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INSIDE WEST ELEMENTARY

The oldest portion of West Elementary School dates to 1952. In the seven decades since, multiple additions and renovations have occurred, including a 2013 project that led to the construction of a new gymnasium, commons/lunch room, kitchen, offices, and secure entrance.

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However, many of the biggest challenges that our students and staff face today are in the very place where the least number of obstacles should exist: the classrooms. The long list of issues that can be seen in the rooms where our students spend most of their time include:​

  • Outdated heating systems and window air conditioners

  • Dated and damaged floors, fixtures, and furnishings

  • Aging windows prone to leaks with many lacking screens

  • Old plumbing and hardware that is difficult to repair

  • Poor configurations and insufficient storage

The hallways throughout the classroom wings at West Elementary School are narrow and create congestion for roaming students. Electrical panels, exposed pipes, and outdated steel doors that lead to mechanical rooms are all located in these corridors, along with clocks, bells, and public address systems that date to the 1950s.

West Elementary's School's outdated mechanical systems and plumbing create challenges for the district's maintenance staff members tasked with keeping these systems operational.

 

The building is home to multiple single-stall restrooms that have been converted to storage closets because the sewer and plumbing connections could not be adequately services. The larger restrooms routinely have problems with urinal and toilet backups, and floor drains show scars from previous repairs.

Music classes at West Elementary School are hosted in a portable building that was relocated to the campus in the 1970s with intentions for it to be a temporary venue. The portable structure is connected to the building's east side, adjacent to the playground. The structure has challenges when it comes to regulating temperature and an electrical panel near the entrance is used to turn on the lights.

The mechanical systems at West Elementary School are what would be expected for a building that has areas constructed in the 1950s. It's not uncommon for standing water to be found in the boiler room and the district's maintenance staff often face challenges when it comes to maintaining and operating these systems.