WEXFORD COUNTY — Mesick Consolidated Schools is turning to the community for the future of the elementary school.
Parts of the building are almost 100 years old, and the school district is now looking at updates.
The community has two choices on the table right now: renovating a section of the building from 1966 or putting in a brand-new building.
Both are just ideas for a potential bond, and the district is working with the community on what they would like.
So far, it is a split decision, with the school basing their decision on what the community wants.
The need for a change stems from the age of parts of the building, ranging from the 1980s to the 1930s.
The focus of the renovation project would be the area built in 1966, including the gymnasium.
A new gym would cost between $7-$12 million, and it would be cheaper for the community and school to include in the renovation bond.
The renovation would also include new floors, new windows, larger classrooms, and modern amenities.
Superintendent Jack Ledford said the renovation would be equal to a brand-new building, and if they went with the new wing on the High School and Middle School, the construction would be the same.
While it is still just a plan, the district already has an idea of how much it could cost.
For the renovation, the district estimates it would cost between $14 -$22 million dollars with the community looking at 2.8 - 4.4 mills if it passes as a bond.
For the addition it would cost $20 - $35 million with the community facing 4-7 mills – or $1 per $1000 of taxable value.
There are also some pros and cons to each idea.
The district could renovate a portion of the elementary that was built in the 1960s.
It would create a specific elementary space, be ADA compliant, upgrade HVAC systems and be separate from the building.
However, it would stay on M-115 and be far away from the playground.
The district could also add a new wing to the current high school and middle school.
That plan would create a space for K-5 students, be removed from M-115, condenses the campus, and would not impact upper grade levels. It will need a playground and would add traffic to the middle and high school area.
So far, the district has held 5 meetings with the community 6 times in the last 2 months – with another meeting happening February 26th.