May 24, 2015
 Editor:
Dave Uphoff
The various community meetings held by the Fieldcrest Board of Education the past 2 weeks was well attended and revealed some community preferences. The crowd at the Wenona meeting indicated they want to keep a school in their community. The crowd at Minonk was more diverse in their opinions with some saying they want a new school and some saying they want to remodel the old school.What was surprising was learning the walls at the Fieldcrest gymnasium are failing. This is probably due to faulty construction when the structure was built in 1976. It is not surprising to learn that newer buildings are not built as well as the older buildings. That is one reason many people feel that the old buildings should be updated since they were built with superior craftsmanship and materials. One of the contingencies of upgrading the old schools is that once remodeling cost exceed 50% of new construction cost, the remodeling of the older buildings must include new heating and air conditioning, a sprinkler system, and a storm shelter area among other State mandates that are applicable to new construction. This is what adds to the cost - satisfying state mandates and requirements. It is no secret the school board and the school administration want to build new rather than remodel. But it still seems apparent than many of the residents would rather remodel. The board of education indicated they will adopt a plan that is favored by the community. Therefore, they will be planning a public tour of the buildings so people can see for themselves the condition of the buildings. Also, a survey may be taken to judge community preference.
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Perhaps after these tours, the public may be in a better position to decide which approach to take - rebuild or remodel. The only thing that seems apparent at this point is that few people are in favor of one big campus in a central location. Each community wants to keep their schools. Presbyterian Church futureThe Board of Education will be deciding on what to do with the former Presbyterian Church the school bought several years ago. At the March meeting, Board President Joe Kirkpatrick made a motion to have the building demolished. However, the board decided to put that decision off until the board meeting on Wednesday, May 27.There are several reasons the Presbyterian Church should not be demolished. First of all, it will cost $100,00 or more to tear it down. The school does not have that extra money to demolish the building. To purchase a building for $40,000 and then spend $100,000 several years later to demolish is a waste of tax payers money. It would be better to spend $100,000 and upgrade the building instead of spending that money to demolish it. Then it could be sold more easily. Secondly, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Minonk and should be saved. The board should seek out bidders for the building and let someone remodel the building. It is better to sell the building for a nominal amount instead of spending $100,000 to demolish another of Minonk's beautiful old buildings.
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