Usually when a new school is to be built on or near the site of a current school, a major problem is providing student learning space while the new school is being built.  For the proposed new Malad Elementary School, this should not be a significant issue.

Plans for the new school call for it to be built almost entirely where the old high school once was. Even though the footprint of the new school would be much larger than that of the current elementary school due to the new school being all on one level, the new school would not require the demolition of the current school before or during construction. Therefore, students would continue attending the current elementary school until the new building is completed.

The front of the new school would face the corner of 400 North and 300 West. The school would extend north but would not interfere with the tennis courts or Pioneer Park. The new school would, however, require closing off the current playground while construction is underway.  Students would use Harding Field north of the current school as a play area during the 2023-2024 school year.

Timing for New School

Keeping in mind that the proposed school bond must pass before a new school can be built, groundbreaking for the new school would be in April 2023. Approximately 16 months later, the new Malad Elementary School would be ready for occupancy in August 2024, just in time for the 2024-2025 school year.

Flexibility and Safety

Superintendent Jon Abrams reminds everyone that flexibility will be the key to a successful 2023-2024 school year while the new school is being built.  As he stated during the recent public hearing on the subject, “We know there will obviously be some disruption during the year—that’s unavoidable.  But we also know the end result will be well, well worth it.” The bus loading and unloading area would be moved from its current location west of the elementary school and may have to be moved a couple of times during construction.  Areas for picking up and dropping off students would have to be flexible with parents staying aware of changes for waiting, driving, and parking.

Student safety would be the top priority during construction. The construction area would be fenced off, and signs would warn trespassers of consequences. Teachers and staff would be vigilant in safeguarding students before, after, and during school hours, but parents would also need to help their students stay safe.

The reward for one year of inconvenience would be a new, state-of-the-art elementary school, with updated safety and learning facilities for the Oneida School District. 

The bond election is scheduled for March 14, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Event Center at the Fairgrounds.  Early voting will take place at the Recorder’s Office at the Courthouse from February 27 – March 10. Ballots will be mailed to Precincts 5 and 6 (Holbrook and Stone) and must be received no later than March 14.

Voters are reminded by the school district that a YES vote will not increase property taxes, and a NO vote will not decrease property taxes. However, the bond must pass so that Oneida School District would be eligible for its share of state funding for this school construction project under the bond equalization.  The funds for the equalization have already been collected, and will be used elsewhere in the state if the bond fails.  “We think that money should be spent right here,” Abrams said.

For more information, see the School District website: www.oneidaschooldistrict.com or contact Mr. Abrams at 208-534-6080, ext. 412.