Joyce Gelle, Sartell
When I helped write the 2007 Sartell Centennial history book, I reviewed many sources about the history of Sartell and especially its school system. There were many objections from St. Cloud about having our own school system. My husband and I wrote to James Gardner, U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare for help in getting our own school. He was able to help us succeed with our mission. Recently I applied my thoughts about Sartell wanting a library. The Great River Regional Library system has requirements for a branch library in Sartell, including how far one can be from the St. Cloud and Waite Park branches. Why not partner with the Sartell-St. Stephen School District to get a branch library in a central location?
Do you realize there are libraries in all of our schools for our children? Now funding is being sought for a new high school. Why not think about another avenue to success for both a branch library and a new high school?
Build the new high school in the location being considered on Pinecone Road. Consider planning for both. We could use the current high school by expanding its current library. There is a building there that has many positive features: central location, many acres of land for expansion, parking facilities and far enough so the St. Cloud Library system can’t complain it’s too close to St. Cloud.
The growth of Sartell always offers possibilities, compared to St. Cloud, which is boxed in by other towns (for example Sartell, St. Joseph, Waite Park and more). As I wrote before: thinking outside the box.
It might just succeed!