Whitko Set To Start Building Renovations
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
PIERCETON - The long process to begin renovation of buildings in the Whitko Community School Corp. began at Monday's school board meeting with the first public hearing.
The needs of the four schools - Pierceton and South Whitley elementaries and Whitko middle and high schools - were described, and limits on the costs of the renovations were discussed.
Gary Watkins, architect, said Pierceton Elementary would need such renovations as replacement doors and window walls, removal of asbestos tile in the hallways, plumbing changes and a new telephone, intercom and public address system.
South Whitley Elementary is in line for, among other things, a new fire alarm system, replacement boilers and removal of underground fuel tanks.
Plans for Whitko Middle School include replacing some exterior doors and walks and upgrading the fire alarm system in the industrial tech area.
Whitko High School renovations will include window replacement, an emergency shut-off system in the science lab area, removing underground fuel oil tanks, replacing the fire alarm system and adding two tennis courts.
Construction costs of the renovations, said Charles Hampel, public finance associate of Summers & Co., would be approximately $1.7 million.
As a ceiling for the entire project cost, including contingency costs, legal and architect fees, insurance, surveys and testing, Hampel suggested setting a maximum of $3,346,601.
He said the project would be financed through bonds, and the first payment would not be due until July 1, 2001, and there would be no tax impact in 2001.
The renovations, Watkins said, only look at meeting the existing needs of the school corporation and do not take into consideration plans for future programs or expansion.
"The basic purpose is to bring aging facilities to a level of use that will accommodate the educational needs of our students," said school superintendent Dr. William Worl.
There were no public comments on the planned renovations, and the school board voted to proceed with plans for the project.
In other business:
• The board gave its support to a student-based theater program, "Expect Respect," that has goals to help develop and build self-respect and to help teen-agers deal with social issues and decision-making.
• Gordon Hayes reported that Dollars for Scholars is awarding $8,850 in scholarships this year. Hayes also was recognized by the board as the 1999 Friend of Education for his efforts in tutoring high school students.
• Pierceton Elementary reported 64 students at its kindergarten roundup this year, compared to 37 last year.
• Whitko Middle School will hold athletic physicals Wednesday for $10 each; Spirit Day, May 28; and eighth-grade recognition, June 3.
• Whitko High School graduation ceremonies are scheduled for May 28, and baccalaureate will be May 27.
Whitko school board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. [[In-content Ad]]
PIERCETON - The long process to begin renovation of buildings in the Whitko Community School Corp. began at Monday's school board meeting with the first public hearing.
The needs of the four schools - Pierceton and South Whitley elementaries and Whitko middle and high schools - were described, and limits on the costs of the renovations were discussed.
Gary Watkins, architect, said Pierceton Elementary would need such renovations as replacement doors and window walls, removal of asbestos tile in the hallways, plumbing changes and a new telephone, intercom and public address system.
South Whitley Elementary is in line for, among other things, a new fire alarm system, replacement boilers and removal of underground fuel tanks.
Plans for Whitko Middle School include replacing some exterior doors and walks and upgrading the fire alarm system in the industrial tech area.
Whitko High School renovations will include window replacement, an emergency shut-off system in the science lab area, removing underground fuel oil tanks, replacing the fire alarm system and adding two tennis courts.
Construction costs of the renovations, said Charles Hampel, public finance associate of Summers & Co., would be approximately $1.7 million.
As a ceiling for the entire project cost, including contingency costs, legal and architect fees, insurance, surveys and testing, Hampel suggested setting a maximum of $3,346,601.
He said the project would be financed through bonds, and the first payment would not be due until July 1, 2001, and there would be no tax impact in 2001.
The renovations, Watkins said, only look at meeting the existing needs of the school corporation and do not take into consideration plans for future programs or expansion.
"The basic purpose is to bring aging facilities to a level of use that will accommodate the educational needs of our students," said school superintendent Dr. William Worl.
There were no public comments on the planned renovations, and the school board voted to proceed with plans for the project.
In other business:
• The board gave its support to a student-based theater program, "Expect Respect," that has goals to help develop and build self-respect and to help teen-agers deal with social issues and decision-making.
• Gordon Hayes reported that Dollars for Scholars is awarding $8,850 in scholarships this year. Hayes also was recognized by the board as the 1999 Friend of Education for his efforts in tutoring high school students.
• Pierceton Elementary reported 64 students at its kindergarten roundup this year, compared to 37 last year.
• Whitko Middle School will hold athletic physicals Wednesday for $10 each; Spirit Day, May 28; and eighth-grade recognition, June 3.
• Whitko High School graduation ceremonies are scheduled for May 28, and baccalaureate will be May 27.
Whitko school board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. [[In-content Ad]]