**PLEASE TAKE OUR FACILITIES SURVEY!**
https://forms.gle/ZUAXVqPBF9Re...
Over the past several months, the USD 294 Board of Education and Facilities Steering Committee have been assessing our current facilities and planning for the future of our schools.
We all agree that our community’s ability to thrive depends on the quality of our schools, and facilities play a major role. Now is a pivotal time to make decisions that will lay the groundwork for the next 50 years.
It's no secret that our facilities have reached the end of their lifecycle. Many components do NOT meet current code and regulations, resulting in inefficiencies, safety hazards, and higher maintenance costs. More important, our children deserve a safe and accessible learning environment.
• LEARNING ENVIRONMENT - Many classrooms present barriers for student success, including poor temperature regulation, insufficient infrastructure for technology, and lack of space for group learning.
• AGING FACILITIES - The expected lifespan for a typical school building is 50 years. Once a facility reaches this age, its mechanical systems and structures need extensive renovations or to be replaced entirely. Both of our district buildings have exceeded that age. In addition, older buildings were not designed with sufficient safety and security measures.
We have been working with GMCN Architects and our construction manager, BD Construction, to research options and weigh the pros and cons. Now we need your input.
Below are the two options we are currently considering. Both of these options would locate the elementary and high school together at the current high school site.
The solutions provide common sense designs giving the students of Decatur County fully updated facilities focused on creating the type of learning environment our students need to prepare them for future successes in whatever endeavor they choose. Once complete the school facilities will also be efficient, easy to maintain, safe, and accessible.
There are three ways you can give input:
1. Fill out the online survey here: https://forms.gle/ZUAXVqPBF9Re...
2. Speak with a member on the Steering Committee directly
3. Pick up a paper copy of the survey at the district office
Please respond by Friday, April 14. We are currently looking to finalize our scope of work by June 1 for a September 2023 special bond election.
We look forward to hearing your advice.
Sincerely,
Community Members:
-Carrie Morford
-Angie Williby
-Erica Fortin
-Damon Andrews
-Derek Chambers
-Amanda Grafel
-Jeb Tally
-Gordon Pettibone
-Rachel Roe
-Jeni Henningson
-Megan Carter
-Ruth Miesner
-Mory Zodrow
-Sue Olson
-Garret McDougal
-Tony Bremenkamp
School Representatives:
-Brian Shaw
-Josh Williby
-Zach May
-Jolene Dempewolf
-Joel Applegate
-Jeremy Holloway
-Krickit Ketterl
-Brandon Gehring