(Orient) The Orient-Macksburg Board of Education has approved the sale of the school property to the City of Orient following a public hearing held Monday night.
In preparation for the transfer of ownership, which is expected to occur on or before July 1, 2026, the school board has been making improvements to the elementary building and gymnasium. Completed and ongoing projects include installing exterior doors in five classrooms, constructing a sidewalk on the south side of the elementary building, and purchasing and installing a new boiler. The new boiler was necessary because the previous boiler was located in a three-story building. An air conditioning unit for the gymnasium is scheduled to be installed this spring.
The board is working cooperatively with the City of Orient on additional improvements. New trophy display cases have been purchased for trophies and other memorabilia to be located in the lunchroom. Other projects under consideration include continued playground improvements and the installation of mini-split units in areas of the elementary wing that do not currently have air conditioning.
These projects have been funded through the district’s building funds, PPEL, PERL, and SAVE. Building fund accounts were approved by local voters and, under Iowa Code, cannot be used for salaries or benefits.
The school board also addressed the future of the three-story high school building. While acknowledging that the building is well built and over 100 years old, the board determined it is costly to operate due to its age and flat roof. The decision was made to demolish the building, citing public safety concerns and lessons learned from other Iowa communities where unused school buildings had deteriorated. Funding for the demolition will come from the district’s building fund accounts, supported by local property tax dollars.
Preparation work is underway, and asbestos removal has been completed. Demolition of the three-story building is scheduled to begin in February. The public is asked to respect contractors as work proceeds.
Orient-Macksburg School Board President Jana Scott stated, “We will continue to do more work at the elementary and gym as money and time allow. The City of Orient and the Betterment Committee are working on a plan for the building. You can expect more information from their organizations as more detailed plans are released. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions.”
