West Campus Partnerships
News Release
Seneca – Seneca High School has begun a new chapter in the history of the West Campus. The renaissance of the former high school building was accomplished in partnership with two community organizations. The Tri-County Head Start Program is renting a portion of the building, and the 2015-16 pre-school program is in session. In collaboration with the Seneca Park Board, two first floor rooms, a meeting room, and kitchen area have been newly renovated and will be available for rent through the Park Board.
During the last three years, efforts have been made to breathe new life into the 49,000 square foot campus. Beginning with the renovation of the auto shop area into batting cages in 2012, the ground floor of the building has been brought back to life. Seneca High School presently uses the batting cages and gym for co-curricular activities. Various sections of the building are being used by the high school for the storage of copy paper, architectural drawings, and seasonal supplies. The Head Start Program occupies two classrooms, and they have built a playground on the west side of the building. The meeting room and kitchen area are available for community use through the Seneca Park Board. Discussions on the renovation of the second floor are in very early stages.
Dr. Carlson, Superintendent of Seneca High School, explained that the West Campus is a valuable resource, not only to the school, but to the community. The SHS Board of Education has supported the clean-up efforts and recent renovations by allocating resources each year to the projects. Ron Frye, School Board President, indicated he was pleased to see the collaboration between the Seneca Park Board and High School in brainstorming possible uses for the building.
A new boiler was installed in 2012, an air handler is scheduled for repair this fall, and the roof will be repaired in the near future. The first floor classrooms have been painted and freshened up. The two rooms originally used for the Home Economic Classes have been completely remodeled this summer into the meeting room with a kitchen area. The design for the area was completed by Mr. Erickson’s architectural design class. Members of the Park Board provided input for the design of the meeting room and kitchen area. According to Mr. Fran Kasten, the Park Board is excited to work with Seneca High School in providing an area that can be used by the community for showers, birthday parties, and senior citizen activities.
Anyone interested in renting the West Campus Meeting Room or Gym may contact the Village Hall at 815-357-8771.