CHANUTE — Gary Wheeler, its principal, likes to brag about Chanute Elementary School.
He had ample opportunities Wednesday evening when he squired 17 members of the USD 257 School Facilities Committee on a tour of the school.
The tour was a revival of discussions by committee members after a summer hiatus. Next up is a tour of the new elementary school in Garnett Oct. 16.
While immediate focus is on elementary schools and needs at that level in USD 257, the committee members will look at all facilities and eventually make a recommendation to board members about direction they think facility improvements should take.
A similar committee met several years ago before board members deferred any substantial improvements when the recession hit.
Brian Pekarek, superintendent of schools, is eager for committee members to avail themselves of as much information as possible — thus the area school tours — before proposing ways to give local students a better educational experience.
CHANUTE ELEMENTARY cost a little more than $17 million to build. Funding was part of a $48 million general obligation bond issue approved in fall 2005. Students moved into the school at the start of the 2008 fall semester.
In addition to the elementary, a new high school was built and Royster Middle School was remodeled and updated.
“This is our fifth year,” said Wheeler, as he led the group through halls that still look new.
Land holding the school was donated to the district, which gave it a leg up financially at the start.
The school was built “at probably the worst time for construction cost,” because of escalating prices for structural components. Some changes were made to stay within budget.
But, the district didn’t scrimp on student-related things, he said.
Ed Klock, a partner in PBA Architects, Wichita, said masonry exterior of the building was kept in plans, but interior walls were changed from masonry to high-impact Sheetrock, a cost-saving measure.
WHEELER began the tour with an explanation of the school’s security system, which has visitors sign in electronically and then receive a lapel sticker to wear.
