A New Elementary School

I am hoping that I can having an ongoing picture log of the new school as it is being built; however, it will first be 10 months in the designing stage.  I know that seems like a long time, but all the architects have at the moment is a rough outline of what the basic layout will look like.  Next, they will have to decide where the classrooms will be, where the library will be (all the books housed in one place, finally), where to locate the restrooms - imagine, more than one per gender in the building - where to put office staff, a maintenance room for heating, cooling, and the janitorial staff and supplies, where the cafeteria and kitchen will be located, and where to place the gym.  It will take a lot of planning and hopefully they will take into consideration any input by the teachers who know what a school needs to function properly.

I was very pleased that the bond passed.  After attending school board meetings and listening to all the ongoing problems that needed to be fixed, a new building was what was really needed.  I dislike the idea of just patching up buildings that really need major repairs, but I am also aware of the fact that when you really get behind the walls, in the ceilings, and under the floors, you sometimes find hidden problems that can become overwhelmingly expensive to repairs, and something need to be torn down to the studs and completely be replaced.

This became true in our own home, which needed even some of the studs replaced because of termite damage and rotting due to excessive moisture, and there are still issues to address and repairs to be made, like the foundation that has a few places that leak.  You try to repair and patch but sometimes it is more of a replacement of the old with the new, like electrically wiring and plumbing.

I think the citizens of Larned and the surrounding areas included in the USD 495 school district made a wise choice in voting YES for the bond.  I think it will do much for the district and the town to show major improvements and community pride.

Hooray Larned!

A New Elementary School for Larned?

Does Larned need a new elementary school?  Well, let's look at some pros to this option.

First of all, the students will not be spread out between four different buildings.

Second, the district will not have to continue to repair the old buildings hoping those old buildings will hold up longer.  As good stewards of the district's money, the school board should not be putting more and more money into buildings that just cannot work effectively for Larned's children.

Third, the new building will provide a safe shelter for the students without requiring that they be bused to other locations during a tornado warning or other severe weather.

Fourth, with just one building for elementary students, parents will not be required to drive to multiple building to pick their children up.

Fifth, there will be enough restrooms and stalls to meet the needs of all the students without requiring long lines and waits for a child to use the restroom.

Sixth, the new building will be adequately heated, and students will not need to wear their coats in order to remain warm during the cold winter days.

These, in my opinion, are some of the top reasons why Larned needs a new elementary school.  There are more if you would like to hear them.

For many, the one down side is the raise in property tax, but that raise is well worth it if it provides a safer environment for elementary children and a better learning environment.  In addition, there is the 36% that the state will kick in if the bond is passed before July 1st.  With everything the state plans to take away from education, this is one way that they can put money into the education of Larned's children.

Progressing Right Along

The new hospital is taking shape, and the different areas are now flushing out.

 Here you see the sides going up on the building,

 and this area will be where physical therapy will be located.  The two pictures below are also part of the new physical therapy area.

 The picture above and the two below will be the front of the new hospital.

 Above is the addition of siding insulation being put on the building, and below shows the pipes being

 added for either heating and cooling or something else.

 The pictures above and below show what the back side of the building is beginning to look like.  From maps inside the clinic, this area is where deliveries will be made.

You will also notice the vents coming out of the top of the building.  The roofers have been up on the top of the building for the last few weeks.

It is beginning to take shape, but it will still be two years before it is finished.  After the outside is all enclosed, I will not be able to put up anymore pictures, so I'll have to see what else is happening around town.

Continuing changes

Construction continues and the new hospital is beginning to take shape as can be seen in the attached photos.

 The girders are going up . . .

 

 and the structure is taking form.

This is the old parking lot, and it will be the location of the new therapy section of the clinic/hospital.

Construction continues

The old is out and the new is in.

No longer can patients access the clinic through the main doors.

 Even the patient parking has been moved.

Now, the new door and parking are open for use.

 Basic construction is also continuing on the new building as well.

Now there is also an indication were the heart of the maintenance section of the new hospital will be located.  Notice all the pipes protruding from the ground.

It still has a long way to go, but at least it is taking shape, even if it is slowly.

New Addition

The top and bottom picture show the beginnings of drives that have some concrete poured for them.  Not sure if these will be drives to the front door, or to some other place in the hospital.

 The following pictures are the beginning of the hopsital structure.  It is located on the south side of the pre-existing clinic.  Things are beginning to take shape, and work is on going.  Considering it is in the 60's today, the workers have a nice day for construction.

Keep watching and I will keep posting as progress continues.

Hosptial Construction

Work on the new hospital is in happening, but as of now it is mostly dirt work.

  Fences are up to protect the area; of course, when the Big Bad Wolf, oops I mean wind, blows, the fences go down.

As of today, there are holes, mud, and supplies going on at the sight.