Back to School: West Des Moines Schools Temporarily Relocate Hillside Students

Students at will be temporarily be relocated at yet-to-be identified sites when open next month.

A window-replacement project  to correct leakage is taking longer than expected, according to a news release. While replacing windows, contractors reported some isolated discoveries of mold in the wall boards, and that also delayed completion of he project for at least the first eight weeks of school.

The project, which began in June, was to have been completed by of the 2012-2013 school year.

“The district’s goal was to replace all of the windows this summer,” said Peter Ansingh, district superintendent. “Unfortunately, the window replacement process has been much more difficult and time-consuming than expected.”

The replacement of the south side windows will be completed by the start of the school year; however, additional time will be needed to complete replacement of the north side windows. The school district has hired REW to remediate the isolated areas containing mold. Iowa Environmental has been retained to conduct air testing and scrub the entire school.

“The No. 1 concern of the West Des Moines Community Schools is the health and safety of our staff and students,” said Ansingh. “The work being done is consistent with our commitment to provide a healthy, safe and enriching school environment for each and every student.”

Students will be relocated for a minimum of eight weeks while construction crews finish work on Hillside Elementary. School officials are in the process of identifying facilities tht meet district requirements.

“We are in the process of identifying both commercial and existing space to determine the best option for all involved,” said Paul Bobek, chief financial officer of the district.  

Bobeck said he will present a comprehensive relocation plan to Hillside faculty and  the district’s board of education by Aug. 6.

Administration briefed the Hillside faculty and staff during a special meeting held on Tuesday.Two meetings for Hillside parents are scheduled to give them an update on the construction timeline and relocation plans.

“We believe the short-term inconvenience for the faculty, students and parents is their best long term interest,” Ansingh said.