West Iron County Public Schools Administrative Building Update

This past summer, the West Iron County Public Schools administration staff moved into a classroom in the lower level of the WICS Middle/High school.  Shortly afterwards, the old administration building was torn down due to the unsafe radon levels that remained too high, even after a mitigation system was installed.  The old Administration Building also had other serious structural issues and it did not provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility and did not provide a safe and secure entrance area.

At the Tuesday, April 18 regular monthly Board of Education meeting, the Board unanimously approved a design and build bid to FA Industrial Services, Inc. to build a new Administration Building on the WICS campus.  The new administration building will include ADA accessibility, a secure entrance, and a clean and safe working environment for staff, students, and visitors.  

Furthermore, this building project will be funded via one time federal funds.  The majority of these one time federal funds went to students and staff for things such as; Chromebooks for students and CleverTouch screens in every classroom, summer school opportunities, classroom libraries, social emotional staff training and resources, learning loss resources that includes IXL, Math Recovery, Heggerty Phonics, Summer book giveaways, and other curriculum resources.  We were also able to add additional student support services, including a social worker and a school nurse.  Our buildings also received new windows, heating and fresh air units in classrooms, and new exterior doors. 

Even though we have been able to use the majority of the grant for our students, we still have a section of funding available to fix the administration building issue.  We want to be good stewards with the money that we receive, so this project will not require any bond proposal/millage or sinking fund money, nor will we utilize general operating funds.  This project does not impact our community taxes or take away from any student or staff member.  These one time funds have provided the District a way to fix serious health and safety issues, at no cost to our students, staff, and community.  We will continue to provide all of the current programs that we currently offer to our students, staff, and community.

West Iron County Schools continues to strive to provide a safe, healthy, and secure 21st century learning and working environment for all students and staff.