The core planning group for the additions and renovations to the Waseca Junior/Senior High School (JSHS)l continue to meet. This core planning team recently spent a day touring four schools (Prairie Winds Middle in Mankato, Jordan Middle School, Prior Lake High School and Tri-City United High School) to help them gain knowledge of design concepts. The team discussed educational best practices and how they are reflected in facilities design to be considered in the office remodel and academic wing remodel at the JSHS. The team returned with some great ideas.Not only did these visits provide an opportunity to see different styles of schools, but they also helped create a shared understanding and common language to assist in the facility design process. In addition, the team learned how other communities are providing instruction. This committee will meet several more times prior to finalizing a building plan for the JSHS. There will also be a separate Performing Arts Planning team that will begin meeting very soon.  They too will tour facilities to get ideas for our performing arts center.  

Additionally, the architects have met with the Administration at Central, Hartley and WIS to discuss the planned renovations (mostly for safety and security). All of these groups will eventually submit preliminary plans to the District Oversight Committee.  Preliminary plans and drawings will be approved by the District Oversight Committee and submitted to the School Board for final approval in late spring.   At this time, we anticipate beginning the renovations at Central, Hartley and WIS this summer and beginning at the JSHS this fall.  The final schedule will not be known until later in the spring. We will continue to keep you posted as we progress in the facilities design phase.