Barry Cain

The high school's current physical education fitness area and weight room lack the space needed for our physical education program and athletic programs. In addition, the current gymnasium lobby and concessions area is inadequate for the hosting of events and celebration of the many achievements of our athletic programs.  

This week's article and video focus on the Health and Fitness/Lobby projects that are being addressed through our April 2 Facilities Referendum. The video can be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/wIVwak3KPP0

The senior high school's fitness areas are made up of a repurposed classroom and a room that served as the wrestling room for many years. These areas lack space and are located down a hallway from each other leading to safety and supervision challenges. The proposed new space will nearly double the space available while also developing a space that provides for all physical fitness and weight-lifting equipment, making these ideal for phy ed classes and athletics.

While many initially focus on sports when thinking about a physical fitness area, these are actually spaces that serve our student body on a daily basis through our phy ed classes, athletics and before and after school programs. A quality health and physical education program provides students with a well-rounded nutritional education while also providing experiences that develop lifelong skills and habits. In addition, the location of the proposed space will allow for community use before and after school and on weekends. 

In addition, the proposed expansion of the rear lobby area of the high school will better serve local events. The current lobby and concessions simply lack space to house school and community events. The addition of 1,500 square feet will more than double the current space, greatly enhancing the capabilities of the space in a number of ways while also providing for a seamless secured entry area into the proposed health and physical education space. 

If there are any questions about any of the projects being proposed in the April 2 Facilities Referendum, please visit our referendum website, give me a call at 715-273-3900 or email me at cainb@ellsworth.k12.wi.us. We are also available for tours of the facilities for all interested in looking firsthand at the areas being impacted by the proposed projects.