Tuesday evening’s presentation at Akron Elementary on the planned renovation project for the facility lasted about an hour. There were presentations by Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation Superintendent Brett Boggs and Akron Elementary Principal Chrissy Mills, among others.

Following the presentations, the floor was opened to questions and comments by community members. This segment lasted about a half an hour and saw several Akron residents and parents of Akron Elementary students share their thoughts and concerns with the new project.

Community member Joyce Walters was the first to speak, asking representatives, “How long do you expect this project to last and what will you do with the kids?” The question was answered by Victor Landfair of The Skillman Corporation, who explained that the project should last about two school years, or 18 months, from the day ground is broken. He then went on to state, “We have to build things and we adjust where the kids are. One of the things I like about concept two is that we don’t have to tear anything down.”

Concept two refers to one of the two options the school is weighing for the renovation project. For more on both options, click here.

Another person in the crowd asked how the construction will affect the students’ lunches. Landfair said the project is still in the planning phases and there are still some kinks to be ironed out, “To be honest we haven’t figured it all out yet,” he stated, before continuing, “We may have to satellite, may have to feed the kids in the gym.”

Several other topics were brought up by individuals in attendance, including water retention, drainage and parking. One man even suggested that the current gymnasium be torn down in order to create more parking spaces. Those who wish to voice their own opinion are encouraged to attend the next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Mentone Elementary.