Why rebuild a consolidated Oakwood and Southgate Elementary School?
Southgate is 53 years old. Foundation systems are cracked and show signs of damage. The school’s infrastructures are also outdated. Although a classroom addition was completed in 1992, due to the overall age and condition of the school, Southgate is a costly and constant maintenance challenge. Southgate also backs up to railroad tracks, which will be utilized by commuter trains and possibly passenger and freight trains. The increased use of the railroad tracks may cause additional safety and noise issues. Oakwood Elementary is 45 years old and is located in the McChord flight zone. The school cannot be reconstructed at its current site. The consolidated Oakwood and Southgate Elementary would be rebuilt on a site to be determined. The savings resulting from the consolidation of the schools can be put back into educational programs.
