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Discussions on the Warsaw School Board's proposed building program took a twist Monday when several changes were proposed by the public and by board members.
Luke Becknell, speaking for Parents and Students for Soccer, presented a revised plan for soccer practice and game fields, suggesting changes that could serve the students better and cost the school board less.
His suggestions included: building one game field and two practice fields; placing the soccer and softball fields next to each other so they could share light poles and a concession stand; keeping the existing parking spaces, and not expanding the parking area; and using above-ground irrigation instead of a sprinkler system.
Becknell also questioned the cost of the shared concession stand, estimated by architects Odle McGuire & Shook at $375,000.
"That's a really nice concession stand," he said. He asked if the concession stand could be built by the high school's building trades class or if it could be purchased from a company in Wabash that makes prefabricated concession stands.
The status of Silver Lake Elementary also was called into question during a presentation by Todd Zeiger, representing Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
Zeiger called the Silver Lake school the "heartbeat" of the community and said the building is eligible for the national historic buildings registry because of its Art Deco style, which, he said, is rare in Indiana.
"Historic schools can be adapted and brought into the modern age," he said, showing slides of examples of other older schools that had been successfully renovated.
He also offered the help of the Historic Landmarks Foundation in getting a second opinion on the restoration of Silver Lake Elementary at no cost to Warsaw School Corp.
Several school board members expressed their opinions Monday on different aspects of the proposed building program.
Brad Brail's comments caused the most discussion among board members. He proposed beginning construction in 2003 on a new Prairie Township school, an auditorium for Warsaw Community High School (with accommodations to add a performing arts center later) and a weight room at WCHS, all to be financed with a $22.5-million bond issue.
He also proposed setting aside $1 million per year for six years for development of an outdoor athletic facility at WCHS and another $1 million per year for six years to update all WCS elementary schools, allocating $500,000 for a technology addition to the administration building and delaying a decision on Silver Lake Elementary until a redistricting study is completed.
Board member Charles Sauders went on record at Monday's meeting as being in favor of renovating Silver Lake Elementary.
"I want the school board to find some way possible to keep Silver Lake School in Silver Lake," he said. "I think we owe it to the people of Silver Lake to keep their school there. I don't think Claypool is the answer."
Larry Chamberlain, also a board member, said he is "eager to move forward on the recommendations as outlined by the superintendent. ... Failure to move forward is detrimental to the continued vitality of the school corporation and the community."
The Warsaw Athletic Facility Development Committee gave a presentation on the proposed stadium at WCHS, stressing that building an outdoor facility would not increase property taxes and would be used not just by athletes but by approximately 20 classes per day.
The track at Lakeview Middle School is now used by 125 high school students, 35 Grace College students and 40 Lakeview students, they said, which makes it crowded and dangerous. The football stadium is used by varsity, junior varsity, freshmen, middle school and PeeWee players, making that dangerous as well.
Spokesmen also said an outdoor facility could be used to host marching band invitationals, district and regional competitions, bringing in anticipated revenue of more than $50,000 per year.
Of the top 25 schools in Indiana, they said, only two are without football fields, and Warsaw Community High School is one of those two.
The next public work session is scheduled for Jan. 10, and Chamberlain suggested that it be the last work session. He also suggested that groups wishing to speak at that work session be given two weeks from Monday to notify superintendent Dr. Lee Harman that they want to be on the agenda.
However, the board decided to discuss that suggestion at next week's regular school board meeting.
The board will meet next week at 7 p.m. in the administration building. Board members are: Craig Allebach, Brad Brail, Larry Chamberlain, Cathy Folk, James Folk, Charles Sauders and Roy Szymanski.
