Battle Brewing Over Washington High School Building

By Chris Earl, Anchor/Reporter

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By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Sep 29, 2009 at 4:46 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 29, 2009 at 5:23 PM CST

WASHINGTON - A battle is brewing in the Washington, Iowa School District.

It's not over sports or academics, but over the school building itself. Washington High School is ground zero in the fight.

Administrators say the nearly 100 year old building is past its prime, and a new building is sorely needed. Now construction plans are moving forward despite not getting enough support from voters.

The school board voted Monday night to build the new $15-million dollar high school. Superintendent David Sextro says sales taxes will cover the cost.

Opposition members say they feel deceived.

"The junior high was built in 61 or 62. that was the last major construction in the district," Sextro said.

Three weeks ago, and for the fourth time, Washington voters did not pass a bond issue for new schools with 60% of the vote.

The momentum is different now, this was the first time a majority supported the bond issue. That is leading school leaders have decided to get future high school students out of this building.

The current building serves 3 grades, only has street parking, and sits on ten acres. The new plans have the high school on 20 acres, and include grades 9-12. However, this move does have vocal opposition.

"Bricks and mortar are important, but they don't educate kids," said Mike Hora with Citizens for Common Sense Education.

At the middle school, we spoke with parents who will see their kids at the new high school.

"I think it's something our community needs to do," supporter Susan Wellington said.

Karen Hahn, who opposes the new school said, "Maybe if they would have done it a few years ago we might have been for it."

"It's good to take the old and bring in the new. It's time for a new one (school)," said supporter Beth Moravek.

"There's ones who do not want to do anything, some who want to renovate the high school, and those who want to build new. We've answered two-thirds of the question," said Superintendent Sextro.

The district says it looks to break ground on the new high school this spring.

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