By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The Henning School Board received its first look at what a potential expansion, or remodeling project, could look like in the future.

During a special workshop on Monday, May 16, which was held prior to the start of its regularly scheduled meeting, the Henning School Board received four preliminary options for future building projects at the school. The concepts were preliminary and provided just an overview of what could be possible at the school district.

Some of the options provided by ICS included adding an additional gym, while others featured the addition of a cafetorium that could double as a cafeteria and auditorium for performing arts. 

The concept most favored by the school board was the second option, which essentially made the back of the current school the new formal entrance and moved the shop class to a new addition adjacent to Marshall Ave. The shop could then be made into a cafetorium, which could also include a stage for performances. The administration offices would also be moved to the back of the building. 

As part of the concept the school board discussed creating additional parking in the back of the building and could also create a pick up and drop off zone at the new formal entrance. 

Should the concept move forward the school board said it could look at options to either move or change the playground area for students in the back of the school. 

Each of the concepts included redoing the HVAC system in the school, as well as redoing the main gym floor. 

Representatives from ICS, which developed the different building plans, were in attendance last week and will present a cost analysis for some of the favored building projects, as well as a cost to construct a new school at the next school board meeting in June. 

In other news

• Accepted donations for summer rec totaling $400 from the Citizen’s Advocate, Photo Magic, Otter Tail Township and Water’s Edge Church

• Accepted the retirement of Randy Riemer as fitness center manager.

• Approved the hiring of Gabe Sparks and Richard Johnson as summer fitness center workers. 

• Accepted the resignation of Ariel Greenwood as the summer food service director.

• Approved the hiring of Shandra Kurth as the summer food service director.

• Approved the hiring of the summer rec staff including: Jon Dreyer, Tether Eckhoff, Jessica Dreyer and Kaislyn Bunkowski.

• Approved the purchase of a new K-5 reading curriculum in the amount of $78,970.94.