Public Statement
October 21, 2025
Subject: Reflections on the Decorah Community School District Site Plan for the New Elementary School
Members of the Decorah Community School District Board of Education and Superintendent Cronin,
I want to take a moment to share a few thoughts and concerns that have been brought to my attention by several community members, as well as observations I’ve made after reviewing the current site plan and supporting documents for the new John Cline Elementary School, along with the public records surrounding its development.
While I understand that many of these conversations and decisions began before my tenure on the City Council, I’ve taken time to review past meeting minutes, public presentations, and video archives to better understand the project’s evolution. Based on what I’ve seen—and what many residents have echoed—the current plan differs significantly from the community-centered vision that was originally presented and that many voters thought they were supporting.
From my review, the original mutual understanding between the city and the District centered on a collaborative, community-based approach that would strengthen connectivity, maintain shared-use green space, and serve as a focal point for both education and community gathering. However, the current plan reflects substantial deviations from that intent.
The current site plan includes several notable changes:
- A 74,398-square-foot building footprint that now dominates much of the site, leaving less room for the community-oriented spaces once envisioned.
- Over 111 parking stalls, nearly triple the existing 40, despite ample surrounding parking already available to serve both school and community use.
- The elimination of the downtown-to–high school pathway connection, a vital feature for walkability and shared use.
- Eight-foot fencing and restricted access points, which create a more isolated feel rather than an integrated community presence. (While the updated application does reduce the fence height, the design still feels restrictive.)
- The inclusion of a competition-sized gymnasium, complete with adult locker rooms, officials’ spaces, and concession areas—features that appear to drive the increased building footprint and reduce available outdoor recreation and green space. In my opinion, this gym reflects needs more closely aligned with high school athletics than with early elementary students or the community’s original intent.
- The decision not to include lighting for the tennis courts, which limits community accessibility and usability for much of the year.
These changes depart from what was envisioned and communicated—not only to previous City Councils but also to the public throughout the engagement process leading up to the bond measure and its passage. The plans shared at that time, along with the North Alley Visioning process, emphasized openness, shared spaces, and mutual trust between the City and the District. The original premise of the land sale was rooted in a shared commitment to build an early elementary school that connected education, recreation, and community in the heart of Decorah.
I also want to acknowledge that I’ve heard positive feedback noting that this School Board has been one of the most “hands-on” and engaged boards seen on a project of this scale—a testament to the passion and commitment of its members. I respect the dedication that requires and recognize that every decision comes from a place of wanting to best serve students and families. Still, as with any large-scale project, even the best of intentions can sometimes overshadow broader community expectations or collaborative priorities.
I debated whether to send this message at all, knowing that public projects naturally invite a wide range of opinions. However, as elected officials, we share a duty to uphold transparency, encourage dialogue, and ensure that commitments made to our community are honored.
As this project moves forward, I respectfully urge the School Board and Superintendent to:
- Revisit opportunities for community connectivity, especially around pedestrian access and green space integration.
- Reconsider the expanded parking and gym design elements in light of the original intent to balance school and community use.
- Restore shared-use and accessibility features, including lighting for public recreation areas, to maintain openness that reflects Decorah’s community values and aligns with the input gathered prior to and following the bond measure’s passage.
Ultimately, we all share the same goal: to create an exceptional environment for our community. In this case, that means providing an outstanding educational facility for students and families while also preserving the integrity of the partnerships and promises that make Decorah special.
I share these thoughts not in opposition, but in the hope that we can realign the project with its original intent and ensure it truly reflects both the educational and communal spirit of Decorah.
Thank you for your time, service, and commitment to getting this right—for our students, for our families, and for the community as a whole.
Christopher Miculinich
City Councilmember, Ward 2
