Cornell School Board - If you want a high school, choices have to be made

The middle/high school Student Council members at Cornell, collected items for a Christmas giving tree this year, which were then given to a teacher in the district, who is far from home over the holidays. “It led to a huge pile of Christmas presents,” said Karl Wescott, high school Student Council. Submitted Photo

By Ginna Young

It’s a long way in the future, but the Cornell School District is beginning plans for what the middle/high school building will look like. Should the building be remodeled, should a new facility be constructed or should the high school be closed, and the classes shared with another district?

That’s what the district wants to know. The matter was discussed Dec. 18, during a regular school board meeting.

Stephanie Seidlitz, board treasurer, pointed out that they are just in the early stages, which is why they need opinions. While there are no issues yet with the oldest part of the building, someday, that could change, so that’s why it’s important to start planning now.

“Plain, simple fact, the building’s old,” said board clerk Eileen Sikora.

Sikora also mentioned that people have asked her, why, when the district is debt free, where the money they raise goes. Superintendent Paul Schley says it’s because Cornell doesn’t levy anymore for debt, only for operations.

If the high school building was to close, Cornell would pay another district to take the kids, so that doesn’t help taxes at all. Consolidation is not an option on the table.

“It’s not going to happen, we already know that,” said Schley, adding that Cornell will not seek out consolidation, because of past experiences. “If someone would approach us, that’s a different story.”

If anyone has questions about how the district operates or what the future of the high school might be, they should contact Schley.

“This is the time to be proactive, instead of reactive,” said school board president Lyle Briggs.

During the meeting, members also approved the resignation of ag teacher/FFA adviser Danielle Mihalski, who leaves to pursue a new opportunity that aligns with personal and professional goals.

I consider myself fortunate to have developed wonderful relationships with my colleagues and students, she wrote. It has been an honor to be a part of the district and I wish everyone continued success.