Caledonia Argus

Construction may be delayed after vandals damage school

Posted: 2/5/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Approximately $15,000 to $25,000 in damage to the new middle/high school was discovered early Monday morning, February 4.

Ken Cote', site superintendent for Kraus-Anderson Construction Engineers, informed board members of the damage that night at a school board meeting.

The exact dollar amount for damage had not been figured at the time of the meeting. Also, Cote' was unable to say what type of delay this would cause to the construction schedule. Meetings have been scheduled to assess the damage and the effect clean-up will have on the construction schedule.

Cote' commented, ìThe damage was quite extensive.î

The damage is said to have occurred between Sunday, February 3, at 4 p.m. and early Monday morning.

Fire caulk, which is thick, expensive red material, was splashed upon the walls of the mezzanine and kitchen area. Graffiti was spray-painted on the the side of an air handler unit and duct work. An electric transformer was pushed into the seating area of the auditorium. Other items were thrown on the walls. A sledgehammer was used to break holes in the masonry walls.

Cote' noted that the vandals damaged one of the entryways which allowed cold air into the building causing 20 containers of five gallon paint to freeze.

Pop was taken from a refrigerator, but the money that was on top was left.

The construction site has been a target for three to four incidents of vandalism, but this has caused the most damage.

Cote' said that the building is checked periodically during non-working hours.

Discussion on alternative school tabled

Does the district have too much on its plate to be considering adding an alternative school?

Board Chair Cheryl Whitesitt feels the issue can be discussed at a later date, while board member Chuck Schulte said the transition into the new school should be a priority.

Bruce Bulman, however, felt the issue needs to be discussed sooner than later, because sending students to alternative schools cause a negative financial impact to the district.

An alternative school is where at -risk students, those who are at risk of not graduating, can choose to attend school. The Bluff Country Learning Center in Hokah is an example of an alternative school. Some students from our district attend the Learning Center. Alternative schools provide a less structured atmosphere for students. Graduation standards are also different.

It was noted by Keith Hollatz, math teacher, that the district actually loses more money by sending its students to a disciplinary type of setting called the Leadership Program in La Crosse. For $90 a day, students are confined to a structured setting where they are allowed to do homework.

It was decided that the issues will be further discussed at the April 15 meeting.

Students chose color of gym

Board member Barb Hurley reported that the colors for the new gym have been decided after students were given a choice on two color scheme options. The survey was administered by the student council.

The overwhelming majority, said Hurley, chose the option which had beige walls and ceilings. One option had included 10 feet of maroon wall with beige ceiling.

The bleacher seats will be gold with black steps.

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