Background
In 2021, Devils Lake Public Schools conducted a survey to understand the community’s desire for DLPS facilities. In October 2022, the school held an unsuccessful bond referendum vote. The primary feedback after the vote was the desire to reinvest in Central Middle School. The two primary drivers are potential cost savings and the historic value of the building. Since then, the District has realigned Sweetwater Elementary to house Grades 1 and 2 and Prairie View Elementary to house Grades 3 and 4. The realignment has created an opportunity for Fifth grade to also move to Prairie View.
On Monday, March 11 the DLPS School Board called for a $27,789,620 Bond Referendum to be held on May 7, 2024, to address facility needs.
Challenges:
Central Middle School
— The boiler system is past its life expectancy and needs to be replaced.
— Extensive roof repairs are required as the building is actively leaking.
— The building lacks a sprinkler system and does not meet current code requirements.
— CMS does not meet accessibility requirements in certain areas such as stairs, ramps, bathrooms and exterior and interior entrances.
Prairie View Elementary School
— The kitchen and combined cafeteria and gymnasium spaces are undersized. More gym space will be required to accommodate current enrollment and the additional Fifth grade students.
— Prairie View is currently at maximum capacity. There are not enough classrooms to accommodate Fifth grade students without creating new spaces.
Proposed Solutions:
Renovate Central Middle School
The elementary realignment creates more space for educational needs to be accommodated at CMS, and with the community’s desire to reinvest in the building, the following items have the opportunity to be addressed:
– Replace the boiler system and add air conditioning.
– Create a secure and accessible main entrance.
– Address ADA and code compliance issues.
– Update lighting and interior finishes.
– Repair or replace the roof.
– Infill a portion of the courtyard to create a new commons space.
Build an addition and renovate Prairie View Elementary School
The District realignment has created an opportunity for Fifth graders to move to Prairie View. The following items could be addressed through a renovation and addition:
– Create a secure and accessible main entrance.
– Larger kitchen and cafeteria space.
– Additional classrooms to accommodate current enrollment and Fifth grade students.
– New gymnasium for physical education and community use.
– Add air conditioning.
For more information visit shorturl.at/iR578
Tax Impact
According to the Devils Lake Public School District the estimated annual tax impact on $100,000 of true and full value will be an estimated $171.29 for residential tax and $190.32 commercial/ag tax impact.
Public Meetings
A public meeting to discuss these suggestions was held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10 at Central Middle School and an additional public meeting will be held Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Prairie View Elementary School. This is the time to ask questions and become informed before the vote on May 7.
In person voting will take place in the Memorial Building on May 7 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee ballots can be obtained by contacting Melissa Haahr, Business Manager at 701-662-7640 or melissa.haahr@dlschools.org or by visiting vip.sos.nd.gov/absentee to complete an application. Make sure you do this in plenty of time to receive your ballot and that your vote is received through the mail before the May 7 election closes at 7 p.m. on May 7.
Information for this story came from a recent mailing received from the Devils Lake Public School District.
