WC school board hears elementary school expansion plans, cost
Pictured are students who scored an advanced rating on the MAP test last spring. They were recognized at the Nov. 9 West County Board of Education meeting. Dan Schunks
The West County Board of Education saw the architect’s rendition of a proposed expansion to the district’s elementary school when it met Nov. 9 in regular session.
Hoener Associates Inc. presented pictures of the proposed additions with various alternatives and their costs for the board’s consideration. A bond issue for community approval of the proposed addition would be on the ballot in the April 2024 election.
The cost of the addition of classrooms, rerouting traffic flow, and the ground improvements needed has a base cost of $6,805,040. An additional phase to add a gymnasium to the project has an additional cost of $4,100,000. The total cost with all phases completed, including projected costs for rock removal, will total $11,747,890.
The board recognized students for their outstanding achievement on the MAP test this past spring.
Eighth-grade students who performed at an advanced level in math, English Language Arts (ELA) and science were Chris Dugger, Alydia Ieye, Matthew Haywood, Lauren Jackson, Nora Marler, Bernie Simily, and Lily Tebow.
Last year’s students in sixth and seventh grade were only tested in math and ELA. Those who tested at an advanced level in math and ELA were Aidan Adams, Robert Dolan, Autumn Evans, Sarah Hurd, Bridget McGee, Zeke Moyers, Haley Parshall, Adam Payne, and Korten Oz.
Students in sixth grade last year who tested at an advanced level in math and ELA were Gavin Barker, Aubrey Halter, Nathan Jenkerson, Gage Lamkin, Heidi Watson, and Landon Wigert.
Jace Miller, Jackson Miller, Tucker Reed, Abelan Stone, and Kina Dykert were recognized for being named to the all-conference MAJHAA Cross County team. Jace Miller, an eighth-grade runner, was the conference champion for the middle school. The girls’ team was the middle school cross-country team champion.
West County High School Principal James Able informed the board about various activities involving high school students.
“We recently had our West County’s Got Talent on Oct. 20th,” he said. “Mr. Hassell and the choir did a really good job. We had a good turnout for that, as well. Our seniors and juniors went on the industrial education tour on Nov. 1. They toured some local businesses, and they also got to tour the Mineral Area College Tech Center.
“Our juniors and seniors planning on going to college were all able to attend the Mineral Area College ‘College Fair.’ They also toured Mineral Area College and Jeffco on Oct. 25. There were a lot of good things happening for our juniors and seniors, preparing them for the future.”
West County Middle School Principal Lindsey Jackson reported that Miss Missouri visited the school Oct. 18.
“She was phenomenal,” he said. “She talked to our students about inclusion, and she talked to them about staying drug-free and taking care of their bodies. It was actually during Red Ribbon Week. She also talked to them about bullying because October was National Bullying Prevention Month.”
“We went to Park Hills, and we got Ray Coles and pizza from Roy’s. We sat on the patio, and she talked to them about their future plans, how they could be a part of their community and what they could give to our school. That was a great day!”
West County Elementary School Principal Steve Voyles reported a good response from the parent-teacher conferences held in October.
The 21st Century Program grant is running out at the end of the school year. It has been in the elementary school for 22 years and middle school and high school for 17. The grant runs in five-year cycles, and over the years, West County has received $2.17 million through the program.
The school has exceeded every goal and objective expected. The district will be applying for another five-year grant, which will be submitted in May. The district hopes to hear positive news on their application in September 2024.
Filing dates for school board elections have been set. The opening day for filing begins at 8 a.m. Dec. 5 and will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 26. The school office will be closed Dec. 21-25 for Christmas break. The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 26. There are two seats with three-year terms up for election, which are currently held by Tyson Wilkins and Chris Briley.
The next West County Board of Education meeting will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 19 in the Central Office.
Dan Schunks is a staff writer for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at dschunks@dailyjournalonline.com.
