A new science and technology building two decades in the making soon will be a reality at Waimea Middle School.
A new science and technology building two decades in the making soon will be a reality at Waimea Middle School.
Following an estimated 400 days of construction, the 25,177-square-foot science, technology, education and math facility will serve students in four general classrooms, three science classrooms and two computer labs by fall 2017. Teacher planning and conference areas as well as space for student services also will be included in the two-story project.
As the Waimea community broke ground Wednesday to firmly plant the dream of the facility, it represented the first significant capital improvement project the Department of Education has launched at the public conversion charter school in 25 years.
The school has made do with one classroom set up as a lab, a constant Band-Aiding of technology and some rooms that have only a single high-quality outlet.
“You don’t need state-of-the-art technology to teach kids, but our kids deserve it,” principal Amy Kendziorski said.
District 4 State Sen. Lorraine Inouye, who was involved in early pushes to gain funding for the building, said adding new facilities is essential to keeping up with growing populations. New buildings must be added to DOE campuses on neighbor islands not just Oahu, she said.
In 2003, Building N was deemed no longer fit for student use and was removed from the campus, helping to highlight the need for new infrastructure.
More than 300 students, staff, legislators and community members attended the blessing and groundbreaking.
“God has given you good tools in a good school; don’t waste it. That is my prayer for you,” said Kahu Billy Mitchell, surrounded by students in front of a large sign depicting the plan for the building.
“Many people have stood up to make this happen,” Mitchell said. “For this, we are grateful.”
Isemoto Contracting was awarded the $15.9 million project, to be located on the south end of the campus between four portable classroom buildings and Malaai Community Garden. The price tag includes the furnishings necessary to turn the facility into a complete science learning center.
“You really can’t teach technology under a tree,” said Patti Cook, the school’s community liaison. “For these kids to thrive in the 21st century, they have to have 21st-century skills.”
Email Bret Yager at byager@westhawaiitoday.com.