“I really think we need to take a breath and really walk through some community engagement,” Superintendent Beth Geise opened up the discussion on the fate of the Wanamingo Elementary School at the recent K-W School Board meeting.
The superintendent suggested that a survey be sent out to the community to get their feedback.
“I feel we don’t have the right information, and we haven’t asked everyone,” she said. “I think everyone’s voice should be on the table.”
A referendum would not be allowed to be on the ballots until next year, if the board wants to get all their information together and present it to the community. The earliest that the board feels that they can get any type of referendum on the ballot will be next year on Nov. 3, 2026.
The superintendent had three timelines for the board to decide on, coinciding with three upcoming election dates. Everyone agreed that it is too late to get something on the ballot this year, as it would be too rushed.
Marilynn Syverson added, “People are very curious about what this building costs and what that building costs and what does everything cost when you separate it out, and I do not think we are there yet to answer that right.”
The timeline that many agreed on was for Nov. 3, 2026. The board felt that this will give it time to get the information, prices, levy amounts and any other information they need to inform the community.
Jamie Sommer wanted to be clear that the needed roof was not the be all, end all factor.
“The roof is not the problem, and I think that is a misconception in the public, that the roof is the problem; it is a problem, but the problem is a lack of students in this building," Sommer said. "We can’t have an outgoing senior class of 74 and an incoming kindergarten class of 35. That is not going to pay the bills.”
The board discussed the many possibilities that are in front of them and the community. The board agreed that they will be doing a survey and getting community involvement and what they have to say.
Indoor air quality
In other business board member and Facilities Committee representative James Jarvis and Andy Fields, of Site Logiq, presented the indoor air quality scope.
Fields from Site Logiq presented the suggestions on what needs to happen to improve and maintain acceptable standards for indoor air quality at K-W schools. Site Logiq is a company that helps schools find a path to improve the facilities and maintain them. It sent in engineers to determine what is happening with the HVAC system.
According to the engineer, the high school and middle school building HVAC system need to be upgraded. The engineers found 14 projects needing attention at this time. The system is failing and will need to be taken care of. If it is not, they will have a bigger issue down the line.
The project to improve the HVAC system would likely take place in summer 2026. The project would need to be cash flowed
School boards have the authority to levy for HVAC replacement and repair without a public vote. It has to be proven that it's needed, which the Site Logiq report accomplished for the K-W District.
The levy increase for a HVAC replacement project at the district is projected to cost $6 more a month on a house valued at $275,000. That could change, going up or down in coming years. Superintendent Giese also noted that an old bond will come off the books at the same time, potentially evening out any increase to the levy.
Everything outlined in the indoor air quality scope report will be covered by that levy.
With all the other business of the meeting being covered, the board adjourned and will have its next meeting, a work session on Aug. 12, followed by a regular meeting Aug. 26.
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