Fact Box

HUMBOLDT - Facility changes are being considered for the Humboldt Community School District.

Superintendent Greg Darling gave a presentation to the Humboldt City Council Monday, in which he outlined potential developments, including the possibility of a new middle school for the district.

According to Darling, a committee has updated the district's facility plan.

A facility study done in 2005-2006 was not followed up on because of a lack of funds and a lack of consensus, Darling said.

However, with a one cent sales tax in place through 2029, the district has access to new funds, Darling said.

According to a study conducted by RDG Planning and Design of Ames, all of the district's facilities are in good condition except the middle school.

The last addition to the middle school was completed in 1938, according to the report, which cited the school's lack of parking and difficulty modifying the facility to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

One potential solution would be to build a new middle school at the high school in southwestern Humboldt, said Darling.

If a new middle school is built, the school district would repurpose the current middle school site, Darling said.

"We are not going to lease it out," said Darling, who suggested that perhaps the city could find a use for the facility.

Darling said groundbreaking on a new middle school could occur as soon as next summer.