Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Some preliminary details about a proposed building project at North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School were shared during a work session last week.
There were two separate options presented to the meeting attendees by representatives from the architecture firm Fanning Howey. They were the firm that performed the work for the Junior/Senior High project and some positive feedback about that work was presented during this session.
The option that gained the most support involved the renovation and potential expansion of the Elementary School building.
The scope of this project will eventually be expanded but initial thoughts would be to subdivide the existing gym to allow for the potential to have an expanded cafeteria, large group instruction area or special needs space.
Plans also call for replacing windows and outdated roofing as well as upgrades to mechanical systems and lighting. Enlarging undersized classrooms and the possibility of constructing a new auxiliary gym are also listed within the scope of this option.
The other option that was shown would involve demolishing the elementary school altogether and utilizing unused space at the middle school. With this scenario, a number of renovations would be required to size items for younger students and a potential expansion to the middle school facility would also be considered.
However, that option was described more costly and the consensus amongst the group of staff and administrators in attendance was that the scenario involving upgrades at the elementary school was preferred.
Looking ahead, the North Judson-San Pierre School Board is expected action on the project when members meet later this month on Tuesday, December 17th.
The next steps for Fanning Howey officials will be to focus on investigating the option that was identified as the one that drew the most support, to incorporate feedback received and identify a time line for further steps.
Superintendent Dr. Annette stressed that there would be no increase to the debt service payment and taxes will not increase as a result of this project.
She also noted that it won’t take place immediately, with the bond issuance anticipated in fall of 2020 and the majority of construction not expected to start until the summer of 2021.
Zupin noted that community members are encouraged to come and tour the facilities, ask questions and provide feed back. To set up a tour with maintenance Director Collins, contact school officials at 574-896-2155. Additional details about this proposed project will be shared in future articles.
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