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Presenter outlines accessibility, safety and repair needs at Washburn School District middle/high school
Summary
At a Washburn School District meeting a presenter detailed a package of facility upgrades needed at the district's middle/high school, including an ADA-compliant controlled entrance, masonry and tuckpointing repairs, drainage fixes that currently flood a science classroom, HVAC and boiler updates, window and ceiling replacements, and ADA restroom upgrades.
A presenter at a Washburn School District meeting said the district's middle/high school needs multiple repairs to address accessibility, safety and building preservation.
"Our main entrance at the middle school high school is not ADA compliant and causes a bit of a safety issue," the presenter said, then described a proposed covered ramp and a secure, controlled entrance that would open directly into the office so staff could screen visitors and, if needed, have the principal speak with them before allowing entry. The presenter said the planned entrance would be ADA compliant and usable in all weather.
The presenter described extensive exterior masonry damage on the original 1948 building and the 1954 gym, citing cracked and crumbling mortar joints, damaged brick and fallen stucco. "Tuck pointing is a vital repair process used to restore masonry," the presenter said, and argued that timely tuckpointing would prevent moisture infiltration and prolong the building's life.
On site drainage, the presenter said the parking lot slopes toward the lake and that historic drainage patterns direct runoff toward the building. He said heavy rain or rapid snowmelt "drains into one of our science classrooms," forcing staff to remove water and creating a safety hazard in a lab space.
The presenter outlined HVAC concerns, saying many classrooms use fan-coil units or unit ventilators installed in the 1980s that provide poor temperature control. He gave examples of temperature performance: when it is about 90 degrees outside, classrooms can reach about 85 degrees; in below-freezing weather, rooms can sit around 58–59 degrees. He noted one boiler was installed in 2018 while another dating to 1993 is nearing the end of its life, and proposed adopting direct digital control systems to improve energy efficiency and system management.
The presenter also pointed to windows, ceilings and lighting that need updating, including outdated fluorescent fixtures and brick-framed windows that let in cold air and increase heating and cooling costs. "They're letting in a lot of the cold air and not allowing us to make sure that the building is able to stay heated as it should be," he said.
Finally, the presenter said the building lacks ADA-compliant restrooms with accessible stalls, grab bars and sufficient maneuvering space, and argued that restroom upgrades are essential to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities.
The transcript records the presentation of these needs and proposed approaches; no formal motion, vote or funding decision appears in the provided transcript.
