SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko Community Schools held its third facility planning committee meeting Thursday night at South Whitley Elementary School.
The purpose of the meetings is to discuss any potential buildings projects for Whitko as well as what direction the school needs to head in so that the curriculum better serves it students.
Talk of strengthening and expanding science and technology courses as well as working more closely with area industry to find out what they want in their workforce was discussed at the last two meetings.
Dennis Cahill from the Cahill Group is serving as the school corporation’s consultant for its facilities planning.
Cahill had a group of nearly 20 review what was discussed at their last meeting.
“Our business leaders are banking on a more educated workforce in science and technology,” said Cahill. “The things that should drive the brick and mortar are what we’re offering the students.”
Cahill said it was important that the community knew the group was meeting to get a better idea of what the schools are planning.
Dana Wanamaker with Barton Coe Vilamaa Architects Engineers went through facility studies for both Pierceton and South Whitley elementary schools.
The studies were completed in June 2010.
Both buildings have non-compliance issues when it comes to the Americans With Disabilities Act and fire codes Pierceton was built in 1923 with additions in 1930, 1955, 1971, 1985 and 2000.
SWES was built in 1953 with additions in 1961 and 1985.
Wanamaker said typically his firm looks at new buildings after an existing school building is 75 years old.
That said, Wanamaker did also offer ideas as to how renovations could be done to the current SWES building.
Some of the main concerns for the current SWES building are exposed pipes in classrooms, lack of natural light, uneven class sizes and noise.
Each classroom has to run a dehumidifier as well as a ventilator, causing a lot of noise in each classroom.
Wanamaker led a tour of the building pointing out some outdated features of the school. He also pointed out where space wasn’t used effectively.
Wanamaker said it was important for the committee to factor in advances in technology when looking at spaces for media centers.
Heating and cooling is an issue at SWES. It was pointed out that the gym during the winter sometimes can’t get above 55 degrees.
While the tour of Pierceton won’t happen until next week, Wanamaker said it was probably time for the school and community to seriously look at a new building or heavy renovations.
The committee will next meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at Pierceton Elementary School.
They will discuss potential revenue sources for any future projects and also tour the elementary school.
