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After shelving the issue two years ago, the Dodgeville School Board is now taking a serious look at addressing overcrowding in the schools. It is now at a point where the discussion isn't about "if" something needs to be done, but "what" needs to be done .

The Dodgeville Elementary School (DES) is filled to the limit and every available space is in use and the high school is in definite need of attention. The issues with the schools have been discussed at several board meetings and at public listening sessions held over the last few years.

Last week the board reviewed very preliminary plans for what an addition would look like at DES and the high school. The key word is "preliminary" and the plans are just a starting point with nothing set in stone. The process to determine what, when and the cost of what needs to be done will take several months before it ever reaches the referendum stage.

Now is the time for the public to become involved in the process by talking to their school board members and attending listening sessions that will be held on the topic. If you have questions, now is the time to ask and if you have ideas, now is the time to share them.

This is an issue that isn't going to go away and simply saying nothing needs to be done without knowing the facts isn't a solution. The board is very willing to listen and is reaching out to the public. We will be following the issue closely and reporting as it happens.

If there is anything to be learned from the recent county building issue, it's the public shouldn't wait to get involved until the end. That project was discussed for six years, had almost 100 articles written, yet had little public input until it was too late.

If anything, the Dodgeville School Board wants to hear from the public and wants their involvement in the planning process. They are extending their hands and we should help them.