Highland Park South could see more construction

Highland Park students could have more than new classrooms and office space this fall, depending on whether or not school trustees decide to move forward with the third phase of an addition project.

Last year, Havre Public Schools Trustees approved the first two phases of an addition that will add classrooms and office space to Highland Park Early Primary School South. The addition allows all K-1 students to be in one building, with access to library resources, technology and an in-house principal.

Trustees were scheduled to discuss the feasibility of continuing the project to include the multi-purpose/cafeteria room at their meeting this afternoon.

"It just wasn't even a reality at the time to consider adding on that addition," Interim Superintendent Andy Carlson said about the multi-purpose room/cafeteria.

"We're at a spot where we can make Highland Park so that it can meet the needs for a long time," he said.

"We're already crowded in the gym area in serving lunch," he said, adding that tables have to be set up in hallways to serve all the students.

The new room would provide ample room for proper food storage and serving areas, he said.

Also, the room could be used for community events and things such as community education courses.

"It's amazing how often our buildings are used for different events," he said.

Cost estimates put the price tag between $440,000 and $480,000, Carlson said.

"Which is a lot of money," he added, but said that if the final phase is completed with the current work, money will actually be saved by not having to partially tear down the current work to add on later.

Dick Anderson Construction, the construction manager at risk for the first two phases, would continue as such for the third phase. Current subcontractors also would be used, Carlson said.

Construction would likely run into the start of the school year, but would be completed in the fall, he said.

Th e d i s t r i c t wouldn't be considering the third phase of the addition at all right now if a more than $800,000 grant h a d n o t b e e n received to hel p cover the cost of the first two phases of cons t ruc t ion. I n addition to the grant, the district is using $225,000 in excess reserves funds for the current construction.

Excess reserves money, also known as flex funds, would likely be used for the third phase, along with money from the elementary building reserve fund and stimulus dollars, Carlson said.

"It's not something that we're going to move forward on if it puts the district in financial risk at all," he added.