OPN Architects shows new elementary floor plans as principals report testing, activities and student concerns

Katie Harms of OPN Architects presented floor plans for the district's proposed new elementary building, introducing design details for board review as Monticello Community School District plans to transition from two elementary buildings to a single facility.

Principals provided building-level updates that highlighted assessment schedules, student activities and operational items. Elementary Principal Shannon Kehoe said, "We recently completed MAP testing with 3rd and 4th graders," and noted parent-teacher conferences scheduled for March 11 and 13 and an art show on March 11. Kehoe said staff are focusing on new state personalized reading plans and that teachers will participate in "adaptive learning" professional development in March and May tied to the move to one building.

Middle School Principal Todd Werner reported that middle school MAP testing is complete, that School Counselor Week and School Resource Officer Day were observed, and that hands-on learning included heart dissections for fifth graders; Werner said a student winter dance was "attended by around 185 students." High School Principal Nick Schauf said winter sports are wrapping up and that college and career planning work continues, adding, "The new high school cafeteria furniture has arrived and looks great." Schauf also said the school is monitoring challenges including cell phones, vaping and illegal substances.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Jaeger told the board some district property lines are mixed with the city's and said the new elementary project is an opportunity to review sites including the football field, bus barn and the Shannon and Carpenter locations for possible land swaps; the board agreed to continue that discussion at future meetings.

The board will consider the floor plan and related facilities decisions in upcoming meetings as planning continues for the consolidated elementary building.