La Crosse’s Hamilton Elementary could get major overhaul

The La Crosse School District is looking at a major overhaul of Hamilton Elementary in the Powell-Poage-Hamilton neighborhood.

The idea has been in the works for many years, as the building is using office space for classrooms, and a gymnasium for an auditorium.

A new gym, media center, community services room, along with more classroom space are the four main components, according to Superintendent Randy Nelson.

Nelson believes the benefits of the project doesn’t stop at the school doors.

“We do find that overall, that when the school board invests and the community invests in a neighborhood school, that it also returns some additional investment in that neighborhood,” Nelson said.

Nelson added that the district will not be forced to go to a city-wide referendum.

“We’re hoping at the end of the day that the Boys and Girls Club would be able to contribute over $1 million,” Nelson said. “Then, we also have, right now, an anonymous partner that is also considering a $1.2 million investment.”

The rest of the funds will come from a Community Development Block Grant from the City of La Crosse that the council needs to approve, as well as leftover funds in the district’s capital improvement budget.

Nelson thinks more discussions will commence in February.