Category: Education News

Elkhart County Educators Forum

Superintendent Speaking

Note: Weigand Construction is currently managing projects at Baugo Community Schools and Concord Community Schools. Of the seven school districts in Elkhart County, Weigand has active or completed projects with five: Baugo, Concord, Fairfield, Goshen, and Wa-Nee Community Schools.

School Partnerships Shaping Elkhart County’s Future

Superintendent Speaking

In mid-September, three Elkhart County superintendents gathered at the Matterhorn for the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce’s annual breakfast forum, where they discussed the challenges of creating new programs and partnerships and the progress schools are making to prepare students for the future.

The shared message was that public education is effective, but its success depends on consistent investment, strong collaboration, and community support.

Celebrating Student Successes

Baugo Community Schools Superintendent Byron Sanders opened the forum with news from Jimtown, where students are gaining real-world experience through career pathways and apprenticeships.

Sharing Plans

“High school students are working alongside certified teachers, learning pedagogy, practicing classroom management, and applying skills in real-world settings,” Sanders said. “These are real, meaningful experiences happening every day in our district.”

Concord Superintendent Dan Funston highlighted nearly 20 percent growth in reading scores over the past two years, crediting investments in early literacy. He also pointed to Concord High School’s entry into the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School Network, which emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration, and other skills beyond test scores.

“Through project-based learning, job experiences, and performance tasks,” Funston said, “students are preparing for life beyond the classroom.”

Addressing Today’s Challenges

The superintendents addressed pressing challenges facing Elkhart County schools, starting with the shortage of early childhood education opportunities. Funston described the county as an “early learning desert,” with limited preschool access and inconsistent state funding. “It’s far easier to teach children to read when they have a strong foundation,” he said.

Foundation and Walls

In addition to early learning, Elkhart Superintendent Larry Huff said rising inflation, along with the recently enacted Senate Enrolled Act 1, a new Indiana property and income tax measure, are tightening school budgets in Elkhart County and across the state.

Teacher staffing remains a pressing issue. Sanders pointed to the nationwide shortage, noting research from the Learning Policy Institute released this summer showing that about one in eight teaching positions across the U.S. are either vacant or filled by someone without full certification. In Indiana, that shortage equates to roughly nine unfilled teaching positions for every 10,000 students.

Funston added that negative narratives around teaching only deepen the problem, saying schools must “uplift the profession and share its positive stories.”

Community Partnerships as Solutions

Despite these challenges, schools are finding solutions through partnerships. At Concord Community Schools, for example, work-based learning programs supported by local businesses provide students with at least 75 hours of hands-on experience addressing real-world problems.

Funston explained that employers don’t have to hire or pay students; simply presenting a workplace challenge allows schools to design project-based units around it. “These experiences show students the value of their education and prepare them for local careers with real pathways to success,” he said.

Districts are also joining forces with higher education. Elkhart Community Schools partners with Indiana University South Bend to give students a head start. High schoolers can earn college credit, and seniors benefit from a streamlined admissions process.

A Call to Action

The superintendents made it clear that schools cannot succeed alone; families, businesses, and community members are critical partners in student success.

Construction

Moderator Levon Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, outlined two action steps: do the research and share the stories. He urged residents to review district websites and reports, then promote positive narratives in conversations and on social media.

“Public education remains the choice for 92 percent of Indiana families, and 97 percent of Elkhart County children attend public schools,” Sanders said. “That reflects the trust our communities place in schools — and the responsibility we all share for their success.”


Passing the Torch

An Excerpt from our Q3 Newsletter

Diane Woodworth to Conclude Her Role, Mike Keaffaber to Join Weigand

Diane Woodworth

Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Business Development Education Specialist at Weigand Construction. After a long and rewarding career in K–12 as a teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent, this role has been a meaningful way to stay connected with friends and colleagues in a different, yet familiar, setting.

Rather than managing a district, I’ve had the chance to walk alongside other administrators as they plan for their schools’ needs. Drawing on what I learned while guiding more than $100M in construction as a superintendent, I’ve been able to help K–12 clients shape their goals and projects with confidence.

It’s been a joy to serve our region’s educators, but this chapter is coming to an end. At the close of 2025, I will be stepping down from my role at Weigand Construction.

I’m comforted knowing that our K–12 partners will be in excellent hands. Mike Keaffaber, former superintendent of MSD of Wabash County, will be stepping into this position, and you’ll be hearing from him very soon!

To the many colleagues and friends in education that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last five years: thank you for every conversation, challenge, and success we’ve shared. The memories and relationships made here will stay with me always. I look forward to cheering on the important work you’ll continue to do for our schools and communities!

With Gratitude,

Diane Woodworth

Diane Woodworth

Business Development Education Specialist


Bright Students Celebrate Latest EACS Development

Group Photo I

See Moments from the Groundbreaking Event Here

Sharing Remarks

The second-grade class at Southwick Elementary was excited to help kick off construction of their forthcoming facility, located on Paulding Road in Fort Wayne. The project, set to finish in 2027, is one of three that Weigand is managing for East Allen County Schools, alongside the new Lions Fieldhouse and the East Allen University/Paul Harding Junior High School campus renovation.

“The project represents a commitment to our students. It is a commitment to building a future for them and a place where they will learn, grow, and thrive in spaces that support their curiosity and creativity.” – Marilyn Hissong, Superintendent, East Allen County Schools

A Growing District

Superintendent Speech

Designed by Garmann Miller, the new facility will bring much needed space to address the school’s burgeoning student population. Attendance increased by 8% over the last year alone, with more expected in the near future. With this in mind, the replacement building will have:

  • Pod Style Layout
  • Gymnasium
  • Double Sided Stage
  • Classrooms
  • Dining Area
  • Community Event Spaces

With some students currently being housed in the nearby Prince Chapman Academy, the completion of this project will be a welcome addition to the EACS roster, helping to manage the influx of young learners entering the district.

A Team Effort

While sharing her remarks during the event, Superintendent Marilyn Hissong noted that it takes collaboration and the involvement of the entire region to help such an undertaking as this one materialize.

Event Attendees

“This school will stand as a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together for its children.” – Marilyn Hissong, Superintendent, East Allen County Schools

We’re thankful to be part of the group delivering the new Southwick Elementary building, which is positioned to nurture future generations of students as they develop, discover, and grow.


Group Photo II
Breaking Ground
Garmann Miller
Event Site
Moving Dirt
Opening Thoughts
Group Photo III

Concord’s Jake Field Track: A Historic Concrete Pour

Concrete Pour
Play Button

From dusk to dawn on Aug. 22, Weigand Construction crews completed Concord High School’s Jake Field competition track in one seamless, nine-hour pour.

Watch the Time-Lapse Here (Video)

By building the track as a single surface, crews eliminated the weak points that typically form between segmented sections. This continuous foundation enhances drainage and ensures long-term durability. A cushioned rubber-and-polyurethane layer will be added this fall, providing athletes with a softer, more forgiving surface.

The investment delivers long-term reliability and performance. In northern Indiana, freeze-thaw cycles are notorious for causing concrete to crack, but by removing joints that collect water and ice, the new surface is engineered to last for decades of use.

The strength and stability of this design also comes from within as the track makes use of post-tension cables, a technique found in parking decks, tennis courts, and even airport runways. As concrete expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, cracks can form. Tightened after curing, the cables compress the surface, reducing stress points and preventing water from seeping in.

A Foundation Serving Generations

“The cables come with a 50-year warranty,” the project’s Superintendent RJ Eck says, “providing Concord Community Schools confidence in the project’s quality.”

Executing the continuous pour required meticulous coordination and precision. Nearly 1,000 cubic yards of concrete were delivered in a steady rotation, with batching, placement, and finishing carefully managed throughout the day.

“A single continuous pour gives Concord athletes a lasting foundation,” Eck says. “We’re proud to deliver on our promise — Trust. Well built. — and grateful to the district’s leaders for their confidence in us.”

Significant changes are underway at Jake Field, where a major renovation is transforming the facility into a multi-sport, multi-use hub for students and the community.

The centerpiece of the renovation is a new turf system that replicates the appearance of natural grass. Beneath the surface, drainage layers and a stone base will ensure the field remains playable even after heavy rain.

Adaptive Use for Sports, Students, and Special Events

Designed for versatility, the new field will carry permanent stripes for football and soccer, with color-coded markings to keep play clear for athletes and referees. Track and field competitors will also benefit from dedicated zones for long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, and pole vault, ensuring Concord can host meets and provide students with the opportunity to train at home.

Fans will enjoy expanded seating and a new concession building with restrooms, while athletes gain a dedicated team facility complete with lockers and training rooms.

The atmosphere is receiving an upgrade as well. Musco LED lighting and a new sound system will deliver energy-efficient visibility while adding celebratory displays synchronized with touchdowns, goals, and special events.

When it reopens for the 2026–27 academic year, Jake Field will serve as a central venue for athletes, students, families, and the broader Elkhart County community well into the future.


Lions Fieldhouse Roaring to Life

Dirt and Posters

 

Leo Students and Admin

Plunging shovels into piles of soft earth, students, school administrators, builders, architects, and members of the Leo community marked the beginning of construction for a new fieldhouse coming to campus in 2026. With construction managed by WCI and design led by Garmann Miller on behalf of East Allen County Schools, this addition is just the first of many projects on the timeline for the district this year, as they look to maintain, renovate, and expand their diverse learning environments for current students and those to come.

 

Student Athletics Hub

 

The 34,000 square foot building will support multiple sports-related programs with spaces facilitating various activities:

 

Ceremony Seating
  • 3 Basketball Courts 
  • Batting Cages 
  • Wrestling Training Rooms 
  • Track  
  • Mezzanine 
  • New Roads and Parking Access 
  • Concessions Building 
  • Vestibule 
  • Retractable Bleachers

 

Educational Excellence

 

Mezzanine View

These features in the new fieldhouse serve to strengthen Leo Junior Senior High School’s athletic programming across several different sports. With the added space, school teams will no longer have to share the same areas to practice, streamlining schedules and simplifying logistics for students and parents. On top of improved coordination, the addition will also create an impact reaching past its physical attributes.

 

“…The true power of this project is not in the square footage or the programming. It’s in what this facility will do for the students, the staff, and the broader East Allen community. Inside these walls, young athletes will cultivate more than just growth in their skill and their strength. They’ll build confidence, character, and community. They’ll forge relationships, learn resilience, and discover how to compete with integrity.” – Larry Weigand, CEO, Weigand Construction

 

The sight lines are also aimed at higher than just sports. For East Allen County Schools, it’s a promise to continue promoting environments where students thrive.

 

“This groundbreaking isn’t just about laying the foundation for a building; it’s about the opportunities it will afford. And it will stand as a testament to our collective commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and arts.” – Marilyn Hissong, Superintendent, EACS 


Front Entrance
Helmets and Shovels
Mezzanine View
Dirt and Posters
Ceremony Area
Breaking Ground
Podium
Aerial Concept
Shovels

Grand Opening: Goshen Celebrates New Ball Complex

Cutting the ribbon

WATCH: Goshen Schools Unveils Ball Complex (Video)

Video Thumbnail
GCS Ribbon Cutting

On a gray April morning that gradually faded into spring sunshine, the Goshen community gathered at 1730 Regent Street to celebrate the grand opening of a long-anticipated project: a new baseball and softball complex. This event marked a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to youth athletics.

Nestled behind Prairie View Elementary on Goshen’s south side, the new complex is now the unified home for RedHawk baseball and softball. The facility features two synthetic turf fields, LED stadium lighting, covered dugouts, digital scoreboards, batting cages, and dedicated bullpens. A central building houses amenities like locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and a concession stand for players and fans in one location.

“This project came to life through the collective support of many in our community who believed in this vision,” said Goshen High School Principal Cathy DeMeyer. “We couldn’t be prouder to unveil this top-tier facility.”

Replacing Phend Field and the flood-prone diamond at Shanklin Park, the new complex feels more like a homecoming than a farewell. “The community made a conscious decision to bring baseball and softball together in one shared space,” noted Superintendent Jim DuBois. “That’s what led us to choose this site. And now, playing on these high-quality fields will only help our programs grow and thrive.”

RedHawks Take to the Field

Pitching

The grand opening featured a RedHawk baseball doubleheader, starting with a dominant 13-run win over La Porte — their highest-scoring game of the season. Junior Bryson Wilson made a standout effort on the mound, pitching five solid innings and notching his first RBIs of the year at the plate.

On the adjacent softball field, the RedHawk girls took on Fairfield High School in a hard-fought game that ended in a 9–5 loss, but not without undeniable energy.

“Seeing our RedHawks step onto these fields is incredibly rewarding,” said Athletic Director Jim Pickard. “I’m grateful to everyone who played a role in bringing this vision to life.”

Building a New Legacy

Construction kicked off in June 2024, with Weigand leading the build. Karen Fisher of Barton Coe Vilamaa headed up the design team, while Andy Bearman and his crew at A&Z Engineering managed critical components like drainage, lighting, and grandstand infrastructure.

“Our priority was delivering a high-quality project,” said Brian Blight, Senior Project Manager at Weigand, “Staying on schedule was critical to ensure the teams were ready for the 2025 season.”

Softball Game

A two-month delay in permitting could have derailed the schedule, but the construction team, led by Blight, Superintendent RJ Eck, and Project Engineer Brandon Hartstein, made up for lost time. “Everyone pulled together and worked in the same direction to make it happen,” Blight said.

One of the complex’s standout features is its advanced drainage system. “Water drains so efficiently that within 15 minutes, you can be back on the field and barely know it rained,” Blight explained. “Short of severe weather, these fields are ready for play almost anytime.”

First Pitches from Goshen Leaders

Coach Ken Mirer

Two well-known figures, Ken Mirer and Paula Meyers, threw the ceremonial first pitches. Mirer, a longtime Goshen coach who guided the baseball team to five straight sectional titles, a regional championship, and led the football team to two Indiana Class AA state titles, expressed his excitement about the new fields.

“This is unbelievable — it’s as well done as I could have imagined or hoped for,” he said. “There’s a lot of pride behind it.”

Paula Meyers

Meyers, a Goshen alumna and longtime school employee, has been an advocate for softball facility upgrades and was instrumental in bringing this project to life.

The new complex reflects a broader community investment. “It’s more than a field — it’s a symbol of equity, progress, and the value we place on giving our students the best,” DuBois said, “and the impact goes beyond high school athletics.”

Inspiring Student-Athletes

Olivia Garcia

Already, the fields are slated to host IHSAA sectionals in softball (2025) and baseball (2026). Youth leagues and summer camps are also expected to use the complex, deepening Goshen’s role as a regional sports destination.

Student-athletes are noticing the difference. Olivia Garcia, a a junior who plays both JV and varsity softball, says the upgraded field has strengthened her team. “Having a new field has brought us closer together,” she said. “Being able to experience something new is a great opportunity that we’ve been given. It’s motivated us to give it our all.”

That kind of energy wasn’t always easy. “The old field had dips and mud,” Blight said. “It was tough to maintain, especially in the spring. Now, they have something on par with college programs.”

