East High will close 16-classroom wing next semester to investigate structural concerns

Wichita East High School will vacate its science wing next semester while crews investigate structural integrity issues in part of the nearly 100-year-old building.

Sixteen science classrooms will have to be relocated inside the high school, USD 259 spokesperson Susan Arensman confirmed Tuesday.

She said students and teachers who finish out the semester in the science wing won’t be in immediate danger.

“The building is safe but they want to start doing some repair work when they can,” Arensman said.

The science wing was renovated from the school’s old gymnasium as part of the district’s 2000 bond issue project.

Arensman said the district doesn’t yet know if the 1920 infrastructure or the more recent additions are to blame for the structural integrity issues.

“It is that part of the building, but right now we have to do some more exploration and study to evaluate,” Arensman said.

She said problems were identified by crews working on the building’s facade.

Arensman said school officials are working with teachers and district personnel to come up with a plan for relocating classrooms come January.

Construction on the original East High was completed in 1923.