Mid-Prairie bond referendum to address educational space needs

By Mark Schneider
Posted 2/16/22

The construction projects that will be made possible with the passage of the March 1 bond referendum were the result of a process started by a District Facilities Committee back in April 2018.  …

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Mid-Prairie bond referendum to address educational space needs

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The construction projects that will be made possible with the passage of the March 1 bond referendum were the result of a process started by a District Facilities Committee back in April 2018.  Over 50 committee members came from every area of the district and represented a wide variety of perspectives and professions.  Individuals representing farming, construction and the trades, local businesses and banking, telecommunications and the legal profession were on the committee.  Many, but not all, were parents of children attending district schools.  Also involved were district teachers, custodians, paraprofessionals, school board members and administrators.  Lastly, architects and construction managers from Shive Hattery and Carl A. Nelson attended every meeting to serve as resources persons.

When that many perspectives are involved, it is not surprising that it took the committee almost two years to reach a consensus. Obviously, everyone comes into the process with their own personal viewpoint and priorities.  It takes lots of discussion and investigation to consider all viewpoints and perspectives and come up with something that everyone can live with.  I am proud of the committee members for seeing the big picture and putting together a comprehensive list of recommendations.

Educational needs were a high priority of the committee and their recommendations to the school board prove that.  If passed, the construction and renovations that will happen will create 13 additional classroom spaces in district buildings. 

Construction will create three new classrooms for the elementary schools.  Classroom space at West Elementary will be created by moving all kindergarten classrooms to East Elementary. 

At the High School, the construction of a new wrestling and weight facility will allow the former weight room to be turned into a classroom.  The old wrestling room will probably be used for storage.  With the construction of new band and choir classrooms, the vacated spaces can be turned into three classrooms.  Using sales tax funds currently available, the old band room can easily be divided into two classrooms and the former choir room could become a fourth classroom.

The expansion of the Middle School Student Center/Cafeteria may involve taking away two special education classrooms, but those classrooms will easily be incorporated into the new classroom spaces planned at the Middle School.  With the new gymnasium and locker rooms, the old gym and locker rooms will be converted into four classrooms, plus areas for storage.  Additionally, the passage of the bond issue will allow the construction of four new classrooms on the west side of the Middle School.

Of special mention is the renovation of the Middle School Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Classroom and expanded space for special education.  The FCS classroom is basically the same as it was when the building was constructed in the mid-1960s.  The renovation will allow it to be updated to today’s standards and be handicapped-accessible.  Construction at the Middle School will also improve and expand spaces for special education services.  Currently, there are five small spaces totaling approximately 2,000 square feet to serve 56 students with IEPs, four special education teachers, and 10 special education paraprofessionals. 

I have scheduled two public meetings to answer any attendees’ questions about the bond referendum.  One will be held at the Mid-Prairie High School Student Center/Cafeteria on Monday, February 21.  The other will be held at the Mid-Prairie Middle School Student Center/Cafeteria on Wednesday, February 23.  Both will start at 7 p.m.

If you need more information about any aspect of the March 1 bond referendum, please see the district’s special bond issue website (2022mpbond.org) or feel free to contact me (319-936-8601 or mschneider@mphawks.org).