Posted on December 12, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
When proposed plans for the potential renovation project at the North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School were discussed in a work session last week, a possible way to avoid disrupting instruction was presented.
Fanning Howey Chief Executive Officer Bill Payne provided information about the idea to school officials and meeting attendees.
He explained, “We could take a couple of grade levels and temporarily move them into the middle school building and phase and isolate construction.
Payne expanded upon that, noting that having the extra available space at the Middle School will keep crews from hitting a common obstacle that they often face with long-term renovations.
He noted, “That’s usually the problem when we’re renovating existing buildings, it always takes more than simply a summer so the ability to move those students and staff temporarily to the middle school while we’re renovating sections of the building will really help with keeping construction away from school operations.”
No official decisions were made during the work session and ideas presented were simply hypothetical scenarios that Fanning Howey representatives came up with after conducting their initial feasibility study. More detailed plans will be presented in the future.
Parents, employees, and community members are encouraged to get involved with the planning process as the proposed project progresses. To reach out to school representatives contact 574-896-2155
Showing posts with label NJ-SP Elementary School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NJ-SP Elementary School. Show all posts
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
NJ-SP Superintendent Highlights Potential Plans for Underutilized Space at Middle School
Posted on December 11, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Now that some more solid plans are in place for proposed renovations at the North Judson-Elementary School, officials are able to start thinking about future uses for unused space at the Middle School Building.
During last week’s work session, Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin shared that there was initially some uncertainty about whether or not the elementary school would be in a position where a renovation project would be possible due to its age.
However, following a feasibility study by Fanning-Howey that showed that the elementary is in good condition to make improvements, school officials can now start kicking around some ideas about what to do with the underutilized areas in the middle school facility.
Superintendent Zupin stressed that just because they’ll now be focusing on making upgrades at the elementary school, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to stop thinking about the other building and how to make sure it’s being utilized in a way that best serves the school corporation and NJ-SP students.
She shared, “We don’t have to save it for a later date because we might move over, because that’s what we’ve been sitting with for two or three years now, kind of on that fence and we should because we were waiting on enrollment and waiting for this time but I think there’s opportunities for that middle school building for programs and community use.”
She noted that having that available space would allow officials to expand opportunities for students and entice and encourage others to come to the school corporation.
Dr. Zupin stated, “We know that graduation pathways are coming so not only is it leasers but it’s programs that might come down the pipeline where they would need one or two classrooms and if we don’t have that space then we don’t get those programs.
Board member Jim Menis weighed in on the matter, stressing that it puts NJ-SP in a unique position.
He shared, “It’s wonderful for the school system, as small as it is, to have that option. A lot of bigger schools don’t have this option.”
School officials will continue to address the proposed expansion project at the elementary school and ways to use underutilized space at the middle school building during future school board meetings.
As was previously reported, members of the public are encouraged to reach out to tour the facilities in order to get a better understanding of what’s being proposed and what will be addressed. To contact school officials call 574-896-2155.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Now that some more solid plans are in place for proposed renovations at the North Judson-Elementary School, officials are able to start thinking about future uses for unused space at the Middle School Building.
During last week’s work session, Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin shared that there was initially some uncertainty about whether or not the elementary school would be in a position where a renovation project would be possible due to its age.
However, following a feasibility study by Fanning-Howey that showed that the elementary is in good condition to make improvements, school officials can now start kicking around some ideas about what to do with the underutilized areas in the middle school facility.
Superintendent Zupin stressed that just because they’ll now be focusing on making upgrades at the elementary school, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to stop thinking about the other building and how to make sure it’s being utilized in a way that best serves the school corporation and NJ-SP students.
She shared, “We don’t have to save it for a later date because we might move over, because that’s what we’ve been sitting with for two or three years now, kind of on that fence and we should because we were waiting on enrollment and waiting for this time but I think there’s opportunities for that middle school building for programs and community use.”
She noted that having that available space would allow officials to expand opportunities for students and entice and encourage others to come to the school corporation.
Dr. Zupin stated, “We know that graduation pathways are coming so not only is it leasers but it’s programs that might come down the pipeline where they would need one or two classrooms and if we don’t have that space then we don’t get those programs.
Board member Jim Menis weighed in on the matter, stressing that it puts NJ-SP in a unique position.
He shared, “It’s wonderful for the school system, as small as it is, to have that option. A lot of bigger schools don’t have this option.”
School officials will continue to address the proposed expansion project at the elementary school and ways to use underutilized space at the middle school building during future school board meetings.
As was previously reported, members of the public are encouraged to reach out to tour the facilities in order to get a better understanding of what’s being proposed and what will be addressed. To contact school officials call 574-896-2155.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Preliminary Plans for NJ-SP Elementary School Project Start to Take Shape
Posted on December 10, 2019
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.
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.
Monday, July 22, 2019
School Board Considers List of Potential Elementary School Building Improvements
Posted on July 18, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A list of proposed upgrades to North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School was presented to the school board Tuesday. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin says architectural firm Fanning Howey visited the school on June 6.
“In summary, Fanning Howey felt like the facility was well-maintained – so kudos to our maintenance staff – and that the existing structure is in good condition. So in about two years, we will address some of those major areas that need to be improved”
Some potential improvements may include upgrades to the windows, roof, and exterior doors, along with flashing and tuck-pointing work. Inside the elementary school, the architects noted that the gym, cafeteria, and some of the classrooms are too small, and some of the rooms need to be repurposed. They also recommended renovating the restrooms, replacing the gym bleachers, and upgrading plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Flooring, walls, and ceilings may get improvements, as well.
In addition to the elementary school, Fanning Howey also suggested some improvements at the bus garage and equipment maintenance area.
The firm will continue working on plans and cost estimates, according to Superintendent Zupin. More details will be discussed during the school board’s August meeting. The plan is to be able to do the work without raising the school district’s property taxes.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A list of proposed upgrades to North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School was presented to the school board Tuesday. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin says architectural firm Fanning Howey visited the school on June 6.
“In summary, Fanning Howey felt like the facility was well-maintained – so kudos to our maintenance staff – and that the existing structure is in good condition. So in about two years, we will address some of those major areas that need to be improved”
Some potential improvements may include upgrades to the windows, roof, and exterior doors, along with flashing and tuck-pointing work. Inside the elementary school, the architects noted that the gym, cafeteria, and some of the classrooms are too small, and some of the rooms need to be repurposed. They also recommended renovating the restrooms, replacing the gym bleachers, and upgrading plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Flooring, walls, and ceilings may get improvements, as well.
In addition to the elementary school, Fanning Howey also suggested some improvements at the bus garage and equipment maintenance area.
The firm will continue working on plans and cost estimates, according to Superintendent Zupin. More details will be discussed during the school board’s August meeting. The plan is to be able to do the work without raising the school district’s property taxes.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Supply Lists for NJ Schools
Sorry kids, but the school supply lists are out which means that school will be starting sooner than you'd like.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Monday, April 15, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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