The Washington C.H. City Schools Board of Education voted Monday evening to pursue a replacement of the Historic Middle School roof.
During the monthly meeting Monday of the board of education, it was brought to the attention of the board that the roof of the Historic Middle School over the gymnasium and auditorium has been in a state of decay for a few years. Whether through rain water or other adverse weather, the roof has become worn down and is in need of replacement soon. The options left to the board were tear the building down, which as superintendent Matthew McCorkle pointed out might not really cost less, or replace the roof and protect the assets within that are used by the district.
“If the case is longevity speaking, if we are keeping all of that and using all that space and we are not seeking to build other facilities then it needs roof repairs,” treasurer Becky Mullins said during the meeting.
“The auditorium side is probably worse than the gymnasium side, but it depends on how you describe worse,” McCorkle said. “Both sides are taking in water, it is just that if some water gets on the floor in the gym it doesn’t raise an alarm like when it goes in the auditorium. When you have a stage and the seats and the organ and everything else, it can be damaged easily.”
The capital improvement plan had $102,000 built into it for the new roof, which was put in for just the auditorium and the adjacent classrooms. The treasurer explained that if the board decided to move forward and do everything, then they need to dip into some of the contingency this year that is available in the improvement fund. She said it is “doable.” It was decided by the board unanimously to pursue the replacement of the roof. The cost is not clear, but could be upwards of $200,000.
During the meeting, high school secretary Dee Dee Schlichter, who is retiring after 37 years, attended the meeting. The board thanked her for the many years of service and presented her with a gift.
Registration dates for those students who are new to the Washington City Schools may register at the building where they will attend on the following dates and times: July 29 at Cherry Hill Primary (grades K-2), 720 Oakland Ave., from 9-11 a.m. and 12-2 p.m. and Belle Aire Intermediate (grades 3-5), 1120 High St., during the same times. The Washington Middle School, 500 S. Elm St., and High School, 400 S. Elm St. (grades 6-12), will be holding registration from 9-11 a.m. and 12-2 p.m. on Aug. 8. These dates and times are only for those students who have moved into the district over the summer or who have not already registered for kindergarten. Parents interested in an upcoming new pre-school offered by the district should contact them at (740) 335-6620 for information on how to register.
The first day of instruction in grade preschool through 12 is Wednesday, Aug. 17. Kindergarten will have a staggered start on Aug. 23 and 24 and will begin on Aug. 25. First and second grades will also have a staggered start on Aug. 17 and 18 and will begin on Aug. 19. Finally, with no changes from last year, the 2016-17 meal prices are $1.30 for student breakfast, 30 cents for reduced, student lunches for grades K-5 will be $2.50, 6-12 will be $2.75 and reduced prices are 40 cents and finally milk is 50 cents. Adult lunch is $3.
A full copy of the agenda can be found online at www.wchcs.org.
