Esko board plans new fitness center

A quiet summer for the Esko Public Schools has allowed administrators and school board members to move forward with plans for a few school improvement projects that will begin construction during the 2022-23 school year.

The Esko school board approved the district’s contract with Minneapolis-based ICS, the construction company the district has used in the past, for the construction of a new fitness center and to complete the new water treatment system.

Superintendent Aaron Fisher said these projects, both included in the district's 10-year facilities plan, are important for the comfort, safety and education of Esko students.

The water treatment system is being implemented to help improve the taste of the water in the school, which is something staff brought up as a concern during the creation of the 10-year facilities plan.

Fisher informed the board the fitness center project is not only to help improve the educational experience for students through fitness classes, but also to change the location of the current fitness center to ensure safety.

The current fitness center is located in the middle of the school building and has no outside doors, creating safety concerns when it is utilized by groups from the community.

The new fitness center will be located on an outside wall, as an addition to the current school building.

Fisher reported to the board that the current fitness center will be reused in some fashion, as no space in the school goes unused.

The board also approved using the district's annual lease levy to finance the fitness center project. By utilizing a lease levy, the board will not need voter approval and will not raise taxes.

Reunion success

The board spent a majority of the meeting discussing and praising the success of the Esko All-Class Reunion held Aug. 2-7.

High school principal Greg Hexum shared stories that past students and teachers told him during the tours he led through the school for the celebration.

Board members and superintendent Fisher shared their excitement that the school had great participation in the parade, with numerous floats being led by Esko students.

Board member and Esko graduate Todd Rengo shared with the board how special the celebration was for him to see how proud everyone is of their school.

The board offered thanks to every person who was involved in planning the reunion and made plans to collect photos to share on the school’s Facebook page.

Fall sports

In other business Monday, the board approved the fall sports coaches for the 2022-2023 school year.

Under the new sportsmanship initiative, all coaches attended training over the summer to help prepare for the upcoming season.

Coaches and athletes attended sessions aimed at improving sportsmanship, and learned about mental health and leadership. The board approved all 30 coaches and volunteers for fall sports, with board members expressing thanks for the community’s involvement in Esko sports.