Proposal moves forward to bond vote

Pictured is the current site layout with the proposed bond changes that was presented by the Tri-Valley Task Force. The Tri-Valley Task Force is made up of 21 members within the school district and the bond vote will take place on August 17. (Photo/Submitted)

Sara Stadem | Editor

The Tri-Valley Task Force presented a proposal of school improvements and changes to the Tri-Valley School Board at the June School Board Meeting. The board agreed to move forward with the Task Force’s proposal by bringing it to a bond vote which will take place on August 17.
Tri-Valley Superintendent Dr. Mike Lodmel explained if the bond would pass, there would be three big changes that would take place for the Tri-Valley School District. Dr. Lodmel explained currently, the building going up in Crooks is the Early Learning Center which is for Jr. Kindergarten and Kindergarten only. “If the bond would pass, that building would change to a K through four building which would add 20 additional classrooms, a gym and a common space that would be finished.” This would be approximately nine million dollars, Dr. Lodmel clarified.
“If the bond passes, we would be able to have split classes,” Dr. Lodmel said. He continued, “Some K through four would go to the current Tri-Valley building and some would go to the new Crooks location. There would be boundaries that would determine this.”
Dr. Lodmel also explained if the bond does not pass, all kindergarten students will attend the Early Learning Center in Crooks.
Approximately eight million dollars would go to their current site, according to Dr. Lodmel. Some of these updates would encompass the facilities outside which would include new grandstands, concession stands, restrooms and an additional maintenance facility shed.
The third big change would be a new school to the east of the football field. “To the east of the football field, we purchased 20 acres this past year and that would have our new high school on it,” Dr. Lodmel said.
The new high school would consist of 29 core classrooms, 500 feet auditorium, and a 1,500 seat competitive gymnasium as well as expanded parking between the two facilities.
“That’s the nuts and bolts of the bond,” Dr. Lodmel said.
Dr. Lodmel explained if the bond passes, it would probably be about three years as far as when students would be attending the new high school with fifth through eighth grade remaining in the existing building.
When asked what happens if the bond doesn’t pass, Dr. Lodmel said, “That’s a good question. If it doesn’t pass, nothing would really change with the current building. At some point, we are going to have to do something as we are out of room.” He continued, “If it doesn’t pass, what’s next? We have tried everything. We are out of room because of our growth. We are projecting to need five sections per grade level based on our growth.”
Tri-Valley Task Force member Jessica Alvey explained there are currently 21 members on the Task Force. There were five members from the Task Force that presented the proposal to the school board and the Task Force had representation from the different communities that attend the Tri-Valley School.
Alvey explained if the bond passes and boundaries are set, there would be an opportunity for open enrollment for students K through four since there would be two locations to choose from, the current Tri-Valley site and the new Crooks location. She continued to explain the boundaries encompass rural areas, Humboldt and Hartford as well but there has not been a discussion yet as to how the boundaries would work. “This is a discussion that the school board would still have to have with regards to the boundaries and open enrollment,” Alvey said.
If the bond passes, Alvey added to Dr. Lodmel’s information some additional improvements to the current school such as updating cupboards, new windows and new doors. Alvey said, “We are doing new updates to the current building as well as to not ignore our current building.”
Alvey explained the expanded parking would add 490 parking spots as that is a challenge the school has today and Alvey sees that as a welcome addition she said.
“I have had people that have asked what is Plan B and there is no Plan B. This is the option. This is what we need as a district,” Alvey said. She continued, “If this doesn’t pass, I would hope that they try again. I know that sometimes that it takes a couple times to get a bond to pass. I know that Harrisburg had to do that and now they are in a great spot. So, I would hope that we would try again.”
For more detailed information about the proposal, visit the Tri-Valley Task Force Facebook page.
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Voter registration for the School Bond Election to be held on the 17th day of August 2021 will close on August 2, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Failure to register by this date will cause forfeiture of voting rights for this election. If you are in doubt about whether you are registered, check the Voter Information Portal at www.sdsos.gov or call the Minnehaha County Auditor at (605) 367-4220.
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