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| History of Benson Public Schools |
The first school classes were believed to be held in the Emigrant House in 1870. The following year a one story frame structure was erected on the northeast corner of the courthouse block to serve as the school. This original school house of Benson has been restored and is open to the public. It is located at Ambush Park on West Highway 9. The first graduate received their diploma from Benson High School in 1890. In 1904 the Northside Elementary School (now the Junior High School) was constructed, followed by the Southside School in 1913 and the Northside Elementary School in 1958. The new high school was constructed in 1965 and a major addition housing the vocational facilities and an indoor swimming pool was completed in 1976. An all-school reunion was held in 1990 to celebrate the Centennial of Education. (courtesy of bensonmn.org)
In 1994, major reconstruction was once completed at Benson High School. A large ramp replaces steps connecting the junior high to the senior high by the swimming pool locker rooms, a choir room addition was added to the east side of the school (opposite the band room), and an elevator was put in place by the choir room addition.
Northside Elementary also completed an addition, expanding further West, and on the North wing. The West wing consists of seven additional classrooms, and the North wing consists of five more classrooms.
In the late summer of 1995 the Southside School was torn down to make room for a new 44 unit motel, which is now the Country Inn and Suites, McKinney’s on Southside Restaurant, and Scotty’s Bar and Grill.
Scope of the Building Program
After considerable study by the Board of Education, Superintendent, Faculty, Sate Department of Education, and the Architects, the community school needs were translated into a program of physical plant requirements. Many plans were advanced and studied until a sound basic solution was agreed upon.
East Wing Addition
This three-story wing 63 by 100 feet contains the following elements: The first level includes a hot lunch kitchen, hot lunch-little theatre combination which will seat about 300 students. Adjacent to the lunch room is a new sewing laboratory. Public toilets, coat room, and storage facilities are located on this floor.
The second level contains a new superintendent’s office suite, nurse’s room, visual aid room, junior high science room and two classrooms. The third level includes a new chemistry-physics laboratory, large public speaking room, and four classrooms.
North Wing Addition
Adjoining the same level as the present gym stage is a new physical education room 40 by 60 feet. The old wall is replaced with a large folding partition. New folding bleachers will be installed within the next several months. A new girl’s locker room suite containing a gang shower, individual shower stall and cubicles, office for physical education instructor, store room, laundry, and toilet facilities, and a large locker area are located below the physical education room.
This level above the physical education room includes an instrumental room for about an 80-piece band and a vocal room for about an equal number. Adjoining these rooms are storage facilities for instruments, music, uniforms, choir gowns, and three combination office-practice rooms.
Industrial Arts Addition
This one-story addition is 63 by 33 feet. The addition will give the department a generous wood and metal shop, a large drafting room , and much-needed storage facilities. Several large units of equipment have been added within the last year. This project will be completed during the summer.
Southside Grade School
The entire grade building has been rewired and new light fixtures have been added to improve the lighting and appearance. Large storage cabinets have been added to all grade rooms. Nearly all of the rooms have been redecorated. The gym floor has been re-laid recently.
The Board of Education during this time consisted of: Mr. George B. McClellen, Mr. Frantz E. Kearney, Mr. Trygve Svingen, Mr. B. Vern Pearson, Mr. Russell Hanson, Mr. Lyon Lindman. Superintendent was Mr. C.H. Mogck, and Principal was Mr. J. A. Grimstad.
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