File photo of groundbreaking in May of 2023

LITCHVILLE, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Litchville-Marion School District broke ground on their building addition and renovation project this past May, but discussion about the school’s future had been bubbling for years. The district knew its buildings, each close to or already 100 years old, needed significant and costly upgrades in order to continue meeting district needs. But beyond that, sharing resources between two buildings, 10 minutes apart, was costly all on its own.

Finally, after many hard questions and attempts at creative solutions, the district put it in the hands of the community. “When we put that on the ballot,” said Superintendent Tom Nitschke, “I told everyone it was either yes or no; we wouldn’t put it on the ballot again.” Nitschke got his answer loud and clear. In the Spring of 2022, voters in the Litchville-Marion School District approved a building addition and renovation of the current high school. District residents said YES to more than the building; the vote also sent a message about where they want their children educated, the educational standards they want prioritized, and the value that a strong school, built for the 21st century, can offer to their communities. The project will bring all students in the district, PK-12, into one building, but it will also be one of the first public schools in the state to offer onsite daycare to the surrounding community. “DPI (Department of Public Instruction) was really excited to see our plan for this and ended up doubling the amount we asked for to create the daycare space as an example to other districts,” said Nitschke.

However, as building plans solidified, it became clear that some projects could be accomplished more economically through fundraising, which would eliminate architect and risk-management fees and keep tax dollars on education-focused projects. As a result, district leadership decided to invite area organizations to help fund two specific projects.

Litchville-Marion will be in conversation with area partners to build a playground and to fund upgrades to the Marion gymnasium. Because there have not been young students at the Marion site since the mid-90s, there is no playground equipment at the Marion school site. The gym upgrades include installing retractable bleachers and replacing the tile floor with a wood court with lines for basketball and volleyball. While both projects will be used daily by students, they also directly enhance community resources by creating a modern, accessible playground with equipment for all ages and abilities and by providing an up-to-date gathering space for community activities and productions. The district plans to design a donor wall in the new addition to recognize those who give to the projects. They have also established a foundation managed by the North Dakota Community Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under IRS code 501©(3). This ensures donors will have the best giving options available.

“We know there are businesses and alumni inside and outside our district who wanted this project to proceed, even though they might not have children in the building or be residents themselves,” said Elementary Principal, Renee Bowen. “This is a perfect opportunity for them to show their support for our students and our communities.”
Organizations interested in donating or recognition opportunities should contact Sarah Gackle at sarah.gackle@k12.nd.us. More details on the projects and how to donate can be found on the school website www.litchville-marion.k12.nd.us/page/foundation