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GWINN -- A central K-12 campus would be a resource to the entire Gwinn community.
That was one of the thoughts expressed by a special steering committee, which has been looking into the issue, at Monday's Gwinn Area Community Schools Board of Education meeting.
Jesie Melchiori, a member of that committee, talked about the "one school, one community" concept.
"The most important part for me to say to the community tonight is that this is a preliminary step for our small town to go forward in a big way for our kids," Melchiori said.
She pointed out that the concept began in 2014 when people saw the need for it. The plan would bring all the students from Gilbert and K.I. Sawyer elementary schools to a central campus, "giving them many amazing opportunities."
Melchiori said it would take about $41.5 million to get the school district's three buildings upgraded with the proper renovations, which doesn't include giving the students better opportunities. The "best school" scenario would involve an expenditure of about $60.9 million.
She said the steering committee worked hard to pare that figure to approximately $45.5 million, which would include renovations and offer more amenities to students.
"Much thought has been put into this plan," Melchiori said.
The building, she noted, would have a central exit and entrance with safety features. There also would be updated tools for teachers; updated science, technology, engineering and mathematics departments; updated technologies for the trades as well as arts and culture area; and additional gyms and recreation areas.
Major student and community features, Melchiori said, would be stronger relationships among the students starting at a much younger age, and stronger peer-to-peer mentor relationships.
"We would have a better culture for our students helping to enhance their mental health, better control and balance of class sizes," Melchiori said.
There also would be better lunch programs for the students, she said.
"Did you know that we cook all that food at 10 a.m., 'hot-hold' it in holding things, and we don't serve it until 12:30 to some of those kids?" Melchiori asked.
The single campus, as a recreation and emergency resource area, would give back to the community as a whole as well, she said.
"We're not saying that we want to take away from anything else in this community, but what a great asset that we would be able to add to," Melchiori said.
The financial information, she said, shows the project would provide a savings of 40,000 square feet, with the new buildings and upgrades more efficient.
"This is giving our kids and our grandkids a better leg up on learning and growing, not only as a school but in our community," Melchiori said.
Trustee Kristopher Langlois said he had heard concerns from parents regarding the mixing of younger kids with older ones.
"These parents are very adamant that if their young ones potentially go into this K-12 building, they're going to pull their students because they don't want their youngest to intermingle," Langlois said.
Melchiori said students would be in different wings, and with the addition of a recreation/gym area, their lunches would be separate from each other.
A special town hall is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Gwinn High School Library for the community to further discuss the issue. A special email where people can send questions has been set up at oneschoolonecommunity@yahoo.com.
Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.