Board reopens discussion of proposed Goldhanna Elementary/Junior High closure for 2025–26

Board member agenda item 9a brought back discussion about the possible closure of Goldhanna Elementary/Junior High for the 2025–26 school year. The item was placed on the agenda after staff presentations about district revenue losses and facility condition.

Board member Mr. McBride reviewed financial pressures and said that with the district’s revenue losses, difficult decisions must be considered, and he requested that the board discuss closure as an option. A board member representing the affected area said District 7 has taken a significant revenue hit and described the situation as requiring “tough decisions.”

Several members of the public addressed the board during the item. Mr. Carl Seiss (listed on the sign-in sheet) spoke during public comments; other residents raised questions about building repair needs, bid and estimate processes, and whether the district had performed competitive bidding for repairs. One speaker said engineers and architects produced the preliminary cost estimates and named “Perry Watson” as one of the firms doing preliminary work. Speakers asked if warranties or ongoing repair commitments existed for prior work and whether the district planned formal bids.

Staff and board members clarified that the district’s current numbers reflect engineer and architect estimates and that the district had not yet issued formal construction bids; board members described the figures on the agenda as estimates used to inform discussion rather than final project costs. No formal motion or final vote to close Goldhanna was recorded at the meeting; the item remained under discussion.