Construction nearly complete

Talk about it

Last spring the Dickinson Public Schools initiated two construction projects that, when completed, will add seven additional classrooms to Lincoln Elementary and four additional classrooms to Jefferson Elementary.

Further, both projects include significant improvements to the kitchen areas and additional multipurpose/gymnasium space at each school. As reported at the recent school board meeting, both projects are on schedule to be completed this spring except for the kitchen areas at Jefferson which will be completed following the conclusion of the school year.

We are anticipating at least some of the new classrooms at Lincoln will be utilized prior to the end of the current school year.

In anticipation of the future needs in the Dickinson Public Schools, planning for these classrooms was initiated during the 2008-2009 school year. During this planning process, the district conducted various meetings to assess the needs and receive input into various solutions.

Ultimately, the projects were deemed to provide the most appropriate solution to the facility needs of the district.

These projects have been completed in a financially prudent manner and have been accomplished with no increase in local property taxes. Both projects have been financed with funds from the capital improvement account, general fund budget and stimulus dollars. The final products will be positive additions to the respective buildings and school district.

To accommodate the student population while the projects are being completed, four classrooms of fifth grade students were relocated to Berg Elementary for the 2010-2011 school year. As we expressed to the parents last spring, these fifth grade classrooms will be relocated to their original buildings for the next school year. While we are extremely excited about these improvements and additions to the buildings, there will be no time to relax.

On Sunday, Jan. 9, The Dickinson Press reported that various companies are looking to add hundreds of jobs to our area in the coming months. When this is coupled with the ever-increasing oil activity, the district clearly needs to assess and prepare for the possible impact of this increased economic activity.

In the coming months, we will make preparations for discussing the implications of this information and seeking community involvement in the discussions.

I hope you each have had a happy new year.

If you have any questions about this or any other issue in the Dickinson Public Schools, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sullivan is the Dickinson Public Schools superintendent. Contact him at 701-456-0002 or by e-mail at douglas.sullivan@dickinson.k12.nd.us.

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