February 25, 2014

New school plans to be unveiled at public forum

By Stephanie Norman
Farmer Staff Writer

It’s crunch time for individuals submitting absentee voting ballots to the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1, regarding the bond election for a new high school facility.
A formal and final vote is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, March 11, in the Watford City Elementary School Gymnasium. Up until voting day, residents may complete an absentee ballot at the school district office or by visiting the school web site.
Final plans, including budget and design, will be presented to the public at a third forum held at the Watford City High School Media Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The presentation will be roughly one hour long and three separate sessions will be offered at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m.
“This forum will be the culmination of the other forums, and while input will still be taken, it will be an opportunity to see the outcome of several months of planning and the input provided from both the community and previous meetings,” Superintendent Steve Holen said.
JLG Architects, along with the construction managers, Krauss-Anderson/Construction Engineers, will head the forum and be available to answer any questions regarding the plans and budget.
According to Holen, this presentation will allow the community to “listen to the rationale behind the design, get a complete breakdown of the cost and impact, and offer a full question and answer component.”
This is the last public forum before the vote and most likely the last chance the community will have to personally speak with the architects and construction managers.
“We believe this is a very important forum for the community to attend and ask questions,” Holen said. “As well as get a good look at what will be the look and layout of the facility if the vote is passed.”
Myra Anderson, head of the Vote Yes Committee, and her crew have been making their rounds getting factual information about the bond and high school out to individuals.
“A ‘yes’ vote means a new high school and space for all the kids to be in a school building,” Anderson said. “A ‘no’ vote is for portables. And portables do not have bathrooms for the kids. They would have to leave the portable and go to the school building for bathroom facilities.”
“I am confident we will win this election,” Anderson added. “The credit will go to those who are willing to spread the word with their passion that all of our kids deserve the best facilities we can give them.”
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER