Waverly School closes as TLC moves to town

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

The Waverly School is silent once again. Since 1996 the facility has been home to the Teen Learning Center, an alternative junior high school operated by Poudre School District. The school's desks, chairs and books were moved out Feb. 12 and 13, leaving Waverly School vacant and its future uncertain.

The TLC is moving from its country setting into newly remodeled digs at Mountain View School, 2540 Laporte Ave. The space became available after the Village School, another alternative program, moved from Mountain View to Pioneer School last fall. Offering small classes and one-on-one instruction, TLC is a program for students who are having limited success at their home junior highs.

"I'm really ambivalent about the move," said TLC Principal Deb Hewes. "This building is quaint and cozy and has a lot of character to it. I also love the drive out here." However, she said, the building's remote location has created challenges. Many students were transported from the south part of the district and even from Loveland, a time-consuming and costly proposition. That created a shorter school day, Hewes noted, adding that "these kids need more, not less, school time." At Waverly, it was also difficult to take advantage of cultural offerings in Fort Collins such as the library and Lincoln Center performances.

Kyle Stack, lead teacher at the TLC, said opportunities for service learning will be greater in Fort Collins, as well as the chance to work with other schools on cooperative projects. "I love this old building," he said, "but it will be a great move for the program."

To create the new school at Mountain View, the district tied together three existing buildings with a large common area in the middle. The total space is about 13,000 square feet, including a gym, built with $500,000 from the school bond issue passed in 2000. The TLC will have a state-of-the art computer lab, not possible at Waverly because of phone line limitations, and a much improved science lab. The district has budgeted $120,000 for the technology upgrade.

With the move to town, the TLC program can now expand. "The future plan," said Hewes, "is to grow TLC from 45 to 75 students." There are currently about 10 students on the waiting list.

Future uncertain

Meanwhile, the future of the Waverly School is uncertain. Bill Franzen, director of operations for PSD, said it's "possible" the school will be sold, but as yet no discussion of the issue has taken place. The school board will hold a planning session this spring to look at all facilities and programs, and the school's fate could be determined at that time.

"We'll look at the different programs, and the best fit for buildings," said Jim Sarchet, assistant superintendent of business services for PSD. "The challenge at Waverly is the cost of bringing the building up to standard, as well as the small size of the property." Waverly School sits on 4.87 acres, Sarchet said, while most elementary school sites are about 15 acres. Nonetheless, Sarchet noted, there are currently no plans to sell Waverly or any other properties.

Some community members are hoping the building can be saved. The Waverly Community Group, which formed in 2002, has asked the district to keep them informed about what's happening with the school. Sue Foster said the group has no funds to purchase the building, but she would like to see it preserved. A new community center would be one option to consider, she said.

School dates to 1928

The Waverly School, built in 1928, originally housed all 12 grades. As in any small community, the school provided a hub of activity and a source of identity. Even now, a reunion is held each summer for all students who attended the school.

When PSD decided to close the school in 1992, parents and community members fought hard against the move. Despite their efforts, however, the doors were closed and elementary students were transferred to Eyestone Elementary in Wellington.

Community members then worked out a lease arrangement with PSD, and volunteers labored for a few years to make the school into a viable community center. "We tried to keep it alive," said Gloria Boresen, one of those active in the effort. The group organized potlucks, dance lessons, martial arts instruction and quilting classes. A 4-H club and a church fellowship also used the building over the years. In the end, Boresen said, there was not enough participation to keep the center going.

Boresen said she now views the flurry of community center activity as "a transition period for people to let go of the school." Both of her sons attended Waverly School, and one of them was in the last class to graduate from sixth grade.

Foster said the Waverly Community Group plans to have a public meeting this May, and a discussion of the school's future will likely come up.