustrations in seeking a site and acknowledged the downtown site, although less than ideal, was still seen as their best option.

Earlier in the meeting Decorah resident Shirley Vermace pitched another site to the School Board. She suggested that the property at the Winn Coop and the former creamery would be a good possibility.  She highlighted the location, traffic, aesthetics, separation from the high school, and potential coordination with the Fair Board and its properties. The Board acknowledged appreciation for the suggestion. Board President Ron Fadness said many questions had already been asked about that property but to this point the answers had not been good.