Murra, Knaack say timing right for school expansion

Part one of a two-part series. As Grundy Center Community School District voters prepare to go to the polls Sept. 10 and decide whether or not to pass a bond issue that will allow the District to add on to both its Elementary and Secondary buildings, many questions have been raised. This week’s story explores the Grundy Center Community School District’s proposed construction project at a basic level and how it is likely to affect taxpayers. It also explores what kind of questions have been asked of School Board members and administrators. Part two of the series, which will be printed in next week’s paper, explores the project in greater depth including why there is a need for additional space in the district, what will be done with the Upper Elementary building and, finally, what the District will do if the bond issue fails.

GRUNDY CENTER — Grundy Center Community School District voters will go to the polls Sept. 10 to decide the fate of a $7.663 million project that would add space at both the Elementary and Secondary buildings.

An addition to the west side of the Elementary building would add classroom space for preschool, before- and after-school programs as well as specials such as AEA and Talented and Gifted. The Secondary building would see expansion on both the south and west sides, with an additional gymnasium, new band room and fine arts storage and a new plaza area outside Spartan Stadium.

The need for expansion comes as the district faces increasing enrollment. Each class level currently at the elementary school has expanded from two to three sections on the past four years, with class sizes as much as 20 students larger at the elementary than those currently in the high school. Superintendent Cassi Murra said there is no indication that the increased enrollment will stop any time soon.

The district is also in a strong position financially, according to Murra, making this a good time for the project.

“We have done several wonderful projects over the last 10 years,” she said. “They have done a fantastic job of maintaining and improving what we currently have. Some of the things we have been spending money on we have wrapped up.”

Read the full article in the Aug. 29 edition of the Register.