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School board approves $831,329 open-concept bathroom remodel after split discussion
Summary
The La Crescent-Hokah School Board approved an $831,329 open-concept bathroom renovation for two secondary locations after debate over cost, student preference and permitting. The motion passed 5–2; administrators said funding would come from capital reserves and minor FY27 adjustments.
After extended discussion about student preference, maintenance and permitting, the La Crescent-Hokah School Board on a 5–2 voice vote approved an $831,329 contract to replace four secondary-school bathrooms with an open-concept design.
Board member Eric moved to accept the open-concept bid for both bathroom locations, and Brandon seconded. The motion passed with five members in favor and two opposed. Board members said they will proceed to finalize plans, secure permits and begin construction in the summer window to avoid disrupting the school year.
Administrators presented three budget options: a traditional four-bathroom plan at about $681,504; a fully open-concept plan at $831,329; and a hybrid (two traditional by the gym, two open-concept in student areas) at $756,917. Administration staff said the district has roughly $801,000 budgeted in capital funds and could draw an additional $35,000 from FY27 capital dollars to cover the open-concept price without tapping classroom operating funds.
Patrick, the facilities presenter, said students surveyed last spring “overwhelmingly” preferred the open-concept design. He and other staff argued the design could reduce vandalism, allow graffiti-resistant finishes and improve monitoring because the design uses individual lockable rooms with a hallway camera. Opponents and cautious board members pressed for permit and planning details, noting state plumbing permits and plan reviews can add months to the timeline.
Superintendent Wally and facilities staff emphasized the district’s intent to stage work so at least some bathrooms remain open during school and to perform the majority of construction when school is out. Administrators said the board’s decision authorizes staff to continue engineering, permitting and the bidding process; final actual contracts and construction timelines remain contingent on completed plans and permit approvals.
The action was taken after the board discussed budget tradeoffs, including delaying lower-priority facility projects to preserve capital for the remodel. The board did not list individual yes/no votes in the record; administration recorded the overall outcome as 5–2.
