–The Emmetsburg School Board recently approved purchasing approximately 24-acres of land that could be used as the site of a new elementary school. The undeveloped property sits east of Iowa Lakes Community College and south of College Drive in Emmetsburg. Superintendent Cory Jenness tells KLGA News that a recent review of the district’s facilities revealed that maintaining the West Elementary building for years to come would require a substantial investment.
Besides the high price tag of renovating a structure that was built in 1952, Jenness says there are other problems with the West Elementary facility.
Jenness says these factors all played a part in the decision to purchase this land for the purposes of a new building.
Jenness says the early plans for a new elementary building would provide much more necessary room for students and staff.
If a new building is constructed, Jenness says the plan is to still use the current West Elementary, which had renovations done as recently as 2013.
The purchase agreement for the land is for just over $500,000. Preliminary estimates show a new building would cost around $30 Million. Voters will decide in September whether a ballot initiative will be part of the November general election, where voters would be asked to consider a general obligation bond. Each vote would need 60% approval to pass. More information about the issue can be found by going to www.emmetsburgbond.org.
