Decorah council and school district review downtown elementary plans, pressing for community access and cost restraint

School district officials on Monday presented updated designs and a procurement schedule for a proposed downtown pre-K through elementary school, and council members urged changes to improve public access and reduce features that could push costs higher.

Dr. Tim Cronin, who introduced the project to the council, said the district had completed schematic design and was moving into construction documents after voter approval of a general obligation bond in November 2024. Architect Nick Hildebrandt of Emergent Architecture described the site plan: a drop‑off loop on the north side, enlarged parking, playground zones split by age, tennis courts on the southeast corner, bus loading at the building’s rear and a possible turf area. Construction manager Tom (Myron) said the team plans a final budget snapshot by the end of November, contractor prequalification in December–January, bid day Jan. 22, and a spring 2026 start with occupancy for the 2027 school year.

Council members…