[Editor’s note: This article is part two of a four part story discussing the recently proposed Warsaw Community School Corporation Facility Plan. This plan will be presented through a public forum from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tonight at the Warsaw Community High School PAC. On Monday, Jan. 26, the WCS School Board will determine whether to put the facility plan on the May ballot for public vote]

Yesterday evening Warsaw Community School Corporation hosted a public forum to discuss a new facility proposal that would allow the rebuilding of Lincoln Elementary and the remodeling of Edgewood Middle School and Washington Elementary. The presentation, held at 6 p.m. in the Warsaw Community High School PAC, was led by WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert.

Washington Elementary 

When looking at Washington and Lincoln elementary schools, there are many similarities. Both schools were built in 1959 and both share similar problems to each other. After 55 years of continuous use, wear and tear is evident both inside and outside of Washington.

Like Lincoln, a dated electrical system is a major hinderance at Washington. Though Washington is a leading school in the STEM initiative, Hoffert noted teachers are unable to utilize certain equipment due to blowing the breaker. In addition, teachers must ensure they are not plugging equipment in on both sides of a wall to avoid blowing the breaker.

Externally, the school’s flat ceilings and building additions have created major leaking problems. On rainy days or when snow melts, buckets filled with water can be found throughout the building. Additionally, Hoffert noted the building has a number of mortar and tipping issues that need to be updated. Joints between old and new sections of the building also need refilled.

In addition, Hoffert noted that near the entryway the foundation of the building is 1-2 inches apart from the wall. The location of this problem is well situated as the school will be working to create a safe and secure entryway at the front of the building as well. According to Hoffert, the current entryway utilizes a buzzer system to allow entry through two locked doors. Though additional doors have been installed to prevent access to the entire school, one classroom is still left outside of the locked perimeter and students needing to use restrooms are continually locked out after forgetting to grab a swipe-card to allow for reentry.

Parking is a disaster and parent pick-up is also a major problem for Washington, which like Lincoln is not equipped for the numerous cars that flood the school. Pick-up stretches around to Edgewood and onto Union Street, where students are also walking to return home.

[To read about Lincoln Elementary, view part one, WCS Presents Facility Plan: Lincoln Elementary, WCS Presents Facility Plan: Edgewood Middle School]