It’s far from a done deal and it’s far from being decided what will be done if it’s a done deal, but the complete demolition of  Johnson Elementary School’s existing facility may not be a complete demolition after all.

 

According to Harrison County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Manchin, the possibility exists that a portion of the decades-old building could be saved once the new school is completed in 2018. And the portion that could be saved may be utilized by Bridgeport High School.

 

Manchin confirmed that there have been discussions with several parties – including the architect and officials at BHS – to possibly save the still relatively new, detached block building behind JES. The building is closest to the band bleachers and the start of the walk way to the visiting bleachers at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

“We have definitely talked about that and it’s very possible that it could happen,” said Manchin. “The initial thought is that there are multiple purposes that the building could be utilized for from a weight room, a wrestling room or even a possible locker room.”

 

The addition of a weight room would eliminate discussion that has been taking place for the last few years of a new, expanded weight room that is currently inside the Tom Harvey Memorial Fieldhouse. However, there is an issue that has to be addressed before that is done, Manchin said.

 

“The way that building is set u, you have four different room and you can’t have four different rooms for a weight room. You need a large, open because of efficiency and supervision,” said Manchin. “The architects will have to let us know if the walls inside can be knocked down to make that possible.”

 

If not, Manchin said there are still additional uses that could be done. Visiting locker rooms have been discussed and the fact that water could be installed inside the structure would make that feasible. The location directly behind the field would also be advantageous.

 

“I’m on board with saving it if possible,” said Manchin.

 

Count BHS Principal Mark DeFazio as another one that it one board with the proposal. His initial inclination is for a weight room, but he says there can be some use for the building that would benefit the school and the Wayne Jamison Field complex.

 

“I think it has the potential to be a great asset to the field. The immediate thought is for a weight room, but that’s going to be dependent upon taking the walls down and creating an open facility,” said DeFazio. “If that doesn’t work, there are uses for sure.”

 

DeFazio said locker rooms for the visiting football and soccer teams would be a tremendous asset. Although those facilities exist, they are in need of repair and upgrades. This would get BHS the needed improvements much soon as opposed to likely much later.

 

“No matter what is done if that building is kept, it’s going to benefit student athletes here or those that visit Bridgeport High School,” DeFazio said.

 

As for the new administrative part of the building at Johnson, Manchin isn’t sure if that can be saved. Along with it being attached to the main structure, it also is located in an area where it’s highly possible that the main area of parking for the new building will be situated.

 

“We’re going to look at all options. If we can save an asset, we’ll save the asset,” he said.

 

DeFazio said issues that have come up during the early stages of the Johnson project – and even other non-related issues – have been easy to deal with thanks to Manchin. He said Manchin and his staff have been open-minded to all ideas.

 

“They’re very open to discussion and Dr. Manchin has emphasized that we need to tell him what we need and the system will try to work with us to make it happen,” DeFazio said. “He told us early that he wants us to run our schools and come to him when we need him or have an idea that may be beneficial to our students. I can tell you he’s lived up that and hopefully this will be the latest example.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows BHS Principal Mark DeFazio near the entrance to the building on the back side, while Matt DeMotto is on the side facing Bridgeport High School.