Our district is embarking on developing a long-range Strategic Facility Plan to ensure that our educational environment evolves to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.
As we look to the future, it is imperative that our facilities support modern learning, adapt to technological advancements, and provide safe, sustainable, and inclusive spaces.
This plan will help us anticipate and address the growing and changing demands of our district, allowing us to make informed decisions that align with our educational goals and community values.
PHASE 1
COMMUNITY FACILITY STUDY COMMITTEE
January 22 - March 21, 2024.
65 Member Facilities Review Committee consisted of parents, community leaders, teachers, support staff, administrators, business owners, farmers, and other stakeholders.
Purpose & Process
The primary purpose was to study and discuss educational program and facility needs of the school corporation, and to provide the board with a list of options to consider based upon data and feedback from several studies. Six meetings were held over a 6 week period.
- January 22, 2024: Tour of Washington Veale Elementary
- January 29, 2024: Overview of Curriculum & Tour of Washington Primary
- February 5, 2024: School Finance & Tour of Washington Intermediate
- February 19, 2024: Demographic Forecast & Tour of Washington Upper Elementary
- February 26, 2024: Facilities Condition Report & Tour of WJHS and WHS
March 21, 2024, the Facility Committee Presented their Summary Results to the School Board.
Key Areas of Concern
Need for Additional Space
ALL Buildings are at Capacity
- Lack of space for resource needs
- Specials/electives are without a classroom
- Reduce Student/Teacher Ratio
- Increase in flex space for additional programming
School Safety
- Addition of Secure Entryways to all buildings
- Additional school resource officers,
- Reducing Outdoor Transitions (Portable Classrooms & the JH Gym)
Curb Appeal
- Clearly Identifiable Entrances, specifically at WHS
- Lack of Parking
- Lack of space for resource needs
- Specials/electives are without a classroom
- Reduce Student/Teacher Ratio
- Increase in flex space for additional programming
Grade Re-alignment
- The determination for current configuration was due to available building capacity.
- Pre-K - 2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
- Additional space is needed to truly adjust grades to different buildings.
What to Do with Washington Veale Elementary?
- Consider repurposing the building due to financial inefficiency.
- Reutilize building for Alternative Education, Vocational Education, Pre-School, or STEM Center.
Other Considerations
- HVAC, Roofs, Septic
- Update all ADA Code requirements during any renovation.
- Space needed for STEM/STEAM/Robotics/Career and Technical Education.
- Expanded space for Preschool
- Consider downsizing to 2-3 Campuses long term.
- Relocate Central Office to more cost effective space.
PHASE 2
Public Work Sessions
The Washington Community Schools Board of Trustees is holding Public Work Sessions as they move forward to develop a facility plan for the district. A portion of each Public Work Session is dedicated to answering questions and receiving input from the public in attendance.
June 6, 2024
Financial Consultants from Baker Tilly presents to the board an overview of financing options, debt service, and school finance law.
August 15, 2025
The district administration has been working with Performance Services this summer to develop a "vision" for our facilities and create various scenarios for construction possibilities to consider for moving forward.
September 19, 2024
Performance Services presented the board with several different building options.
November 13, 2024
Architect Daniel Rawlins gave an overview of possible construction project delivery options, with a focus on the Design-Build model.
November 21 & December 19, 2024
Preliminary Determination Hearings were held at the Washington Community Schools Board of Trustees Regular Monthly meetings. On December 19, 2024, the board voted unanimously to approve the Adoption of Preliminary Determination.
June 19, 2025
Washington Community Schools financial consultants Baker Tilley and Business Manager Carrie Alford present to the board an overview of school finance and the effects of new laws recently passed by the state of Indiana and how these laws effect public school funding.
September 25, 2025
At this work session, Mike Holtcamp from Hagerman Construction unveiled plans for the expansion of Washington Primary. The board will vote to approve the final plan at the October 23, 2025 school board meeting.