Elementary updates await MNW students
Renovations complete in time for school year
Trending
BARNUM -- When Manson Northwest Webster Elementary School students return to class on Monday, they'll go into the building through a revamped main entrance.
And when it's time for recess they'll head to an all-new playground without having to worry about crossing an access drive to get there.
The main entrance and the new playground are two of the most visible changes resulting from a nearly $2.5 million renovation job that wrapped up in time for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.
"We are extremely excited about the improvements that have been made to our elementary school," Manson Northwest Webster School District Superintendent Justin Daggett said in a written statement.
"This project addressed some important infrastructure and safety needs while also creating better space for our students, families and staff,” he added. "We are grateful to our community for supporting the district and investing in the future of our students."
One of the most significant elements of the project is essentially invisible. The effort included improved grading and drainage across the entire elementary school site. District officials said those improvements will address drainage concerns and provide a safer, more functional campus.
The project also included a new playground for students of all ages. Preschool students now have a playground featuring a poured-in-place safety surface, while the transitional kindergarten through sixth grade playground has been improved with new turf.
As part of the drainage update, the entire playground area was raised and shifted closer to the south side of the building.
An access road used by trucks delivering supplies to the school was rerouted around the playground so that students don't have to cross it.
A new canopy makes the main entrance of the school impossible to miss. That new main entrance includes a secured access point for parents and visitors during the school day. Visitors will be funneled through the main office, rather than having easy access to the corridors of school.
The school's main office area was remodeled and reconfigured to make better use of the available space. As part of the remodel, the school now has a new nurse's office with an attached restroom specifically available for student use.
Finally, an old bus barn on the site was demolished.
Jensen Builders Ltd., of Fort Dodge, was the general contractor for the project.
The work was paid for with a bond issue, which is being retired with revenue from the district's physical plant and equipment levy.