our challenges

rippleside is aging

After serving our community for nearly 70 years, Rippleside Elementary is showing its age. Classrooms are too small, security systems are outdated, air quality is poor, and key parts of the building—from roofs to windows to flooring—need replacement. These conditions reduce student learning opportunities while creating health and safety concerns.

challenges at rippleside:

  • Cramped classrooms limit student learning opportunities, making it hard for students to work in small groups, do hands-on activities, or use today’s technology.

  • Unsecured entrances, the lack of handicap-accessible walkways, and crowded parking and drop-off areas create safety risks for students and staff.

  • Poor air quality, unreliable temperatures, and exposure to asbestos pose health risks that distract from learning.

  • There isn’t enough room to meet the needs of students who require special education and mental health services.v

  • The main gym is too small, and the second gym doubles as a cafeteria, limiting space for physical education classes, activities, and equipment storage.

  • The school’s outdated bus garage is located off-site near the railroad tracks, where it shares space with the railroad and a local oil company. This makes daily student transportation risky, inefficient, and disruptive. Building a new transportation center near the new elementary school would improve safety and efficiency.