SHERBURN — One of the community meetings about the potential Martin County West School District’s facilities plans was held on Wednesday evening at the elementary school gym. Another meeting is scheduled for May 30 also in Sherburn.

Present were school board members, Superintendent Reynolds and ISG company representatives to explain the plans so far and possible future plans. The meeting may be seen as a recording on the school’s website. Information may also be gleaned by non-computer users by a mailing list. Contact the school to be on the list. They also explained the community survey postcard and the survey itself. Residents of the school district should return the survey by June 15, 2023.

The facilities assessment was done in 2022 and in March there were presentations to the community in Welcome, Sherburn and Trimont. In April, the survey was formulated and finalized in May. ISG, the company that did the assessment of the facilities, was available for discussion and explanations. The representative said that there are

many possibilities and some have been approved with others not approved. The dispensing of information is one of the most important parts of the process so that the rumor mills and half truths are not spread but the truth of the project is available for all residents of the community and school district. The possibilities for the class rooms, the cost of the projects, the additional parts of the project, the dispensation of the Trimont school and what to do with the elementary and high school in Sherburn were all part of the discussion.

The survey sent to the community needed to be uncomplicated but useful for all. They hoped many community members would fill out and return the survey. The school board has favored the plan for one school in Sherburn and the location would be the expanded elementary school. The cost has been estimated at $70 million instead of $60 million depending on the parts built. The expansion would probably be north and east of the elementary school location.

The ISG representative showed some of the estimated tax costs and some of the classroom possibilities and auditorium possibilities. There are many possibilities to narrow down to what is needed and what is wanted. The bottom line is the students and what is safe

and educational for them.

Questions about the preschool and kindergarten rooms and class sizes were asked. Each classroom should have a window or light from natural light for mental health and eye health. For safety, the possibility of safety glass or indirect natural light is available. The sections would be about 2-3 per grade, but if a large grade moves

through the system the sections would be changed each year to facilitate the larger grade.

Comparison of flat roofs and higher roofs was discussed and one level or two levels with elevators etc. was also mentioned. Selling the other schools would help with lowering the cost. Using existing furniture or some other equipment would also help. Getting teachers to come to the school may be an advantage since it would be a new school. Schools are competing for students and teachers now. Sherburn’s centralized location was discussed also.

The survey was explained as questions to help the board and district as a whole know what the community would need, expect and be willing to pay for. What special parts would be supported by community? What were parts that were absolutely needed? Some of the things the new school would include were: Safe parking, with an only bus dropoff section; secure entrances; expand classrooms that need room such as preschool, kindergarten and shop, etc; flexible learning areas; playgrounds that are safe and fun; and kitchen and cafeteria areas expanded.

Some of the additional products mentioned were: an auditorium seating 400 and designed for music and theatre with acoustics needed for these special events; more gym spaces; track and field added to football area; new swimming pool; multipurpose space; and break-out spaces for before, during and after school.

The board and ISG representative thanked those who attended and asked such good questions.