Bostic, Chester I. Lewis bond projects push ahead
Six more facility projects will be taken off Wichita Public Schools' hold list, but only two will see construction work.
Bostic Elementary and the Chester I. Lewis Academic Learning Center were approved for renovations, with changes to the plans. Bryant, Emerson, Lincoln and Mueller elementaries were taken off the list because those building are being closed.
Bostic Elementary will receive four new classrooms that double as shelters. Funding will come from bonds, as it is not funded by FEMA. The school will also receive a new secured entrance, two classrooms for programs and a renovated special education area.
"It's an old EMA suite that we want to renovate for special education purposes. We want to include that in the project," said Kenton Cox of Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture. "If you went to OK Elementary and saw what we did there this summer, it would be a very good example of what we intend to do in that suite."
Chester I. Lewis will receive a new multipurpose room that doubles as a shelter. The original plan was for two art rooms, a student support facility and a new library.
Wichita Board of Education Member Lanora Nolan expressed concern over dropping the library from the proposal. Superintendent John Allison said it could be revisited.
"Not a forever decision, just at this point in time," Allison said. "We'll have to look at that facility as its needs evolve over the next year or two.
"Being able to renovate or upgrade a library would be something we could look at at either the end of the bond, or capital dollars could be used as we expand that facility, and if there's a need, depending on what type of programs are calling that home in the future."
With the six bond proposals removed from the pause and study list, 15 remain. The district put 32 projects on hold a year ago due to issues such as funding and its boundary study.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.