Osage board continues safe room discussion

OSAGE | The Osage School District has completed the first two steps in the process of securing funds for a potential safe room.

The third step involves completing pre-design plans and an estimated budget for the potential room which could be either an addition onto the middle school building or an addition to Lincoln Elementary School.

Although no money is available at this time, money could become available by the approval of Homeland Security, said Superintendent Steve Bass.

"Unfortunately, money generally only becomes available if there is a catastrophic event," he said. "Although we would hate to see that happen, we need to be prepared if that does."

According to Bass, the district has completed its letter of intent to file for funds and has received initial approval from Iowa Homeland Security, the agency that oversees the distribution of funds.

The board is pursuing the two options following a recommendation from the districts facilities committee to meet with architect Ed Wineinger about the possibility.

After speaking with a Homeland Security representative, Bass was informed that the funds could not be used for a middle school gymnasium safe room due to its proximity to the Cedar River Complex.

"They do not want people leaving a 'safe' building to go to another 'safe' building," Bass said. "Even though we know people would."

Bass said he believed the board would still want to consider pursuing a new second competition gymnasium that would include new, upgraded lobby, locker rooms and offices.

"When looking at the 18 schools making up the new super conference," said Bass, "Osage is one of only four schools in the conference that will not have a second competition gymnasium."

View post:
Osage board continues safe room discussion