Facility Concerns #3

            In the first two weeks of articles, much of the discussion focused on life safety code issues in our building.  As we continue, safety will be a common theme along with improved education for our students.  Security and safety is a regularly used topic among administrators, teachers, and parents within our buildings.  There are several issues to address, including bus pick-up/drop-off, traffic flow on the elementary side, and street crossings.  However, within our building, secure entries and cameras are a priority.  In current school construction and renovation, secure entries, whether by visual, office-only, or buzzer system are necessary to assist with the safety of our students.  Additionally, an upgraded camera system is a necessity to enhance these safety features.

            With the increased emphasis on technology in teaching, and the potential of improved safety features, technology infrastructure will be challenged.  Upgrades were made for our one-to-one introduction in the high school, but further improvements will be necessary.  This would include the electrical systems, the cabling associated with technology, and the general efficiency of our organization and spaces.  Additionally, with increased technology necessary for preparing our students, extra space to house technology will continue to come at a premium.  Currently, many of our “hubs” are scattered throughout the building in general classrooms.  If any work needs to be done, it would require interruption of the activities within those classrooms.

            The need for additional space is not limited to strictly technology.  We currently use, as best we can, every space in our building for our students and staff.  This includes having some teachers stationed in previous storage locations and moving storage into other areas, which isn’t adequate.  The preschool classes, currently in Herman, would require an addition to our building in Tekamah to be able to serve their needs.  The Board has discussed the inevitability of closing Herman, which would require those students to be in Tekamah.  Our special education rooms and spaces have become insufficient.  As education evolves, special education continues to become a greater emphasis and need.  Currently, nearly 19% of our students qualify for special education services, which is far greater than any time in the past.  With this additional space, room to conduct private meetings with parents (as required) and students or assist students individually would enhance the education.  Finally, flexible classroom space becomes necessary as practices change in education.  This could be tied in with special education, but spaces to work collaboratively in groups, to listen to speakers, or to work as a whole grade level also is a priority for the Board.

            This week’s submission includes needs for the safety of our students and additional spaces necessary to educate our students adequately.  While these are not absolute requirements, the Board has established these as needed to adequately educate our students.  I encourage you to come into the building to view the needs firsthand.  I am always willing to walk through the building and to this point, have given less than a half-dozen tours to patrons.