A SCHOOL ISSUE  

I open my newspaper today, April 2, and find a very attractive picture of Central School.  That is the name of the elementary school in the town of Roundup where I live, population 1,800.  Only this picture is not one I recognize.  In fact, I read that it is an artist's rendition of what the School could look like if it were "repurposed."

Roundup is a small, old-wild-west town located in the south central part of Montana.  Since its inception, Roundup citizens have committed themselves to providing for the education of those students living within Musselshell Valley.  The first school's location is probably in Old Roundup, south of Musselshell River and near the mouth of Half Breed Creek where the McMillan cabin could be found.  Mrs. James McMillan is the first teacher and begins classes in her cabin in 1882 without remuneration.  She has 13 pupils.  Throughout Musselshell County, 66 country schools will eventually come and go.

With the discovery of coal and the coming of the Milwaukee Railroad, the town moves to the north side of Musselshell River and takes the name of Roundup, changing the original village to Old Roundup.  In 1908 with miners' families arriving in this fledgling town, a one-room public school is constructed on the northeast corner of Second Street West and Second Avenue.  A year later in 1909, with the increasing population, a two-story, four-room wood building is constructed on the site now of Central School, just four blocks north and on the same street as the original school.

In 1911, the wood building is moved and replaced by the present-day stone structure.  The west side of it is built in 1911 and the east side in 1912, doubling its size.  This is the Central School, with additional modular rooms, that can be found in the center of town today.  This is the structure that could be "repurposed."

There have been attempts in the past to raise money for a new school building on the edge of town but all three school bond elections have failed.  It's been difficult for long-time residents to think their school might no longer be Central.  Decision-making is stalled.

Until now, that is.  Under the leadership of community leader, Bill Milton, a group made up of ranchers, business people, senior citizens, school officials and others have been meeting for more than a year.  Architects, strutural engineers, citizens, school personnel, and even support and advice from the Montana Historical  Preservation office have all been involved in discussions.  Past rejections, future projections, community priorities have been reviewed.  It is confirmed that Central School is fully suitable for long-term use as a school.  In the next few months, the School Board will be making a comparison in cost between building a new school and repurposing the old one and making a decision.  In the meanwhile, the community is requested to let the School Board know what they think.

This process of involving community so deeply in a decision about the future of the school is a win-win.  It is reminiscent of the early days when residents pull together to provide education to all students, no matter what it takes.  Whatever the final decision, it will be the right one.

(Source:  Roundup Record-Tribune, April 2, 2014)