Board Work Session Recap (November 10, 2026)

Student Academic Report: Celebrating Lakeview and Edgewood; Looking Ahead to Warsaw Middle School

The November Board Work Session Student Academic Report focused on the future of middle school education at Warsaw Community Schools and celebrating the history of Lakeview and Edgewood Middle Schools.  Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert shared an overview of WCS’s long-term vision, including the history of both middle schools, facility needs, financial planning, academic opportunities and the proposed timeline for consolidation:

Honoring the Past, Planning for the Future

Lakeview Middle School opened in 1962 and has served generations of Warsaw students. While the building remains structurally sound, it requires significant infrastructure improvements, including roofing, HVAC systems and accessibility updates.

Edgewood, originally constructed in 1975 and renovated in 2016, has also played an important role in the district's history.

Over the past three years, WCS has worked with architectural and construction professionals to evaluate several options, including constructing a new middle school, renovating Lakeview and combining both schools at either existing location.

The proposed plan is to renovate and expand Lakeview into a unified Warsaw Middle School while repurposing the Edgewood facility to support additional educational programs including Gateway Education Center, WACC courses, etc.

 

 

A Phased Renovation Plan

The transformation will take place over several years, allowing WCS to address immediate infrastructure needs while preparing for the future.

Phase 1: Completed in 2026: The first phase of Lakeview improvements has been completed through an energy savings plan. Work included major piping and HVAC improvements, roofing, electrical upgrades, gymnasium walls, mechanical room improvements, three boilers and eight water heaters.

Phase 2: Planned for 2027: The next phase is projected to include additional roofing, rooftop HVAC units, restroom renovations, a third chiller and the first wave of approximately 13–16 classroom renovations. During the 2026–27 school year, three architectural and construction teams will participate in a competitive design process, developing proposals based on district priorities, design, scope and cost. Staff will have opportunities to provide input through focus groups and building walkthroughs, with the goal of selecting a design-builder in fall 2027.

Phase 3: Major Renovation and Expansion (2028–2030): The largest phase is expected to take place over at least three summers, beginning in 2028. Planned improvements include classroom additions, fine arts spaces, cafeteria improvements, an auxiliary gymnasium, updated traffic patterns, athletic facilities, a STEM park and accessibility improvements.

 

 

 

 

Expanded Academic Opportunities

Beyond facility improvements, the consolidation presents opportunities to strengthen academic programming and provide a more consistent middle school experience. Areas being explored include STEM education and certification, Dual Language Immersion pathways, Leader in Me programming, high school coursework and career-focused learning. WCS will also explore opportunities to begin combining certain programs, activities and branding before the physical consolidation is complete. Staffing transitions will be planned over approximately three and a half years, with adjustments occurring through attrition rather than reductions in force.

 

 

 

Future Plans for Edgewood

Following the consolidation, the Edgewood building is planned to become a home for Warsaw Area Career Center programming, Gateway Education Center and Adult Education, with a target transition date of July 2030. This approach will allow WCS to maximize existing facilities while strengthening educational opportunities for students and adult learners.

Responsible Financial Planning

Dr. Hoffert emphasized that the project is part of the ongoing 10-year facility plan, which focuses on maintaining existing buildings, anticipating future needs and making responsible financial decisions.

WCS currently maintains a tax rate approximately 12% below the state average. According to the presentation, the proposed project is not expected to require a tax rate increase, and no operating referendum is projected or proposed.

 

 

 

 

 

Board Consideration

The Board considered a recommendation to formally consolidate Lakeview Middle School and Edgewood Middle School into one school, to be known as Warsaw Middle School, effective upon completion of the Lakeview Renovation Project.

The proposed transition reflects WCS’s commitment to honoring the legacy of both schools while creating a shared identity, expanded academic opportunities and a modern learning environment for future generations of Warsaw students.

Human Resources and Out-of-State Travel

The November 2026 Personnel Report was presented for Board consideration. The Board also reviewed out-of-state student trips for the 2026–27 school year and professional learning opportunities.

Financial Update

Steven Boyer, CFO, presented the October 2026 financial reports.  Additional financial items included service contract renewals, the ParentSquare Attendance Plus add-on pilot, technology equipment, snow removal equipment and HVAC controls upgrades.

Donations and Grants

Warsaw Community Schools recognized several generous contributions supporting student learning, career development and classroom resources including a $75,000 Opportunity to Learn Project Planning Grant and a $100,000 grant from the Don Wood Foundation to advance the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Pathway at the Warsaw Area Career Center. 

Facilities and Construction Update: Mr. Jim LeMasters

Jim LeMasters provided the Board with a facilities and construction update. Facility planning continues across WCS, with a particular focus on the ongoing Lakeview renovation and the long-term development of Warsaw Middle School.