Hiring the right firm is the first step in high school’s fate

Matt Helgerson, VP of business development with SitelogIQ, was back in his old stomping grounds Aug. 26, as he gave the Cornell School Board and members of the public a presentation of the role his company would play in updating the high school, if chosen. Another company will be on-hand at the next monthly meeting, which is open to the public, to pitch what their scope of work would look like. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Something needs to be decided about the Cornell High School building, as parts of it are no longer used and obsolete, while parts of the structure are aging. In that vein, the board of education heard a presentation Aug. 26, from SitelogIQ, a Midwest-based company who specializes in working with districts.

Since capital improvement costs will be more than the district can manage on their own, the matter has to go to referendum, leaving the ultimate decision to voters. After taking some time to talk with school administrators, viewing the building and touring the community, if SitelogIQ is engaged to oversee the project, they would come up with a design and present that to the public.

“This is very unique to each school district,” said Matt Helgerson, SitelogIQ VP of business development and 1994 Cornell High School graduate.

Through SitelogIQ, the district would have only one professional design contract, with fees set off construction value of the project, instead of multiple fingers in the pie.

“We do things differently,” said Helgerson. For their fee, SitelogIQ would select competitive bids, manage social media posts and send out correspondence to keep the community informed – all done in-house.

“I like the idea of all the eggs in one basket,” said Barb Thompson, community member/district grandparent.

Using a comprehensive facility assessment model, SitelogIQ helps implement solutions, such as the building’s aging infrastructure, technology needs, competitive environment, student needs and budget constraints.

“All of those different pieces are part of the process in helping you determine what is the right project, if any, to move forward,” said Helgerson.

They would even have an assessment on the decibel level in classrooms and of installing a storm shelter, if desired, and look at a safe and secure entrance.

The overreaching goal, is to align district needs with the expectations and priorities of the community.

“It’s really that simple,” said Darren Overton, SitelogIQ senior business consultant.

In order to achieve that, a committee would be created, made up of retirees, young parents, single parents, members of the ag community and more, to get their input on what they want to see with the high school.

“All facets need to be represented…all voices need to be heard,” said Overton.

By being open, honest, transparent and communicating, SitelogIQ would send out a survey of the tax impact, project goals and a timeline of work, to every resident in the district, before any options appear on a referendum for a vote.

In starting the process to find a good management company now, the district doesn’t have to rush the project. The board will hear from another company at their next meeting, but Helgerson told members that he just wants the district to succeed, even if that means going with someone else.

“I care about this community,” said Helgerson. “I’m proud to come from here.”