The third of nine community input meetings took place Tuesday evening, this time at William Allen White Elementary.
Conversations about what parents and teachers would like to see improved at the school ranged from safety concerns to the need for more multipurpose space, HVAC upgrades and parking concerns. HTK Architects gathered the feedback for its ongoing needs assessment for Emporia Public Schools.
Second grade teacher and parent Heidi Harn says space is a major concern looking forward if the school eventually adds to its student population.
Currently the school’s only large multipurpose space, doubles both as the cafeteria and gym, limiting the amount of time students can take part in those types of activities. An underlying theme has been the need for more multipurpose space that can also become the school’s storm shelter.
When it comes to safety, a major concern at William Allen White is student drop-off and pick up. Because of the traffic congestion and sheer traffic along Exchange Street, the beginning and end of the school day creates a major safety hazard there. Fifth grade teacher and parent Ashley Anno.
There’s also an uncontrolled intersection at 10th and Cottonwood that presents problems for kids and parents walking home from school in the neighborhood. Every other intersection surrounding the school building has at least a two-way stop sign. During the meeting, the audience was also asked to dream big to give ideas of what they’d like to see happen, regardless of costs. Principal Tell Kirk says he’d like to see a multimedia center to allow for more exploratory space, encompassing the school’s current library.
Six more community input meetings are planned over the next month. They are as follows:
Monday, Oct. 8: Timmerman Elementary 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, Oct. 11: Emporia High School 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, Oct. 22: Emporia Middle School 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Monday, Oct. 22: Walnut Elementary 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
Friday, Oct. 26: Logan Avenue Elementary 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Monday, Nov. 5: Maynard Early Childhood 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Photo by Brandon Peoples/KVOE News
