The public is invited to open houses and tours of the Berg Middle School hosted by the Preserve the Pride committee. These tours are in preparation of the Sept. 13 vote on a $26.9 million bond referendum that would allow the Newton Community School District to build a new 5-8 middle school in Newton.
The four open houses are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday; 5:30 to 7 p.m., Aug. 30 and 5:30 to 7 p.m., Sept. 1; and one from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 11.
Citizens will be able to ask question of the committee as well as tour the building. During the tour learn about the condition of the building and the challenges our teachers and students are faced with each and every day.
The current Berg Middle School — built in the early 1960s — offers limited capability with regard to adapting to modern and future education best practices. The tour will allow citizens to see the need for a new middle school first hand. Wiring, electrical wiring and controls, mechanical and HVAC systems, lighting technologies, room structures, space allocations and accessibility are just a few of many environmental factors that are out of date in the current building, hampering the growth and progress in educating throughout the community.
The vote for the bond takes place on from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at Jasper County Community Center, 2401 First Ave. E. in Newton.
Visit www.preservethepride.com to learn more about the bond referendum and the efforts needed in our community to ensure all students learn to think, innovate and succeed.