Update: Board Approves Jackson Elementary For PODS
By Jacob Mathias
The Stevens Point School Board approved the former Jackson Elementary School as the location of the new Point of Discovery School (PODS) and a district professional development center in a 5-4 vote Monday night.
The PODS Governance board identified Jackson as the most idea facility and site for the school which currently has 52 student applications, exceeding the first year goal. The professional development center, to be housed in the same building, would serve as a go-to location for multiple types of training, in-service and professional development.
The expected cost for building and technology upgrades could reach the $500K mark, according to district documents. District leaders said much of the work and supplies provided by volunteers and donations, as well as various community partnerships and money from a recent settlement.
“I feel really strongly that we need to do things and we need to do them in a big way,” said Board Member Trish Baker. “We need to work towards student achievement and excellence and this is an opportunity.”
“I think that this is a very responsible use of a very expensive piece of real estate,” said Board Member Jeff Ebel. “I think we have an excellent use for it.”
Other board members expressed opposition to using the Jackson facility, saying that existing operations can support both the PODS and professional development.
“You do not have to have it at Jackson,” said Board Member Lisa Totten. “This is the Life Skills Center all over again where it had to be at one facility and then it got passed from here to here to here. “I don’t think we’re doing our due diligence by not looking at other options.”
“I can’t support it with all the cuts that are coming down the pipe,” said Board Member Kim Shirek.
All board members, whether or not they supported the new facilities at Jackson, expressed support of the PODS program.
The new charter school, which will use the expeditionary learning model, will take 50 incoming 6th and 7th grade students this fall and eventually expand to 150 students. According to Jen Zach, PODS governance board president, seven of the applicants are from out of the school district.
“We have families who have indicated that they will move to a home school situation or a different position other than the Stevens Point School District should they not get into Point of Discovery,” said Zach.
PODS is expected to open this fall. For more information go to pointofdiscoveryschool.com.