McLean and Greentree work largely complete as West Bend readies schools for reopening

The West Bend School District board heard a construction update from Tim Harder, the district’s director of facilities and technology, outlining progress at McLean and Greentree elementary schools as the district prepares for the start of the school year.

Harder told the board that McLean will have a new secure entrance and a new main office that creates a “multi layered approach of security” at the front of the building. He said flooring and cabinet work are nearly complete and that new glass has been installed rapidly: “I took this picture on Friday. There’s now glass flooring behind there in the office, and that’s how fast things are moving at this point in time,” Harder said.

The district has finished HVAC control installations at both sites and is performing system balancing to ensure correct air pressures and flow in classrooms. Harder said the district passed its above-ceiling inspection at McLean and is installing an entirely new fire alarm system that will be tested with the Fire Department; the planned test will run about two hours and include enunciators and flashing strobes required by current code. “So that will be 2 hours of the fire alarm going off,” Harder said, and staff working that day will be provided ear protection.

Harder described rapid window work at McLean, where crews began installing panes early one morning and progress has been accelerated by on-site reorganization of glass deliveries. He said more than 90% of flooring work at McLean is complete and that GreenTree has about 70% of flooring finished. Painting, patching and interior door installation are underway at both sites. Harder also credited the district’s contractor Findorff and subcontractors for the pace of work and said district facilities staff have worked extended hours to prepare classrooms.

Board members asked about safety for students when classes resume. Harder said the district will use temporary walls and fencing where needed, require contractors to wear identification tags, and keep some spaces — for example, McLean’s gym and GreenTree’s library — closed until work in those areas is complete. He described a contractor check-in process and said principals would distribute maps and building access instructions to staff and families before the first day.

Superintendent Wimmer echoed praise for facilities staff and principals, noting teachers had been allowed on site to set up classrooms. The district plans to distribute building maps and detailed instructions to families and staff this week and said teachers returned to schools to prepare for students arriving next week.

Board discussion on the construction report was informational only; no board action was taken.