ADAMS — Starting next week, residents can give their input on how Southland School should move forward after voting to close the elementary school.

More than 40 people attended a community session last Thursday at Southland Middle and High School about the upcoming survey, which seeks feedback on what direction the Adams residents want for students and education.

Southland officials had voted to close the elementary school in Rose Creek last month, according to a previous story.

Superintendent Jeff Sampson said those in attendance gained additional information about the preliminary options that would be narrowed down for vetting after results are gathered, which will start on June 4 and close on June 25.

“What the board decides to put on the ballot in November will be heavily influenced by the responses from the survey as the district wants to move forward with proper planning initiatives on an option that (the) community is willing to support,” Sampson said. “All residents, whether with children in the district or not, are highly encouraged to participate.”

Small group sessions were led by school board members and the Southland district’s current architecture and engineering firm, ISG. Those looking to access the survey would be assigned unique codes to ensure “integrity,” and online submissions would be allowed.

Here is a breakdown of the options Southland School may explore, and may be put in November’s referendum in front of voters:

Build a new school (Option A)

•The size of spaces are based on recommendations made by the Minnesota Department of Education, which is about 900 square-foot classrooms. According to provided documents, elementary and middle and high school classrooms would be separated by a common shared space.

• Middle school and high school space would be two stories

• Elementary school would be one story

• 440 seat—which would be the same as the current number—auditorium with stage and a greenroom.

• The STEM shop would be directly connected to the stage for set building

• Music space would be connected to the auditorium for performance set-up

• Administration will be located at the main entrance to create a secure entry

• Three-station gym, which would be the same as the current facilities

• Cafeteria would be adjacent to the auditorium and gym to allow for common space during performances and athletic events.

 

Remodel/Addition (Option B)

• Minnesota Department of Education classroom size recommendations can be used where possible

• Existing media center would be razed and a two-story classroom space would be constructed in its place

• Elementary school and middle/high school classrooms would be separated

• Elementary space would be one story

• Existing auditorium and gym would stay the same

• Existing administrative space would be renovated to accommodate a secure entry

• Existing two-station gym to remain the same

• Improve building safety and security

• Renovate HVAC and electrical systems

• Renovate the building envelope

• ADA compliance and site improvements

 

In the case of a failed referendum (Option X)

• No space would be added to the school

• The existing media center would be reduced in size to accommodate additional classrooms

• Existing two-station gym to remain

• Existing cafeteria and kitchen to remain

• Improve building safety and security

• Renovate building envelope

• ADA compliance and site improvements