Devils Lake Public Schools superintendent Ned Clooten started off Wednesday’s public meeting at Prairie View Elementary School stating, “An informed public” was the reason they were holding these informational meetings.
Clooten explained the background of the need to address the concerns of Central Middle School and Prairie View’s, as well. He explained how an earlier attempt had failed to garner the 60% vote needed although it was close. “That was a big ask,” Clooten admitted, continuing with, “we interpreted it as a mandate to focus instead on the biggest needs.”
What are those “biggest needs” for the district?
1. To eliminate the two boiler system circa the 1960s/70s at CMS replacing it with a system that would be more efficient.
2. The leaking roof at CMS must be addressed.
3. The code issues at CMS; electrical, ADA and fire must be adddressed.
4. At Prairie View the kitchen and lunch room space is not adequate for the number of students currently at the schoool, it takes upwards of two hours each day to get all 265 students fed at lunchtime.
Now that they have plans to relocate the fifth graders to Prairie View from CMS that frees up space to make the changes at CMS they need to address, but brings Prairie View’s limitations and need for expansion front and center. The plan is to add a new wing on to the elementary school with classrooms for the fifth graders and a gymnasium to accommodate the district’s needs.
Information is available in detail on the district’s website www.deils-lake.k12.nd.us Clooten pointed out adding “It is going to be a simple vote, a “Yes” vote will support the plan, a “No” vote will say you don’t support the plan.” They chose to have a special election to emphasize the importance of the issues rather than to add onto the ballot for November’s election.
Questions and comments
A series of questions from the community members in attendance followed Clooten’s presentation.
One of the things discussed is that they want to get students up and out of the basement of CMS. That will be able to take place when the fifth graders are relocated to Prairie View, therefore addressing the needs of the elementary school will be one of the first things needed to be done.
Clooten pointed out the plan for the boiler room changes include sealing off the old boilers and boiler room space – that’s the most cost effective solution – sequestering the classroom space in the basement for a new hot water/cool water boiler or heating & cooling system.
He explained that their strategy is to do whatever affects the kids the least while getting the best outcome.
A representative from Construction Engineers explained that they work with school districts all the time and know how to plan for inflation fluctuations and prioritizing projects like this one that needs to be done in phases.
Presently the school district is in a pretty good position, having had only one referendum in 30 years and that one, for the improvements to Sweetwater, will be paid off this year. This proposed referendum would last approximately 20 years, if it is supported by the community.
One audience member reminded everyone to keep in mind “who are we doing this for.”
Another asked, “are we doing enough?”
Others commented about the problems with electricity demands and technology connections, like Smart Boards, in the old CMS building. Another mentioned the plaster and lath walls at CMS. Another addressed the lighting in the building. Clooten brought up the safety of students studying in the media center – CMS second floor – where the school’s library is located. If there were a fire in the hallway and the one and only exit blocked, what would happen to those students?
Clooten stated at the end of the public information session that they will keep their fingers on the pulse of the community as they go forward with trying their best to meet the needs of the schools in our district. The important thing is to be informed and then to vote on May 7 at the Memorial Building between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. If it gets the community’s support many of these changes will begin as soon as the 2024/25 school year.
