Letter from Theresa Diekmann
School Board Chair

As the School Board Chair deeply involved in the referendum process, I want to stress the importance of addressing our district’s building needs. The School Board has always had three goals in mind – 1) ensuring relevant learning environments for our students, 2) maintaining the physical infrastructure so we have safe, healthy, and comfortable places to teach and learn, and 3) be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers in the short and long-term. This referendum represents a balance of each of these goals and will help our district survive for the foreseeable future.

While we are three distinct communities, we are one unified school district and we need to consider, always, what is best for all of our students in our CGB School District regardless of their ZIP code. While it is never easy to close a school, the School Board took this issue very seriously and based the referendum on the thoughtful recommendation of a dedicated community taskforce and a community-wide survey.

The referendum provides a solution that improves the safety, health, and accessibility of our learning spaces, while providing up-to-date relevant spaces that maximize the opportunity for students to succeed both academically and as well-rounded individuals in life. It's also important to remember that a comprehensive educational approach extends beyond the classroom. Our athletics and activities programs are integral in providing students with life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and confidence, all of which correlate strongly with academic success. The second gym not only provides a necessary space for athletics but a space for physical education, performances, community gatherings, youth sports, and other activities.

I've been asked about project costs, in particular our project partner. As with all projects of this nature, there are costs associated with project development, architectural and design services, mechanical and electrical engineering, and project management during construction. These professional services are necessary for a successful project and are all inclusive of the fee we would pay. The board chose the company with whom we recently completed a successful project. We have every confidence in them to deliver the same high standard of professionalism our district expects. All equipment and construction services will be bid after engineering is complete and the school district will award contracts, not our project partner. 

If you have any questions or would like more details on these projects, please don't hesitate to reach out to any board member or Superintendent Brad Kelvington. Thank you for your engagement and support.

Theresa Diekmann
School Board Chair