The IKM-Manning Community School District is preparing for a Sept. 8 bond referendum vote on a $19.2 million addition and upgrade that would create a K-12 center in Manning. Six public meetings are being planned starting this week that will give all taxpayers within the district the opportunity to ask questions on the proposed project. Superintendent, Trevor Miller, says the one positive to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is a drop in interest rates that helps them secure $3.2 million of the project cost without taxing.
In addition to the renovation of the elementary section, built in 1958, this will also help with upgrades in the next few years to the high school, which was added in the 1970s. Initially, the IKM-Manning Board of Education was tasked with determining if they would split their resources and make improvements, updates and repairs to both the Manning and Irwin sites or consolidate into one building. Consolidation was chosen for a variety of reasons.
In 2014, the board was advised to close the IKM-Manning Middle School in Manilla. At that time, there was an outcry from residents on the impact this would have on their community. Miller says it was definitely a consideration in the decision to shut down the 63-year-old Irwin site. He says the board did not take this lightly and it is exactly why they are looking other options.
When it comes to the major benefits of the consolidation of resources, Miller says it is all about the students. Known for their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs, dedicated spaces will strengthen the educational offerings.
If the referendum does not pass, in addition to figuring out why and how to approach it again for a potential new vote in one year, the board will also have to make some tough decisions on budgeting for the needs of both the Manning and Irwin sites.
Miller urges everyone to come to one or more of the bond referendum meetings to get the facts first-hand and to learn more about the true impact on their taxes. These will be held: in Manilla Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Band Shell Park; in Irwin on Wednesday, Aug. 12 in City Park; and in Manning on Thursday, Aug. 13 at City Park. There are two meetings scheduled for each date, at noon and at 6 p.m.
