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Residents urge board to keep Wanamingo school building for community use
Summary
Members of Friends of Wanamingo told the Kenyon-Wanamingo School District board that local residents and alumni want the Wanamingo Elementary building preserved for community-oriented uses rather than sold to a nonlocal buyer.
At a special Kenyon-Wanamingo School District meeting, a representative of Friends of Wanamingo urged the board to consider the town’s long history with the Wanamingo Elementary School building at 225 3rd Avenue South, saying the community has supported the school for decades.
"We hope that you just consider our town and our community that has helped this school district drive for 34 years," the resident said, describing alumni visits, local pride and the group’s interest in keeping the building available for community activities. The speaker identified the group as Friends of Wanamingo and said members had coordinated alumni visits and were preparing a documentary about the building’s history.
The speaker acknowledged their group's offer was not at the online listing price but said the proposal prioritized continued community access and programming rather than maximizing immediate return. They urged the board to weigh the social value of a local gathering place — including courts and space for youth activities — when reviewing offers.
The public comment occurred during the open portion of a meeting the board classified as an emergency session because of time-sensitive offers on the property. After public remarks, the board moved to close part of the meeting to discuss the offers in private as allowed under Minnesota statute.
