Referendum Up For Vote On May 5
If there was one word that could accurately describe students and staff at Lincoln Elementary, Washington Elementary and Edgewood Middle School, it would be indomitable. However, though their spirits cannot be broken, the structures they work in are another story.
Ceiling tiles are a concern at Lincoln Elementary. Asbestos tiles can fall from up to 30 feet to the floor.
The children and staff, though reaching academic heights, are faced with serious limitations and safety concerns in regard to their learning environment. From falling ceiling tiles, congested, catacomb like classrooms and electrical issues, these three schools are seeking to make changes that could greatly benefit the children and staff within their walls.
Though both Washington Elementary and Edgewood Middle School can be repaired and renovated, Lincoln’s problems are vast. From an electrical system unable to support modern devices to leaking ceilings and bathrooms closed due to built up gasses underneath the building.
Among the most alarming concerns for all schools however, is that of safety. At Lincoln, heavy asbestos ceiling tiles fall down throughout the school, leaving one teacher hospitalized with a concussion after being struck while leading students through a hallway.
Classrooms must be walked through to reach other classes at Edgewood. Distractions as students enter and leave have proven to be a problem. Safety is also a major concern as four classrooms share one exit.
Safe and secure entryways are also a major concern. At both Washington and Lincoln, secure entryways have not been established leaving staff and students both at risk should an active threat arise.
An overflowing storage area in a narrow hallway leading to the art room outside of Lincoln Elementary.
Due to overcrowding, students are forced to attend classes outside in detached trailers at Lincoln. These trailers, like the building, have reached their limit feature only a single entryway. A lack of safe entrances/exits is also a major concern at Edgewood, where classrooms are built in a catacomb style due to restructuring of the original “open school plan.”
When looking at Lincoln, many may question why the school cannot be updated as planned with Washington. According to Hoffert, Lincoln is past the point that renovations make financial sense. Hoffert noted that everyday Lincoln is open is a day past its life expectancy. A new four section school would be built in an available greenway on the property, allowing minimal disruptions to classes during construction.
Changes at Washington would include expansion onto the school, renovations to the infrastructure as well as a safe and secure entryways into the building. Edgewood would see large classrooms split into smaller class spaces with “artery hallways” added to ensure safe classroom exits for all students. Accessibility will also be assessed at all schools to ensure ADA compliance.
This tiny nurses’s office at Lincoln Elementary can see up to 45 students in a day. Students often share a cot to be treated with overflow students sitting in the main office.
After taking time to speak with staff and tour Lincoln Elementary, one phrase was constantly recited by numerous staff members — “we make it work.” Though boasting great grades and a long history of success, the school’s walls, which were constructed in 1959, are showing serious signs of aging. The limitations associated with these issues have forced a sense of adaptability on staff and students alike.
On May 5, the community will have the opportunity to change Lincoln’s catchphrase to one that demonstrates pride: “we have a school that works for us.” A referendum that would allow for the rebuilding of Lincoln and renovations to Washington and Edgewood is on the ballot for public vote.
Storage at Lincoln Elementary has had to become creative due to overcrowding. This capped off bathroom also acts as a storage facility.
Unlike in the past when school corporations could save money to buy schools, schools must rely on property taxes to make major renovations or build new buildings. In addition, local school boards can no longer vote to move forward and build efficient buildings. Instead, a board must decide if the question will be allowed on a ballot for public vote.
The average home value within the school corporation, per the US Census Bureau is $132k. With an assessed 13.8 cents applied, the tax rate impact would be $6.20 monthly. Comparatively, a $200k home would pay an estimated $15 per month. To estimate your potential monthly tax cost, click here.
