The construction for the new Talawanda High School is behind schedule. The school is now scheduled to open in January 2012. (SAMANTHA LUDINGTON | The Miami Student)
Talawanda High School students will have to wait a little longer than expected to enjoy their new high school, according to Talawanda Community Relations Director Holli Morrish.
Talawanda officials will now have access to the new high school in early October, approximately five weeks behind the original construction schedule, Morrish said. Talawanda students will now be moved into the new school for the second semester of the 2011-12 school year.
"The Talawanda Board of Education has asked contractors building the school to provide a new detailed construction schedule and to ensure access to the building in October," Morrish said.
For now, construction teams are focusing on getting a roof over the entire building since the school is only partially covered, she said. The Board of Education is working with contractors to get construction underway even with the cold weather.
"Our primary objective is to get the entire building under roof while keeping the quality of the work," Morrish said.
Talawanda Board of Education President Darrell Smith agreed quality workmanship on the new high school is most important.
"We're not trying to rush this, we're trying to make sure this is done properly," Smith said.
Although the school is behind the original schedule, Smith said he feels confident about the construction.
"We've waited this long for a new high school, I don't mind waiting a little longer," he said.
The new building will bring much-needed facilities to Talawanda, according to Smith. The current high school does not have a chemistry lab and has only one computer lab. The new high school will provide new technology for the students while being environmentally friendly, he said.
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"We'll heat the building with sunshine and heat the building with groundwater," Smith said. "This is a giant leap forward for our community."
Talawanda graduate and Miami University senior Joe Carlin called the construction of the new high school long overdue. Talawanda lacked a lot of necessary technology and space during his time there, he said.
The environmentally friendly aspect of the new building is also a huge plus, Carlin said. He said he is not put off by the construction delay.
"There's no rush as long as it gets built," Carlin said. "They really need it."
Talawanda students will have a three-week winter break, during which time equipment will be transferred from the old building to the new building, according to Morrish. Bus routes will also be changed over break to ensure students will have transportation to the new school immediately.
City and school officials do not have plans for the old high school yet. Morrish said a facilities subcommittee has been created and will meet once monthly to discuss options for the building. The subcommittee is expected to make a recommendation for the building during spring 2011.
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