Decorah School Board says Luther College site is at the top of the list for potential elementary facility

Without exception, Decorah Community School Board members expressed enthusiasm Monday night about the potential for locating new elementary school facilities at the Anderson Prairie site at Luther College. Decorah School officials had contacted Luther about that potential after being turned down by the City of Decorah regarding the downtown location on Claiborne Drive. They also expressed appreciation to Luther for being open to discussions.

All said they had received positive comments about the site and the only apparent concern was traffic flow issues (although they noted that would be an issue at any site in Decorah). Superintendent Mike Haluska noted the almost limitless opportunities for shared programming with the college at the site. The Luther site was evaluated higher than any other site via the matrix they have used to consider properties. The Board agreed to continue discussion/negotiations with Luther officials regarding a long term lease of the Anderson Prairie site.

Although there is enthusiasm on the part of Decorah School officials, that does not mean that Luther College has committed to enter into an agreement. Luther Vice President for Communications and Marketing Rob Larson said the college has offered to discuss in good faith the possibility for lease, but that the process for any approval is not fully defined at this time. The initial response from the college to begin conversation came after discussions by the Land Use Committee. However, that group operated confidentially regarding the School District request, and the recent news release from the college was the first information that much of the college had about the potential. Whatever processes happen next at Luther, it is likely that a decision of such magnitude would involve the Board of Regents.

Luther College Assistant Professor in Biology and Natural Areas Land Manager Molly McNicoll was one of two people who spoke expressing concerns about the site at the open forum prior to the regular school board agenda. She was particularly concerned about the environmental preservation of the site. She said there was some apprehension among the faculty regarding the location and noted they had just found out about the upcoming discussions.