Wessington Springs bond election debate rages on

WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. — If the debate leading up to a Wessington Springs School District bond election is any indication, residents can expect a close race when polls close Nov. 28.

A committee has formed in the Jerauld County town hoping to persuade voters to shoot down the proposed $5.5 million project in an effort to bring a different project to the table.

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And according to Clay Wenzel, one of the community members leading the charge against the bond election, Wessington Springs seems to be split about half in favor and half opposed.

The high school renovations, if approved, would include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, bathrooms, installation of an elevator, flooring, windows and fire sprinklers as well as rearranging some classrooms. The auxiliary gym would be attached to the existing gym at the elementary school.

The district's current, 100-year-old middle and high school building has "solid, sound structure," according to school officials, but the infrastructure is dated. There is no central heating or air conditioning systems, and the plumbing is 100 years old in some areas of the building, prompting officials to consider the proposed projects.

The Nov. 28 bond election will feature two ballot questions. The first will be the approval or denial of a $4.5 million high school renovation project and the second will be the approval or denial of the construction of a $1 million auxiliary gym.

But those opposed to the proposed project aren't against all projects, Wenzel said.

If the two projects fail, Wenzel said he hopes the school board will then consider a proposal brought forth by the public.

"Our side, we'd like to replace 100 percent of the mechanical stuff," Wenzel said. "Everything that functions — water, plumbing, heating and cooling, fire protection, intercom, windows and adding an elevator."

Wenzel said officials estimate the project would cost approximately $1.5 million.

Wessington Springs School Board President Todd Grohs countered Wenzel's claims and the proposition for an alternate project, saying the entire project is necessary both to ensure the school meets ADA compliance and to keep the school modern.

"The time comes when we need to update what we're in," Grohs said. "We're trying to be proactive and make sure the school flows better."

The school board has given presentations to community members — with another planned for 7 p.m. Monday at the school — and has presented the project as "the only option," Wenzel said. And he doesn't believe that's true.

Recently, Wenzel has had two mechanical engineers visit the high school to determine if the alternate project idea is doable, as it has been shot down by the school board, referencing Americans with Disability Act restrictions, he said.

Both mechanics confirmed the project is possible, Wenzel said.

"The only input the community is going to have is going to be at the bond election," Wenzel said. "We need to put all of the options on the table and let the community decide."

Grohs urged Wessington Springs residents to attend Monday's meeting to hear both sides, all information and give input prior to the bond election.

Tribune Content Agency
School bonds Bond elections South Dakota
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