In November, 2022, voters authorized Cass Lake-Bena Schools to build a new elementary school on the same campus as the middle and high schools and to remodel the existing elementary to accommodate Area Learning Center programming, early childhood programming, district offices and the Boys and Girls club. Since that vote, the district has been busy putting all the pieces in place to start construction.
The first step – after filing of official paperwork with the state – was to sell bonds to finance the project. The district realized a healthy bond premium, which was in part a result of the excellent credit rating the district has maintained over the years. Bid packages were prepared, and the first round of bids were opened February 16, with the second round of bids were opened March 16. The healthy bond premium and the competitive bids received allowed the district to include the alternates – the kindergarten classroom section and the large gym area – that were hoped for.
Due to the long-eared bat (a protected species) migration, logging of the site needed to be completed prior to March 31, so contractors quickly completed that process. The timber is being hauled out in smaller loads. As the pictures show, the site has already changed significantly.
In the meantime, school administrators are meeting with different furniture and fixture vendors to learn about options. The plan is to pilot furniture from a couple of different vendors, to determine what will work best for the flexible learning that this new building will encourage. Administration will be working with teachers and staff to plan programming and staffing assignments. The dream of providing a 21st Century learning space for our K-5 students on the same beautiful campus as the high school and middle school is getting closer to realization. Updates and photos will be posted on the school district website.
