A reconfiguring of education in the West Elk school distrct and construction of a new elementary school are being proposed by the USD 282 Board of Education and a 24-member community committee.
Planning for this concept has been underway for several months and Supt. Corey Reece gave a report at Monday night’s board meeting saying this plan would save money over the way the district currently operates its three campuses.
At present, the West Elk Jr./Sr. High School is located south of Howard while elementary schools are operated in Moline and Severy. Those two grade schools would be closed in the plan currently being considered and all educational programs would be offered on the Howard campus.
“Our facilities advisory committee has a large consensus that we should have one campus,” Reece said.
The superintendent pointed to declining enrollment and a weak economy as chief factors leading to the need to combine all schools in Howard.
“We’re seeking sensible solutions in the long term rather than looking at this year or next year,” said Reece.
He emphasized that a layout shown at the meeting was only a first draft and probably would be redone many times. A construction manager has been hired by the board to work with the Facilities Advisory Committee and the board with a goal of seeking voter approval sometime this coming fall or early winter.
The new elementary school would be located to the northwest of the current West Elk High School, west of the administration building.
It will include a FEMA safe room, enclosed playground, a separate bus drive, and the average classroom size will be 30’x30.’
There are two proposed preschool rooms, two kindergarten rooms, one first grade room, one second grade, one third grade, one fourth grade, one fifth grade, two sixth grade rooms, plus two resource rooms, a Title 1 room, gymnasium and music room.
The plan will provide for flexibility for times when one class might need two rooms rather than one.
It will comprise approximately 30,000 sq. ft. and the estimated cost of construction is $150 per sq. ft.
The final layout and design will be finished after the bond issue election, and only if it is approved.
Follow the Prairie Star and the Elk County Forum for information about the next special forum to gather public input on this change in West Elk schools.
