In 2021, USD 393 taxpayers passed an $8.82 million bond. During that time, the school received shy of a million dollars in grants for an on-site daycare, also known as the Early Learning Center. Now, in the spring of 2024, these projects are coming to a close.
The final touches on both projects include playground additions to the facilities. The playground at the north side of the complex is to be used by pre-kindergarten through first-grade students. According to Superintendant Justin Coup, “A poured-in-place rubber surface was awarded to the school through a recycled tire grant that we received.” North side construction also included a new, 80-stall parking lot. Coup said, “The parking lot was not in the original bond. In the bond that was passed, it was supposed to be rock. It was thanks to the Board of Education for having the foresight to upgrade it to concrete.” The new lot is already serving the school well. Each day it is used as a pickup and drop off location for elementary students, as well as parking for the many track meets and football games to come.
At the Early Learning Center, the playground that is currently underwork will be divided into two sections. One has age-appropriate equipment for newborn attendees to two years of age, and the other section for children two years and up. This playground was paid for with money from Governor Kelly’s Accelerator Grant, and the Patterson Family Foundation Grant. These grants, combined with the funds from the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, and a generous half-million dollar donation from the Dickinson County Commissioners and their use of Covid money. Without having a licensed daycare facility in Solomon, they felt this was necessary to invest in. “We want to thank them for their support because this will provide benefits that will last decades,” Coup reflected.
“Another wonderful addition, after using it for a year, has been our kitchen and commons area. We’re excited that we will be able to host around 200 guests, that can rent out the facility here in Solomon,” Coup mentioned. He and other administrators believe that it has been a great addition to the school, for daily interactions, and for school food services. He added, “The upgraded kitchen equipment and the utilization of space continue to amaze us and provide an efficient way to serve nearly 400 students on a daily basis.”
The final part of the bond that finished up was the makeover of the agriculture education classroom and shop area. Electrical upgrades, storage, flexible seating, and classroom areas have allowed the school to better utilize the space and provide a safer working area for all students. Additionally, during the time of construction of the elementary building, USD 393 received federal COVID-19 dollars from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which allowed for all new furniture to be purchased.
During the construction, on December 25, 2022, the school had a pipe burst due to low temperatures. “Around 380 thousand gallons of water flooded the lower level of our high school. In the middle of the bond we were hit with a flood, but it was a blessing in disguise. Now the lower high school has upgrades that match the new bond addition.” Because of the water damage, the school now also has a new gym floor and new hallways. Coup laughed, “Thank goodness for insurance!”
Through the bond, grants, insurance, and capital outlay money, over 11 million dollars has been invested to improve the USD 393 facilities. The school is now prepared and set up perfectly for many years to come. The administration would again like to thank all of the district patrons for their support.