Linn-Mar stays with concept of single high school

MARION - The Linn-Mar School Board, at its final strategic planning session of the school year, this week retained the concept of a single high school and rejected - for now - a study committee recommendation that the district build a stand-alone early childhood center.

The board reviewed five possible facility scenarios before throwing out ones involving either a second high school or an early childhood center. It asked administrators for more information on scenarios using either a new elementary school or an eighth- and ninth-grade center to meet growth-related demands.

Linn-Mar's seven elementary schools serve either pre-kindergarten or kindergarten through fifth grades, two middle schools, sixth through eighth grades; and a high school, ninth through 12th grades.

Board members and administrators are holding sessions to come up with a facilities plan for the next five to 10 years. They are developing pro and con lists for each suggested scenario and seeking public comment.

The district is projecting at least three more sessions before a facilities plan is completed with priorities and timelines.