Plans are underway which may lead to the construction of a new middle school facility on the Gallatin R-5 campus for use as early as next school year.
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A 2-story, 60’x100′ building is being considered. It would connect the existing elementary school building with the existing high school building. A 10-year lease-purchase financing plan and existing balances in the district’s building fund should allow for the school improvement project without increasing school taxes or requiring a bond election.
The cost of the project may exceed $1 million; the exact cost will be unknown until construction bids are awarded. School officials say if bids exceed anticipated costs, the project may be postponed or even canceled. But the district’s current financial strength coupled with low-interest terms on a 10-year lease payment plan have given school officials confidence to press forward with the project at this time.
A public meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, at the high school library. Building sketches and more complete details about this project will be presented. Students, parents, school patrons and anyone else interested are invited to attend and to ask questions.
The announcement of this project follows a decision by the R-5 Board of Education to employ a middle school principal. This coincides with a retirement announcement by Rick Lin, a 26-year teacher, coach and administrator at Gallatin school.
The board also decided to hire a full time Special Education Director. This person will oversee all of the special education teachers and students in the district and will be responsible for new and increased evaluation requirements and other protocols now mandated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Both positions, for middle school principal and for special education director, will be advertised immediately.
“Our top priority is always to provide the best education opportunities possible for our students,” says Superintendent Dennis Croy. “We know the transition from elementary school learning to high school classes is crucial.
“Data shows that there has been a high point of disconnect in the transition for students between elementary and high school. By adopting this format, the board and administration hope to address these issues and allow students, especially those at risk, to experience more success and to work their way towards a more successful conclusion to their school experience. That conclusion is graduation and preparation for college, vocational training or the work force.”
Gallatin’s middle school will provide classrooms for students in grades 5-8. The new building will also house a larger room for the instrumental band program as well as provide much-needed additional storage space and offices.
The proposed building, if approved for construction, would be built south of the elementary school and directly east of the high school. Preliminary building plans available now are still being finalized. Decisions such as selecting an architect will be addressed after the public meeting at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education on Nov. 13.
Final plans are expected to embrace a number of attractive concepts, some of which are as follows:
>> a cost-effective metal structure with exterior enhancements to complement and blend with existing school buildings, including an outdoor concourse area and covered walkway
>> a building of two stories, allowing ground level entry from both the elementary school and also from the high school
>> a re-enforced concrete lower level to double as a storm shelter
>> a main entrance facing into redesigned parking space so that buses loading and unloading students can serve any school entrance without re-entering or congesting Olive Street
The lease-purchase finance strategy to construct a middle school means there should be no increase in the tax burden to residents here. “We would simply have a yearly payment which would be figured into the annual budget,” says Mr. Croy. “This plan would not impact our ability to function on a daily basis nor add any unreasonable financial stress on our normal operations.”
Locating the new building between existing buildings helps lower costs. For example, no additional cafeteria space is necessary since buildings will be connected. There also are advantages in maintenance costs.
Relocating the instrumental band room into the new building allows the district to address a liability concern. Weightlifting equipment will be relocated from the gymnasium mezzanine to the current band room. This will secure the equipment from public access during events held in the gymnasium.
The new middle school does not mean the school district will employ additional teachers. Gallatin R-5 usually has a stable enrollment census; no change in the student-to-teacher ratio is anticipated. The addition of a middle school principal, however, will more evenly distribute administrative responsibilities and enable more classroom evaluations on teacher performance to be conducted.
“Nothing is written in stone at this time,” Supt. Croy says. “We are in the process of getting drawings and financial figures for the project. When these things are accomplished and the board has had the time to consider their options, final plans will be presented to the public. Then, and only then, will they make a decision on the right course of action.
“We have an obligation to give our students the best education that we can. We expect that the community will be very supportive of this plan as they have always been extremely supportive of our school.”