Sibley East Schools

The Sibley East School District had been considering facility upgrade projects since it was created by the consolidation of the former Arlington-Green Isle and Gaylord School Districts, in the 1980’s. Twice voters turned down referenda to build a new PK-12 facility, largely due to the reluctance for any of the towns to lose their school building.

In 2014, Wendel worked with the district to perform a facility analysis and conduct community listening sessions and a community task force planning program. While both of the district’s two buildings needed extensive upgrades, it became apparent that any proposed referendum would require maintaining a building in each town to obtain the support necessary to pass. Wendel developed several options, including additions, renovations and new construction, along with cost estimates for each option. The task force’s final recommendation to the school board was to construct a new Elementary School in Gaylord and additions and remodeling of the Arlington building for a Middle School/High School.

The new Elementary School is a 2-story building arranged in grade-level ‘neighborhoods’ with classrooms clustered around open ‘break-out’ spaces. An abundance of both interior and exterior windows is provided to maximize daylighting, promote collaborative learning and connection to outdoor learning spaces.

Work at the Middle School/High School includes an addition to house classrooms, media center, administration, kitchen/dining commons, a 3-station gymnasium,  locker rooms and support spaces. The existing gym was renovated into a 600-seat auditorium. The final phase was to demolish the existing 1933 section of the building to create parking and an event entry.