Warsaw, IN - During the March board work session, Performance Services, Inc. (PSI) shared updates on the Warsaw Community High School (WCHS) front entry construction project. After four years of development and design iteration and through a competitive selection process, PSI was selected to partner on this progressive design-build project. Together a plan was developed to meet WCS’s goals within the budget that satisfies the community’s expectations without tax impact.
The project renovations include a new front entrance, improved circulation, updated classrooms, and the addition of more collaborative spaces for students. This multi-phase construction project began in the fall of 2022, with the final phase scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
The current phase of the project is ahead of schedule and under budget. It will create a new, clearly identifiable secure main entry and improved student circulation throughout the building and campus. Through the renovation, WCS is focusing on the safety and security of all students and limiting the entry points for visitors to secure office vestibules. The new entry will provide increased security as parents and community members will have one distinct point of entry.
After touring the construction project, Haydin Rodriguez, WCHS senior shared, “I feel like putting the counselor’s offices by the main offices is a really good idea. That was a necessary change.” Benjamin Booren, WCHS sophomore added, “I agree. Relocating the offices to the front will make it a lot easier for students and parents to locate administrators and counselors when they are needed. That will help with safety too.”
Keely Roe, WCHS student body president stated, “It was an honor to see the construction project. Although there have been minor hindrances to our normal routine because of the construction, the pay off from the project will be well worth it. Although I will not be able to experience the new project as a student, I am most excited to see how many of the collaborative spaces will be used.
“The updated look in Tiger Central will be amazing for meetings and activities of our clubs and student groups. In the commons, there will be open seating options for students in order to allow students to collaborate, connect, and work productively in academic areas that resemble collegiate buildings. I hope the students of future generations will appreciate the hard work and thought put into these renovations.”
Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent stated, “WCS is grateful to our local community for the support of upgrades to WCHS. The high school now has over 30 years of continual usage. The updates being completed include a safe and secure front entrance, new classrooms, updates of all existing classrooms, traffic flow management (internal and external) along with new technological wiring. We are grateful to have completed this project through detailed planning to ensure proper timing and without a tax impact to our local community.”
Heather Reichenbach, WCS board president shared, “We are fortunate and so thankful to be in a community that prioritizes safe spaces and collaborative learning environments within our schools. Providing a beautiful main entrance to welcome students and guests, this project also allows for critical updates in 30-year old classroom spaces to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed not only at WCHS but in any future endeavor of their choosing upon graduation.”
Providing construction management services, PSI is helping to support the WCS mission and vision. WCS is grateful for their continued efforts to keep this project on-track and under budget.
Photo Provided: Left to Right: Mr. Jim LeMasters, Benjamin Booren, Haydin Rodriguez, McKale Hagg, Keely Roe, Zechariah Prieshoff, Tassara Faulkner, Benjamin Borren and Mr. Troy Akers.