Students and staff look forward to the campus additions and to the end of the construction obstacles as progress continues on the Prop KIDS projects. Despite delays, much of the work will be completed by August 2026 as the new school year starts, however the campus will still see construction next school year as additional projects are completed.
Although the new JBMS addition (the fifth-grade wing) will be complete when students return to school this fall, the art and science classroom and high school bathrooms addition will open soon after, according to school administrators. The renovations and additions are all possible due to a $18 million bond approved by voters in April 2024. Projects already completed include the remodel of elementary restrooms at both North and South, the replacement of a corridor wall at South, an upgrade to elementary playgrounds at North and South, improvements to the South school parking lot and the replacement of the JBMS multi-purpose floor. Projects in progress include the construction of the new fifth-grade wing that will be a storm shelter, the construction of new art and science classrooms and restrooms at the high school, a remodel of the high school stage and music rooms (which is almost complete) and a remodel of the JBMS front entry. There are also plans for a project to improve the high school courtyard, but that construction has not yet been started.
In the long term the staff and many students believe adding the fifth grade wing will be beneficial to all the elementary schoolers.
“Creating space at North School to allow our youngest students to attend from PreK through 4th grade will be extremely beneficial. I am especially excited about the playground improvements and the work scheduled for this summer. The updates at both JBMS and the high school will also have a positive impact. The new JBMS entryway and office will enhance communication and provide a more functional space for visitors. At the high school, the addition of restrooms and the renovation of the courtyard will create improved learning environments for our students,” Superintendent Scott Gemes said.
What that means for the high school/middle school campus is that fifth graders will be attending next year.
“We have been preparing for this transition throughout the year, and our teachers and administrators are ready to support a smooth change,” Gemes said.
The high school addition will allow for the creation of an alternative school in the building that currently houses a science classroom and the art classroom.
“I am looking forward to all the new construction and improvements made to our buildings. The new improvements were all needed and add to making our school buildings better than before. I think all the additions will help better serve our students and staff and their educational needs,” high school principal Danny Morrison said
The Warsaw School District budgeted $18 million and the estimated total is about $17 million, $1 million under budget.
“The bond was approved for $18 million; however, due to interest rates and premium bonds, we have approximately $20 million available. At this time, we are projected to come in under budget, with an estimated total of around $17 million. This would allow us the opportunity to complete additional projects using remaining bond funds,” Gemes said
Possible additional projects being considered include new restrooms and concessions on the track/football field and a potential middle school library.
“This project has grown larger than initially anticipated, but I am very excited to see the final results and the positive impact these improvements will have on our district,” Gemes said.
The construction has been a frustrating obstacle for students and staff.
“It can be exhausting making the trip down and up. Especially since I have art twice. Sometimes I end up late, but my teachers have been understanding about it,” senior Chloie Brazel said.
“With any construction project, there are naturally distractions and detours. However, our teachers and students have handled these challenges very well. While it has not always been easy, I shared with staff at the beginning of the year that flexibility and patience would be essential. I am very appreciative of everyone’s efforts throughout this process,” Gemes said.
