During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the potential relocation of several educational programs to the old Winnemore Park Middle School, which is set to be vacated this month as the district transitions to a new facility. Mr. Burch outlined plans to move programs from the Conway Education Center, the Therapeutic Learning Center, and the support services department currently located at the old Kingston Elementary School.
Burch emphasized that the Winnemore Park facility is in better condition than the current locations of these programs, which are in need of updates. He noted that preliminary discussions have begun with the affected departments to assess their needs for the move, although no final decisions have been made yet.
Concerns were raised regarding potential asbestos issues at the Winnemore Park site, following a letter from a former employee. Burch acknowledged the presence of asbestos-containing materials in the building, as is common in older schools. He assured board members that the district maintains comprehensive records of such materials and conducts regular inspections to ensure safety. He explained that much of the asbestos is found in the glue of floor tiles, which remains safe as long as it is not disturbed.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of relocating the programs to improve their conditions, with further discussions planned regarding the future of the vacated buildings.