Benson Public Schools provides band
and choir opportunities to about 350 students every day. The district engages 200 dancers, from ages 3-18, in an extensive dance program and recently had to limit our musical to 75 participants.
Last year, the arts programming took a significant hit when the district had
to close its long-time theater. The ceiling on the 1928 building collapsed. It was beyond patching and the repairs that the district had done in the past. The district had to move its concerts, theater productions and dance programs to the gymnasium. The lack of an auditorium impacts the quality of the programming and led the district to limit access for students.
"Benson students have remained committed and energized," Superintendent Dennis Laumeyer said. "But we know the experiences
are so limited and far from what we want to give them. We don’t
want our small-town roots ever holding our students back from gaining enriched experiences
that will shape them for a lifetime."
While other smaller schools and communities may have let go of fine arts opportunities, Benson has sought to enhance them. Providing quality programming for all ages has been a part of the district's history and a source of pride for the community.
"Among the thrills of my job has been watching
people pour into the gymnasium and sit on bleachers to support our arts programs"Laumeyer said. "We have not had enough room for everyone and the seating has been inadequate,
especially those who have accessibility limitations and our elder residents."
The 2018 bond referendum seeks to change that. It includes building a new auditorium that would seat about 600 people in comfortable theater-style environment.