The original renderings of the Northfield High School Campus have gone through some changes along the way. Many of the changes were due to very poor construction estimates, and others are due to greater needs of the school and the community. A most recent possible change is delaying the construction of a commons building. “We looked at where we are at with athletic facilities, and we are not where we need to be,” says DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg. “To be honest, we weren’t exactly sure of the purpose a commons building would serve in the first place. It just sounded fancy, and therefore, like something Stapleton residents would like.”
Many Stapleton residents are for delaying the commons area in lieu of improvements to athletic facilities. “I always thought the common building just sounds silly,” says resident Grant Reevis. “Honestly, it just sounds like a place where kids will sit around flirting, texting, and playing games on their phones. Do we really need to spend $10 million for a place that kids can waste more of their time?” Ryan Albers agrees. “There are huge needs in regards to the athletic facilities which are being ignored,” says Albers. “There are not enough fields, nor is the current gym going to be adequate if Northfield High School decides it wants to have competitive athletic programs. I guarantee that this community is much more into having winning sports teams than they are for having a place kids can text message each other and giggle.”
Some parents appreciate the idea of a commons area. “It sounds like a place where kids can study in between classes or open periods,” says Stacy Anderson. “It reminds me of our lounge at my college. It was quiet, and just a nice atmosphere to get some work done.” Albers says there is a huge gap between intentions and reality when it comes to the concept of a commons building. “I guarantee that place would be home to more fights and French kisses than it would to open text books,” said Albers. “If there are funds for it down the road, great, but it hardly seems like an immediate, Phase I need.”
Boasberg says that officially no changes have been made, and DPS is kind of “testing the waters.” “We want to see how community members feel,” says Boasberg. “We know there is a lot riding on this, and there are complications since it is a bond issue, so, let’s figure out what the people are thinking. Then, we will ignore whatever that is, and do what we were thinking.”
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