Dist 742 task force recommends building new schools, closing others
by Jim Maurice, WJON.com

ST. CLOUD -- A new report suggests the St. Cloud Area school district should start planning now for a new Tech High School.

David Leapalt is the co-chair of the Facilities Task Force. He'll present their report to the school board tomorrow (Thursday) night.

The report recommends the district buy land within the next three years for a new high school.   He says the report recognizes they would need strong community support before that could happen.  The new Tech High School wouldn't be built until about 4-7 years from now.

The report also recommends a new elementary school be built in the Neenah Creek area in south St. Cloud within the next seven years.   Possibly in a joint effort between the district and the city of St. Cloud.

Other suggestions include: making Clearview a Pre-K through 8 school, turning both junior highs into 6-8 buildings, combining the two A-L-C buildings into one, and possibly closing Lincoln elementary.

The Facilities Task Force report is just a tool for the school board to use, as they plan for the district's future.

 AUDIO:  Facilities Task Force co-chairman David Leapalt talks with WJON.com's Jim Maurice.