(Northwestiowanow.com) — After three years of research, discussions, and planning; the Spirit Lake School Board hired an architect in June to address the perceived deficiencies on campus. B-E-I presented their preliminary plans to the public Monday night.

At the Elementary School: The gymnasium and existing 1st through 4th grade wedge-shaped rooms would be demolished and replaced with larger – rectangle classrooms. Principal Jessica Vancura says the modern spaces would facilitate better learning.

Beck Engineering also proposed new construction at the high school with a new two-story science and math wing where the old circular library now sits. High School Principal Casey O’Rourke says that would also improve the environment for students.

 

Industrial Tech classes – currently held in a remote building on the North end of campus – would then be brought into the existing science wing.

 

The potential upgrades at the Spirit Lake schools would also include three new classrooms at the Middle School and a Fieldhouse or “bubble” for indoor sporting activities West of the football field.

The preliminary cost would be: 28.5 million dollars at the elementary, 24.5 million at the high school, 4.2 million at the Middle School, 13 million for the indoor sports complex, and 5.7 million dollars for a second bus barn and updates to the baseball, softball, and football fields.

School Board President Jeremy Mouw hopes the public reviews the plans, tours the schools, and then shows up to offer opinions at a public hearing next Wednesday night.

 

If any potential bond issue would go before Spirit Lake School District voters in November, paperwork and a petition with 160 signatures must be presented to the Dickinson County Auditor’s Office by August 26th.