Two unanimous votes approved steps toward the new Early Childhood Center’s construction in the spring. Last night, with a new board member sworn in, Sonia Leyva, the Washington School Board approved the purchase of a home at 812 N. 2nd Street, south of Stewart Elementary School. The $67,000 purchase will provide space for a horseshoe-shaped driveway and parking for the new facility.

The board also approved the design for the facility. Doug Ziegler with Carl A. Nelson was in attendance; he said they are looking to put the project to bid in early 2016, break ground in the spring with a nine-month construction phase, and be complete by winter break of 2016. The last thing to be done is the demolition of Stewart West.

Superintendent Jeff Dicks explained some changes to the layout were made to save money on the project. The addition will be geothermal, meaning new wells will be drilled in the spring.