Nearly Seventy Attend Facilities Planning Committee Meeting
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Marian Viney
Grade configurations and learning environments were the topics of discussions at the Ad Hoc Educational and Facilities Planning Committee meeting on January 27. After the meeting, Elementary and Intermediate School Principal Pam Emmerich toured the group around the Intermediate School.
Nearly 70 members of the Belleville School District community attended a joint meeting of the Belleville School Board and the Educational and Facilities Planning Committee on January 27th. The committee, which was formed by the school board in October, is charged with evaluating the district's facility needs and, if necessary, offering solutions.
During the meeting, board and committee members heard from Elementary and Intermediate School Principal Pamela Emmerich and High School Principal Nathan Perry, who outlined the various needs in the district. In addition, findings from the first phase of the planning effort, which was completed in 2015, were reviewed.
The meeting on the 27th followed a December committee meeting in which members reviewed the process for conducting its work over the next several months and welcomed advisors available to assist them.
"The simple fact is that the district's schools have been maintained very well over the years, but we have a number of issues that require our attention. These issues include heating and ventilation needs, roofing issues, and a number of related items," said Pam Yoder, Superintendent. "At the same time, the Belleville schools do not have many of the security measures that most other schools have, they are not very energy efficient, and they lack many items that allow for the adoption of new curriculum and best teaching practices."
Comprised of a cross-section of the Belleville community, including current parents, retirees, school staff, and school board members, the Educational and Facilities Planning Committee will continue the work begun on an earlier comprehensive facilities study.
"It is important for the school board to be open and transparent in this process, and we encourage all school district residents to participate in these important meetings," said Angela Edge, School Board President. "We were thrilled to see so many residents at the last meeting and hope we can get even more at future meetings."
Information about the committee, including previous presentations and dates, locations, and times of future meetings, can be found on the district's website: http://www.belleville.k12.wi.us and clicking on "Educational And Facilities Planning" under the District tab.
Community members and staff are also encouraged to contact Pam Yoder at (608) 424-3315 or eft@belleville.k12.wi.us with questions.
