Midkota school building project progresses

Construction is well underway on the new 10,500 square foot addition to the Midkota school in Glenfield which also includes some renovations in the current school building. 

Consolidated Construction of Bismarck is the general contractor for the new space which is located east of the current school. New classroom space for language arts, social science, a science lab, math and a media center/ITV room are all included in the new project.

Renovations in the current building include moving business offices east of their current location closer to the site where a new entrance will be constructed. Work will also be done on the lighting system, floor and wall coverings and windows.

The project will see the school move out of the 1914 building and 1928 buildings making the entire school one level and fully ADA compliant. This older area will be razed once the current project is completed.

The portable classroom that was located on the east side of the current school has been moved to the west side of the gymnasium while the portable on the north side of the school will be on site.

Midkota Business Manger Nikki Boote said the cost of the project was approximately $4 million which does not include the cost of removing the 1914 and 1928 buildings. The project at the Glenfield school will not require a vote for a mill levy increase.

Boote said costs will be covered by money currently in the school’s building fund and securing lease revenue bonds.

“The school will be able to make the bond payment each year for the next five years without raising mills for the district patrons,” said former School Superintendent Les Dale at the start of the project. Dale has since resigned and taken a position in another school in the state.

He also said that a five to seven-year plan would be needed to pay for the project. It is the plan and goal, but was not finalized while Dale was on board at the school.

Boote said that five to seven years is the current plan.

Meanwhile construction crews are busy with the project. Boote said the school is looking to have the new part available by early to mid-December.

“We are planning to move in during Christmas vacation,” she said.