BHS indoor pool stays as facilities project takes shape

Benson High School’s indoor swimming pool will stay.
That decision was made by the District 777 Board of Education at its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13, as it considered a comprehensive facilities improvement project that will cost in the range of $15 million to $16 million.
During the meeting, architect Paul Youngquist answered questions and helped the board develop a timeline for the project as it narrows down its plan to put in front of district voters in mid-May. Youngquist is with the Archtects Rego + Youngquist, Inc., of Minneapolis.
Last Tuesday the board also decided to look into building a two-story classroom wing north of the high school auxiliary gym, which would house not only classrooms for the 4th thorugh 6th grades and support offices, as well as new classrooms for the Area Learning Center, Heartland Girls Ranch, and Chippewa River Day Program.
There are still a number of items to be determined, however, with the board planning to meet with the architect and key decision-makers in the school district Tuesday, Jan. 20, (yesterday.) It will then discussion project plans further at the Monday, Jan. 26 school board meeting, which is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
If everything goes on schedule, the board could approve the final plan at its Tuesday, Feb. 17 meeting, putting it on schedule for a bond levy referendum in mid-May.
Photo:  If a proposed school facilities expansion project moves ahead, Benson High School’s building would expand on land to the north of the current buildings.