School Board Seeks Input on Future Facilities Improvements
August 28, 2014
Future Facilities Improvements Discussed by USD 303 School Board
In December 2013, the USD 303 School Board commissioned a steering committee and hired an Architectural Firm (Schafer, Johnson, Cox, and Fry) to study the current condition and needs of our existing school facilities. The Board also directed this group to look to the future and develop goals and objectives to improve the current facilities in Ness City. After several meetings, the committee developed several areas they felt needed to be addressed in the future:
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Proper Storm Shelters
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A More Secure and Safe Campus
o Controlled Access Points to Buildings
o Street Crossing Between Schools
o Safer Loading and Unloading Areas for Students -
Separation of Jr/Sr High Students from Elementary Students
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Need for Additional Learning Space
o With the changes that have occurred in education over the years there is a need for more classrooms and other learning spaces in both the elementary and high school buildings
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ADA Requirements
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Parking
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Energy Efficiency and Updated HVAC and other Utility Services
Based on these areas, the architectural firm developed several plans. These plans were discussed with the steering committee members and school staff. After many discussions, the plans were whittled down to a few options that provided slightly different directions.
After considering all of the information, the School Board does believe that there is a need to strongly consider future facility improvements. The Board also understands that this will be a large financial commitment to our patrons, and feels that it is important that they gain as much input from them as possible before moving forward.
Over the course of the next couple of months, the Board and Superintendent Reinhardt would like to meet with community members, share out the information, and receive feedback on these ideas. They will be hosting town hall style meetings and would also like to meet with the many civic, social, and service organizations in the community.
Look for more information on the USD 303 website www.nesscityschools.org, facebook, and the local paper. If your organization would like a presentation at one of your planned meetings, please call Mr. Reinhardt at 798-2210.
