Struxture Architects, Waterloo presented the final design for an up to $7.3 million addition to the South Tama High School in Tama during a special meeting on Wednesday, April 13. (View accompanying pdf)

The project includes eight new classrooms added to the original building which was completed in 1968 and remodeling of three existing rooms.

Board members approved the final design on a 5-0 vote with Michelle Yuska Mark McFate, Penny Tynisimiaa, Jackie Dvorak and Alan Kline all voting aye. Bids for the work are being accepted to May 10.

A public referendum on April 5 approved extending the use of state sales tax money received by the district to 2029. The sales tax money is designated for use only for buildings, grounds and maintenance.

The extension was approved 63 percent – 37 percent.

When complete, the addition will replace four portable classrooms whichhave been in use since 1987 and remodeling of areas including a room for art is a part of the plan.

An alternate bid, if acceptable, will include construction of a new band room and for relocating the vocal music department present band room space.

A second alternate bid would pay for air conditioning in existing classrooms.