Banks SD 13 superintendent says high school construction crews will mobilize next week; artifacts available for pickup

Brian Sika, superintendent of Banks SD 13, said the district’s long‑planned high school project will move into a visible construction phase next week when crews begin mobilizing on the campus. “Our construction vehicles will begin to mobilize, will begin to come onto our campus,” Sika said in a short video update.

Sika said crews will first set up fencing and routing to allow safe access for workers, then begin removing older buildings that will not remain as part of the new campus. “Part of that work, the initial part of that work is going to be to begin to remove some of the old buildings that won't be on our campus any longer,” he said.

The superintendent said a district committee has spent about six months developing plans to incorporate the school’s traditions into the new building and to preserve pieces of campus history where possible. He announced an opportunity for community members to take home artifacts that cannot be integrated into the new construction: an electronic form attached to the video will let people sign up and arrange pickup times. “One additional opportunity I want to share with you is the opportunity for you to take home some of the artifacts and some of the pieces of the old building that we won't be able to put into the new construction,” Sika said.

Sika directed residents to the district’s bond page for regular updates and referenced a newsletter published the prior week for more details. He also invited anyone with questions to call him directly. The message closed with holiday well wishes and a sign‑off from the superintendent.

No formal vote or board action was included in the message; Sika presented the update as an informational announcement and next steps for the construction schedule.