WCS Deliberates On Washington Roof Repair Timeline
The Warsaw Community School Board met Tuesday evening for a lengthy board work session to discuss numerous proposals for both equipment and structure repairs. Among the most noteworthy of the claims was a proposed repair to a section of Washington Elementary’s roof, as well as numerous technology claims.
Dirk Felger, director of buildings and grounds for WCS, presented a proposal to the school board in reference to an especially worn section of Washington Elementary’s roof. Felger explained the repairs would receive an official quote on Thursday for the school board’s consideration. According to both board members and Felger, the roof, which is reportedly in a state of disrepair, is allowing water to leak into classrooms below.
Felger explained the roof, which is a flat surface, is approximately 27 years old. Though board members inquired into whether the roof at Washington would have peaks installed to mitigate water, Felger and Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert both noted the cost to install peaks would be “astronomical.” The estimated cost to repair this section of roof is estimated around $90,000.
Dan Metzger, WCS board member, and Jennifer Tandy, WCS board president, both raised concerns whether or not the new roofing could potentially be disturbed once renovations begin at Washington Elementary. Felger noted the entire roof will eventually have to be redone, stating the roof will not be ripped up in order to renovate the building later on. Felger estimated the repair to the roof will last the school approximately 20 years before additional work will be required.
The board also questioned whether to utilized funds already budgeted in the capital projects fund, or wait to utilize funds from the recently approved building referendum. Hoffert and Felger both stressed the importance of repairing the roof quickly, both for students’ sake as well as to avoid further structure damages. Tandy questioned whether the roof could be temporarily repaired until referendum funds were available for repairs however, according to Felger, temporary fixes are already in place and ineffective.
The board will vote on Monday, June 15, whether to make the necessary repairs this summer, or await referendum dollars.
In other news, Chief Technology Officer Brad Hagg presented numerous claims to the board for the purchase of necessary software as well as refurbished computers at the high school. Among Hagg’s proposals was the purchase of software for security cameras as well as the purchase of cameras for the WCHS west side parking lot. Cameras and software will cost $36,822.96. Other software included an agreement with Canvas, a digital learning environment, for $32,125; Meraki Systems Manager, security program for iPads across the district, for $54,968; and the switching of corporation mail to google, which will save the school $20,000 upfront with $13,000 saved annually.
Hagg also requested the purchase of 400 refurbished computers to replace computers that are eight years old at the high school. Hagg noted the money to purchase these computers is budgeted into the technology fund. The cost of computers would be approximately $98,000.
Other claims included:
- The purchase of a new combination steam/convection oven at the High School. The large, roll-in oven will replace to preexisting, smaller ovens. The quote is set at $34,532.
- A quote was presented to remove and install new fencing of a section of the baseball field. The bid was awarded to Custom Fencing in Warsaw, the lowest bidder, for $23,015. This would replace fencing from the dug out to the outfield with a warning track placed for outfielders.