Residents Question Safety, Sustainabilty at Meeting for Proposed Johnston High School

Parents and residents came armed with questions to the Johnston school district's second public information meeting on the

Among questions were concerns of safety and sustainability when it comes to a proposed new high school.

About 100 people attended the meeting to learn about the upcoming Sept. 11 special election, which will ask residents if the school district can bond $51 million in order to build a new high school at Northwest 100th Street and north of Northwest 62nd Avenue. 

Dave Briden with FRK Architects was on hand to ensure parents that students would be safe in the proposed high school in the case of a fire or tornado.

The three-story high school would be equipped with stairways that will meet code in case of a fire.

"Exiting will not be an issue," Briden said of the stairways and more efficient corridor space.

Interior spaces used for performing arts can be utilized to take shelter from tornadoes.

The new building will also have secure entrances, something the current school does not have.

Briden also addressed questions about the proposed building's green factor.

"The overriding theme was sustainability," he said of stakeholder committee meetings of what the proposed building should encompass.

The design of the building will take in account natural light, with many classroom spaces on the north side of the building and a step lighting, which takes in account how much natural light a room receives.

District officials presented a facility plan which is estimated to cost $122.3 million. The current high school would be remodeled to house eighth and ninth grades, while the current middle school would eventually house students from Wallace and a district-wide preschool.

A majority of the school's financing will come from sales tax and PPEL funds. If the bond issue is approved, residents could see an .

Jim Gorsche, resident, recalled working on three of the district committees that explored facility options.

"We came to the conclusion that the district would need $100 million in any of five scenarios," he said of options for a new high school, second high school or new elementary school and additions. "A high school is a representation of the community."

With just three weeks before the vote, there will be , as well as several presentations to civic groups and organizations.

The next community meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 in the auditorium.

See more stories on the $51 million bond issue and proposed new high school:

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