The Le Mars Community School board has approved leases for two new tenants in the school's Central Office Building. That building is the former Wells' Dairy Corporate building located on Lincoln Street South, which the district purchased in October 2007.

Northwest AEA and Buena Vista University will rent space from the district for $2,000 a month, with the leases running from May 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Both entities will use the space for general office space, classrooms and educational activities.

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Both the new tenants, Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt told the board, wanted a flat rate rather than billing for their portion of utilities and custodial maintenance. According to the lease, the parties agree that prior to any lease renewal they will review actual utility expenses incurred to determine whether a rent increase is appropriate.

"These are two quality tenants," board member Patrick Murphy said.

Remodeling of the space for the district's needs is coming along well, according to Wendt. Both the new tenants were involved in the remodeling phase to be sure the area would meet their needs.

The district also plans to move the Individualized Learning Center to the central office building. The district currently pays monthly rent of $560 for space to operate the program.

Wendt told the board the central office staff plans to move to their new facility the second week in June.

When asked about what the current central office space would be used for, Wendt said the office area would be used by the high school counselors, with the current board room expanded as a classroom.

The counselors offices in the high school will be used for a secondary conference room and teachers workroom, as well as an overflow area for college representative visits.