We have been working very hard the
last several months on the design of Dillman Elementary. We have reworked
the plan several times to try to correct some problems with the original
design. For example, in the original design, the drop-off and pick-up for
parents was the same location as the bus drop-off and pick-up, and also the
same location as where the semi-trucks would drop off food and supplies to the
cafeteria. We also needed a few more classrooms for growth.
We think the attached plan is a
much better design for the future at Dillman. It does have 8,000 more
square feet than the original design, but some of this is because of moving the
principal/counselor/secretary/nurse office to the new addition, as well as
adding a few classrooms for growth. We can still pay for this upgraded
version of the plan with the $5 million we have in fund balance. The
architects will complete the plans for the additions at Watson Jr. High, but we
will hold off on construction at the Jr. High until we know if we have the EDA
money from the state. With the extra $2 million we will receive from the
Bond Issue, we will have enough to do everything else we need to do if the EDA
money comes through for us. We will know if we have the money by June 1
of this year.
This is the design that will be in
the newspaper tomorrow. It is just the beginning. The architects
and contractor will continue to work with the faculty and staff at Dillman on
the design until we get it the way we want it. We welcome any suggestions
or comments you have about the plans. We need these now, instead of after
the building is built! Call me if you would like to visit about any
suggestions or comments you may have.
We are still on schedule for a June
4 start date for construction and an
Thank you.
Gene Sheets