Lamar RE2 School Board discusses potential consolidated campus for all schools at June 9 meeting

Present at the June 9, 2025 Lamar RE2 School Board meeting were representatives from Performance Services, a firm who specializes in all-in-one design/construction services, with experience in K-12 construction and energy-efficient buildings.  The group was at the meeting to present to the board what their firm could offer if Lamar RE2 proceeds with plans for a consolidated campus at Lamar High School.  Surveys to the community in 2023 had a lot of responses, with both pros and cons about consolidating the schools. Under consideration are merging all grade schools K-5 into one separate building and having grades 6-12 in another in the location of the present high school.  One of the group’s architects was present and asked if Lamar has considered having one single building with the  grade levels separated into wings.  She mentioned safety could be enhanced in a situation where a lockdown was necessary, as well as the cost-savings in maintenance and utilities.  Superintendent Dr. Chad Krug said they would look at all options if the project proceeds.

In past community surveys (one in July/August and another in November/December of 2023), community members mentioned the large range of age differences, losing the community atmosphere by removing neighborhood schools and the potential historic significance of existing buildings as negatives.  Cost savings, maintenance, staffing, efficiency with transportation (bussing as well as having one drop-off location for parents), updated facilities and technology and safety were all mentioned as positives to the plan.  Dr. Krug made the point that kids learn with their hands as well as their brains, and having a new facility with hands-on labs and areas for fields of study like agriculture and trades would be more beneficial to students.  Performance Services stressed that utilizing their firm would ensure consistency, as everything from design to consulting (they have educational consultants on staff who specialize in school design) to construction are with the same firm.  They also have experience in helping school districts find funding via grants, etc. Time and cost savings would be a plus for the district – they honor the price they quote and can quickly and efficiently work to correct any construction issues that may arise since they utilize their own employees in every step.  The board agreed to meet with the group in the near future to further discuss the issue.

In other business, the board approved the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025/2026, designating Terri Farmer as the Election Official for the 2025 school board election and the purchase of a 2018 Van Hool 38-passenger bus.  School handbooks for staff, students/parents and special education were also approved.  Resignations were accepted for 8 employees, including two fourth-grade Parkview teachers, a third-grade Parkview teacher, two special education teachers at Parkview, a Paraprofessional at Parkview, an ELL teacher at Washington, and the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Lamar Middle School. Hirings of a Parkview elementary teacher, a Paraprofessional at Parkview, a part-time District Nurse at the high school, head volleyball coach for the high school, and three freshman class sponsors at the high school were approved. Two custodial employees are transferring between schools and a nurse transferred to a part-time position.

The next meeting for the Lamar RE-2 School Board will be Monday, July 14 at 5:30 pm at the Administration Building.

By: Barbara Crimond