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Groundbreaking ceremony at Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan

DELAVAN — The Wisconsin School for the Deaf at 309 W. Walworth Ave. in Delavan is breaking ground for a new educational facility. Students, faculty and State Superintendent Tony Evers will hold a ceremony at the school at 1:30 p.m. Mon., Oct. 8.

The new high school building will incorporate high technology infrastructure to support computers, projectors, and other educational-based technology. It also will accommodate the assistive technology used by students who are deaf or hard of hearing, including visual warning systems for fire, tornado and other emergencies. Through primarily designed as classroom space, the building will include some meeting, work space, and office areas for teachers. Funding for the $4.98 million project was included in the 2011-13 state budget.

The new facility will replace Walker Hall, the school’s current high school facility, which was constructed in 1911. Walker Hall does not meet current building codes and cannot be remodeled or retrofitted to accommodate current educational needs.

The new WSD educational building is expected to be completed in August 2013. Students and staff will have an opportunity to participate in a process for naming the building through the WSD Landmarks Committee.

The Wisconsin School for the Deaf is a public school operated by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Last year, more than 200 students who are deaf or hard of hearing received services at the school. WSD offers curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Its current graduation rate is 100 percent, with 80 percent of students continuing their studies at two- or four-year-colleges.