Frequently Asked Questions
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WCCS - FAQ’s

1.      How will the proposed new high school space, as situated on the Indian Springs site, compare with the current facility?

Depending on the final design features, the new building will contain 25% to 48% more square footage than the current high school facility. The new site will allow for about 100% more usable acreage than the present high school site.

2.      Will the Indian Springs site need additional/different traffic design configurations to accommodate a new high school there?

Yes. Several additional possibilities have been discussed and will be considered to ensure public entrance/exit convenience, safe campus flow, separation of a parking/bus space priorities/parent and visitor access.  Some additional land acquisition (at the site) and a “western” campus access from Hwy 205 may evolve as solutions as well.

3.      What is the intended use/disposition of the current building/site if a new high school is located at a different location?

The Whitley County Board of Education is very sensitive to the fact that property values and surrounding residential areas not be adversely affected by any future use of the current building/site. The community-at-large will be directly involved in any plan to demolish, market and/or improve the current facility at the present location. The construction schedule of a new high school will allow for a functional and practical process to utilize sound judgment to develop a plan that will benefit the community.

4.      Due to lack of energy efficiency within the current building, are there utility economies/savings that can be gained by building a new high school now as compared to waiting until 2014?

Yes, we feel the energy savings will be substantial along with construction cost savings.

5.      What safety and security features will be available at the new high school and site for our students?

A modern high school design will ensure the highest levels of building security and surveillance in order to create a safe comfortable environment for the future.  Visual surveillance, as well as electronic technology, will be incorporated throughout the facility design in addition to safe configurations on the parking lots and driveways to properly separate bus, parent, visitor and student traffic flow.

6.      Has the high school planning process involved the staff, faculty, administrators and students?

Yes, and additional sessions are planned as the project completes the preliminary approval stages.  Interviews and information-gathering meetings have been held with high school personnel, students and departments of Columbia City High School. Those data detail the perceived needs to be considered for a new high school facility. 
A report describing the results of that process has been filed with the Board of Education and is available on the district website. Many other related reports and information are available on the website as well.

7.      How may I review some of the accurate data and planning details that outline the current conditions, needs for improvement, comparative cost estimates and finance information of this proposed new high school project?

Please go to the current website : www.futurecchs.com

8.      As an interested citizen, taxpayer and parent, how can I assist and effectively support the new high school project and improve the educational environment for our students?

Please join PACE!  This is a community based group whose work is to support this project.  You may call our Central Office at 260-244-5771 for more information on how to join PACE.

9.      How will a new high school improve student achievement?

The Community will be adding a necessary feature for the future to blend well with the other school modernization projects of the recent past to ensure a competitive “edge” for the young people of WCCS. A modern, effective school system that is committed to excellence for its students is the most important investment citizens can make to ensure a vibrant and productive community.  Good schools in good neighborhoods are not accidents, but rather a result of visionary planning and active support from all stakeholders.

10.  Why can’t we wait and see what the governor does for property taxes before we decide to build a new high school?

We feel we have a responsibility to address the needs of our current students now.  Delaying this project will add to the overall cost in many ways, both tangible and intangible.

11.  I am a person who believes the new high school should be built to benefit our children, and we have a school board, so why is the project in jeopardy?

We do not feel the project is in jeopardy.  We do realize, though, that the success of this project depends upon community support and teamwork.