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Margaret Murphy, Annandale
Apr 22, 2008
I have been reading with interest the letters and articles about
the 1922 school
building which is part of the Annandale Middle School. I
attended the informational meeting on April 9 and appreciated
Supt. Niklaus taking the time to provide information and field
questions. Although I do not have children in the school
district I appreciate the need to provide excellent learning
space for the kids. The fact that the learning space is also
architecturally interesting and aesthetically pleasing is a
bonus for our community but not the main reason to maintain a
building. What I did learn at the meeting is that the entire
current middle school site is structurally sound. The
1922 building has already proven the test of time and the
remaining additions according to the superintendent are "built
to last." Currently the middle school is large enough to
accommodate its current student body with room to grow, as the
third floor of the 1922
building is not being utilized. It was pointed out that the
middle school site is currently landlocked and the 11 acres is
under the recommended standard set forth by the Minnesota
Department of Education. We did not receive information that the
land site size was impeding the education of our children, only
potential future additions. Considering there seems to be no
evidence of massive growth to the school district, it would seem
a simple solution of expanding the land site would be to develop
a plan to purchase adjoining properties as they become available
for sale. Supt. Niklaus provided information on various project
costs. According to that it is more cost effective to conduct
the maintenance that has been deferred these years than tear
down and rebuild. New windows, tuck-pointing, roof replacement
and heating-cooling upgrades are standard upkeep for all of us
as we maintain our homes, or in this case a school. It is only
good stewardship of our school buildings and taxpayers' dollars.
A decision to phase out the middle school seems to be a
long-range plan for increased spending on land and new
construction. All of this considered I believe it makes sense to
maintain the current site and provide the necessary
improvements. I believe that everyone that is looking at this
issue is to be commended. Many people gave of their time to be
on the Facilities Task Force, carefully considering the
information that was provided to them. Many faculty and district
staff have provided information, leadership and vision for the
current and future needs of our children. And many community
members have voiced their opinions and support for the future of
our school district. It is a reminder how much this community
cares.
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