WARREN, Ark. – The culmination of two years of construction was unveiled Tuesday as the new Warren Elementary School was formally dedicated.
School personnel, Warren School Board members, Mayor Gregg Reep, state Rep. Jeff Wardlaw and community members were present as a ribbon-cutting ceremony was sponsored by Bradley County Chamber of Commerce.
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Contributor
PHOTO ALBUM BELOW THE ARTICLE
All photos a combined effort of Tim Kessler and Rob Reep.
“It wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community,” Superintendent Bryan Cornish said, noting voters approved a 5-mill property tax increase to pay for the $20 million facility.
Darrel Odom of Odom Architecture PLLC was the main architect on the building. Clark Contractors of Little Rock was the contracting firm.
Principal Sara Weaver said the centerpiece tree will have solar lights on it. There are 26 full-size classrooms, with special rooms for gifted and talented, art, music, resource, speech and occupational therapy. There is a gym attached to the cafeteria with a foldaway wall that will allow seating for up to 900.
The office complex has administrative offices, school nurse, counselor and bookkeeper. Mainline Health Systems will have an in-school health clinic in the kindergarten hall. There are separate wings for kindergarten, first, second and third grades.
Some work remains to be done on the parking lot but it should be ready for the first day of school on Monday.
There are additional safety features built into the school. The four classroom corridors are tornado safe. Each classroom has an exit to the outside. A full active shooter drill will be held this fall.
Of the previous Eastside Elementary School, Cornish said, “We have no plans for that building yet.”
