Washington high school starts year in new wing of building

WASHINGTON — With the school year now underway, high schoolers in Washington find themselves in newly built classrooms on the building’s northwest side, where contractors have finished the first phase of a massive, multiyear construction project.

Superintendent Willie Stone said the new two-story wing of the high school contained classrooms that moved out of the building’s east wing, which has since begun its own renovations.

“Our custodial staff did an amazing job getting everything … moved into it from our aux gym, and most of the teachers came in early to get their rooms around and get things ready to go for the students,” Stone said. “At the end of May, we brought about 30 students in that helped clean out all the classrooms in the (east wing,) … and moved everything into the aux gym until the two-story got done. And our custodial staff moved everything into the two-story over time this summer.”

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Stone said the new layout this year changed nothing about the school’s passing times, or class periods. But it has added a culinary classroom, a new art room, and an additional full-sized college basketball court first used for a volleyball scrimmage last week.

Stone said the building’s combined gymnasiums supported four games at a time in that scrimmage, thanks to the added space.

“It’s something we’re excited about being able to do,” he said. “Being able to bring more teams in to play, and get better looks for our kids.”

As students get oriented in the new space, Stone said the district was thrilled to be back in session.

“We’re excited to have kids back in the building,” he said. “It’s always good to have kids back and get rolling. That’s why we’re in the business, because we want to be with kids and teach them and help them become young, responsible citizens.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com