For those wondering exactly where the new Johnson Elementary School will sit on the parcel of land chosen for its construction, it’s no longer a mystery. During a meeting of elementary school principals with the Harrison County Board of Education at the Stonewall Resort in Lewis County this afternoon, the layout was first revealed in preliminary schematics.

 

Thom Worlledge, the design architect for the project from McKinley & Associates, showed the design to the principals. The same design was also shown this evening at the Bridgeport City Council meeting.

 

“The layout as shown is the way it will sit,” said Harrison County Assistant Superintendent of Schools Anthony Fratto earlier this afternoon. “It certainly could be twisted or turned a few feet either way, but there’s no one that will look at what was presented today and could look at the finished project and say that it’s been moved. It’s pretty much going to sit exactly as presented.”

 

The building is angled with the front portion facing toward Johnson Avenue and the existing JES. The two-story, 65,000 square foot structure will finally give students a break from a building that has been littered with mold in the past and is minus many key teaching tools – including a gymnasium.

 

The gymnasium will be constructed next to the cafeteria with a dividing wall that could be sound proof he said. The gym, which will be larger than what the West Virginia School Building Authority mandates with the wall up, will actually be able to be utilized for events as a middle school-sized gymnasium when the wall is removed and the cafeteria tables are removed. Bleachers will also be inside the area.

 

“The only time that will be utilized is for after hours,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin at tonight’s Council meeting.

 

Manchin wasn’t alone at the session. School Board President Gary Hamrick and member Frank Devono Jr. joined Manchin and spoke prior to – and during – Worlledge’s presentation.

 

Although the schematics as mentioned are preliminary, Manchin said the building will have a wow factor. Worlledge explained to meet that the entrance way will have a “railroad” theme based on Bridgeport’s history with railroads. The walkway above the main entrance, which will connect two second level areas, is a bridge in a glassed area shaped like a train trestle.

 

School and architectural officials cautioned those in attendance on the permanence of some of the features discussed tonight, including the removal of the current entrance way to Johnson Elementary School (and Wayne Jamison Field) off of Johnson Avenue to a combined entry and exit at the existing exit that could include another exit point once the existing building is demolished.

 

As for the building itself, City Manager Kim Haws suggested the BOE and the architect meet before much more time has passed. Haws said the city’s ability under Home Rule to provide funds for educational projects could help create some space that could be beneficial to both the community and the school.

 

“Maybe there is something we can do to untie your hands a little bit,” said Haws, pointing to synergy that could make the project meet the test of time and possible growth in the area.

 

Fratto said the area where the building will be constructed, which was the one he said most wanted by faculty and administrators at Johnson and even Bridgeport High School, is in the flood plain. He said part of the project’s costs will involve raising the acreage in question about seven feet from its lowest point.

 

Also this evening, Council heard from Scott Duarte, who was speaking as the regional representative for the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association as well as wearing many other tourism-related hats. Duarte asked Council to consider approving the brunch bill, which would allow restaurants and hotels to serve alcohol on Sundays starting at 10 a.m. Currently, the time alcohol can be served is after 1 p.m.

 

“We need destinations and this helps that process,” said Duarte.

 

Approval of the brunch bill would not allow retailers to sell before 1 p.m. In other words, grocery or convenience stores would still be bound by the existing law.

 

The matter will be up for a public hearing at Council’s second meeting in August. Council voted to approve the public hearing, with Council member Lowell “L.J.” Maxey voting against it, and then decided whether to amend Bridgeport’s Home Rule application. If that happens, Bridgeport would need to make its case for the brunch bill at the October meeting of the West Virginia Home Rule Board.

 

Council also heard from Tom Stose, the director of the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Center in Bridgeport. Stose talked about programs offered at the educational facility, the high demand for students in the field and the success rate of placing graduates of the program.

 

The last item of business involved Council unanimously approving matters involving the carryover balance for the existing 2016-17 fiscal year budget. The carryover total, which was broken down in a 45-minute work session prior to the regular meeting, is at $1,115,451. Of that total, $111,545 – or 10 percent – was required to go to the city’s rainy day fund.

 

A breakdown of a few of the key items in the budget revision that divvied up those funds will be on Connect-Bridgeport tomorrow.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Thom Worlledge, the design architect for the project from McKinley & Associates, addressing Council. In the second photo, BOE President Gary Hamrick, right, jokingly tells the audience that BOE member Frank Devono is the person to make complaints to on JES concerns as Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin looks on. Scott Duarte explains what he believes to be the merits of the "brunch bill" to the city's governing body, while Tom Stose, the director of the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Center, talks about program's and success at the Bridgeport facility.