It’s Time
By Kevin Sims
Minco Public Schools Superintendent
It is time. I think if you are an observer of Minco, it's safe to say that it's time to start addressing the future of the Minco community and our school. I am firmly convinced that over the next decade, we will see substantial growth in our town. In fact, growth is inevitable. With this being a reality, we must be proactive as a school district in building and keeping momentum that is positive and proper. We have addressed so many needs in the last decade. New schools, saferooms, and improvements in all three schools have been great.
We have needs to meet. We need new athletic facilities, agricultural education facilities, and early childhood facilities. I am driven and believe that within five years all of these needs will be met. We will see the growth in district value over the next five years. The energy direction with the Rumble Solar Project in the Minco school district will make these things become a reality.
A few years ago growth committees began looking at our needs and determining how to best meet those needs. This group met several times and we developed goals for the above-mentioned needs. Our architectural firm Principle Design led by Ben Smith, Scott Chasteen, and Matt Groves developed a master plan to help us visualize what needs to be done and where facilities should be placed. In 2013, we bought forty acres of land from the Betche family. This land is prime real estate. We have forty acres of prime land along a major highway in the United States. This is where we are going to continue to build our high school and middle school campuses. Educational and extracurricular activities will be on these 40 acres.
In saying all of this, the time is here to start the transformation. On November 14th, 2023, you will have the chance to make your voice known. The Minco Board of Education has approved a measure for an election that would bring a new athletic facility to just north of the present high school. This is Phase #1. We desperately need a track for the over 100 students in grades 5 to 12 who participate in track and field. We are producing state champions and medalists all without a track. It's time to build this. This track will be open for use early in the mornings and evenings so the Minco citizens have a safe place to walk and jog. This is a great opportunity for all.
We have had a tremendous football program for several years. This bond will provide football facilities that are badly needed. Schools are in a competitive climate. To keep attracting families and children we need to build new and better. Our neighbors and competitors have better facilities than us. We can change this and make it better for our students and community.
It's time. We have an opportunity to meet some major needs on November 14, 2023. In the next seven weeks, I will be meeting groups and having Question and Answer sessions. Join me at Prime Roast Coffee at 7:30AM on Friday, September 22nd for great coffee, breakfast, and discussion. Feel free to stop by and visit.