Humboldt schools welcome the new year with a massive construction project, one of several big changes ahead for USD 258.
Superintendent Amber Wheeler offered a look at what she expects the district to face in 2023.
A $17.45 million renovation project will provide new infrastructure and security measures for all schools in the district.
“Obviously, the biggest thing we’ve got going is our bond,” Wheeler said.
The school board, administrators and others will focus much of their attention on those projects in the coming year, but they’ve also got a lot more on their plate.
A committee is studying the pros and cons of moving a four-day school year, and are likely to consider a plan this spring.
The district also is beefing up its career and technical education classes, with an internship program that sends students into the community to learn hands-on skills.
Meanwhile, Wheeler hopes to find a way to continue using substitutes who don’t meet the state’s college-credit requirements. The state allowed temporary emergency licenses because of the pandemic and resulting staff shortages, but those licenses will expire at the end of this year.
It’s going to be a busy year for the district. Here’s a preview:
Construction projects
Work on the massive renovation project is now underway, with a new playground expected to be completed this week.
“Our kids are getting excited just seeing the new pieces,” Wheeler said.
The playground is just one component of a project that will include replacing heating and cooling systems at the elementary and middle schools, new fire alarm systems throughout, creating a new drop-off lane at the elementary school, replacing the roof at the elementary school, replacing windows in all three schools, adding a cafeteria at the elementary school and replacing the elevator at the high school.
Equipment is arriving now. The work is expected to begin first with windows at the district office and HVAC at the field house before moving, in order, to the elementary school, middle school and, finally, the high school.
The work at the high school is the most extensive, as the building celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
“The professionals tell us it’s still in really good shape,” Wheeler said. “The architects are doing a really good job of trying to make the newer parts fit with the older parts and create a continuous design in all of our buildings.”
