As a result of the 1999 tornados which left the previous elementary school in ruins, Architects In Partnership was hired to design a new elementary school and high school gymnasium to be built with FEMA funding. The project features a music classroom which doubles as a tornado-resistant storm shelter with 12” concrete walls, 9” of concrete overhead and two “blast proof” vault doors.
Also integrated into the design is an 800-seat gymnasium which is utilized by both the elementary and high school students. The classroom wings are designed to be locked off to allow use of the gymnasium, cafeteria, and storm shelter by the public after hours. This school is the town community center. It is used for PTA meetings, community gatherings, and special events.
Many of the historical architectural features of the original building were incorporated into the new design to maintain and celebrate the communitys’ heritage.