The Kenyon-Wanamingo School District has been actively engaging with community members for several months to determine the future of the Wanamingo school site. Through public comment sessions, phone calls, and emails, stakeholders have shared their insights and concerns, providing invaluable input for the decision-making process.
At the December 9th School Board meeting I presented two potential options for the Wanamingo site. We also addressed questions and feedback gathered over the past four months. Following the presentation, the district held its annual Truth and Taxation meeting.
Key Dates and Upcoming Meetings
The next steps in the decision process include two critical meetings in January, both taking place at the Wanamingo site:
January 6, 2025:
6:00 PM - Organizational Meeting: The School Board’s annual organizational meeting.
7:00 PM - Town Hall Meeting: A final opportunity for public discussion and community engagement.
January 27, 2025:
7:00 PM - School Board Vote: The School Board will make its final decision on the two options.
The Two Options
Full Closure: This option would close the Wanamingo site entirely, with the building no longer utilized by the district. The closure date would be determined by the School Board.
Partial Transformation: This option would repurpose the site into a multi-functional hub, providing early childhood education, preschool, daycare, and community education programs. The transformation aims to serve families in both communities while giving the building a purposeful new role.
Balancing Community Needs and Fiscal Sustainability
The district’s goal is to make a responsible, strategic decision that meets the educational and childcare needs of families while ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability. As Superintendent Giese noted, maintaining two sites in their current capacities makes these objectives virtually impossible.
Community input continues to be a vital part of the process. Residents are encouraged to attend the January meetings and share their thoughts as the district works toward a final resolution.
For more information, please email me at bgiese@kw.k12.mn.us or call at 507-789-7000