The complex also serves as a powerful reminder of Goshen’s enduring community spirit. “This is a tight-knit community,” Mirer said. “Back in the day, we’d pack the gym for every basketball game — about 4,000 people. And it wasn’t just families with kids playing; it was people who had played here themselves. That pride carries from one generation to the next. Goshen has always had tremendous community support, and that continues.”

Explore Key Features and Visuals of the Goshen Community Schools Baseball and Softball Complex in our Education Portfolio


Players at bat
Warming up
Baseball team dugout
Cookies
Baseball Doubleheader
Baseball Team
Stadium Opener
Project Team Speech
Softball Players
Dugout
Pitcher's mound
Softball Team
GCS Softball Game

Weigand-Constructed Chapel Wins National Building Award

Exterior View

Christ Chapel at Hillsdale College, located in south-central Michigan, is gaining national recognition for its classical beauty and the craftsmanship behind its construction.

Built by Weigand Construction, the chapel was awarded Best Brick & Stone Project at the 2025 International Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC)Craft Awards. This honor places Christ Chapel at the forefront of masonry craftsmanship, highlighting the enduring skills of BAC partners. (Weigand is a BAC signatory contractor, certified in specialized masonry work such as grouting and reinforced masonry.)

Construction of the chapel took place between 2017 and 2019, making it the first religious building of its size to be completed in the United States in over 70 years. The chapel boasts a striking 70-foot facade that leads into a sanctuary accommodating 1,350 worshippers beneath a 64-foot painted barrel ceiling. Eight Doric limestone columns support the entrance portico, while the altar is framed with elegant marble Corinthian detailing. The structure is crowned by a 32-foot self-supporting masonry dome, the largest built in over 50 years.

A Crowning Achievement

“The recognition feels like winning the Super Bowl for construction masons,” says architect Duncan Stroik, who designed the chapel in a Neoclassical style inspired by Christopher Wren and early American churches. Stroik is a founding professor at Notre Dame’s classical architecture program and has over 35 years of experience in practicing and teaching sacred architecture.

With its primary design motif being Doric and enhanced with Renaissance details, Christ Chapel remains rooted in tradition. This choice reflects a deliberate homage to the enduring legacy and spiritual significance of Western architecture.

Strong Legacy in Skilled Craftmanship

Since 1986, the BAC Craft Awards have highlighted outstanding craftsmanship and union service, showcasing not only technical excellence but also the cultural impact of construction artistry.

Christ Chapel is now among the distinguished recipients of this award — a place where liturgical beauty meets brick and mortar and where modern construction revives classical inspiration. Its significance extends beyond aesthetics; it serves as a beloved community landmark. “The chapel elevates the spirit,” Stroik says. “It gives form to faith.”


Entrance
Fountain
Sanctuary
Marble Floor
Outside View
Limestone Pillar
Balcony
Front Exterior
Light Fixture
Ceiling
Sanctuary
Brick Dome
Sanctuary Front View

9 Features of New Fairfield Facility

Project Partners

A New Chapter 

Superintendent Speech

Students, project partners, and school faculty gathered to kick off construction of their new Student Activity Center. Members of the architectural team, school facilities, and our own construction team took to the podium to speak. Sharing the origins of this exciting addition and its benefits, the ceremony finished with students, teachers, and administrators digging up fresh dirt, officially beginning the building phase. 

“We are so ecstatic to get this off the ground. I would also like to show our gratitude to Weigand Construction and Garmin Miller…the quality and dedication that Weigand and Garmin Miller have brought to the table for Fairfield Community Schools has been extremely, extremely professional.” – Carrie Cannon, Superintendent, Fairfield Community Schools 

The Breakdown 

Part of a $30M project that packages renovations and improvements to Fairfield’s existing campus, The Student Activity Center will include: 

  • Two Stories 
  • Two Lane Track 
  • Bleacher Section with 640 Seats 
  • Batting Cages 
  • Mezzanine 
  • Lobby 
  • Basketball Courts 
  • Volleyball Courts 
Shovels and Hardhats
  • Multi-Use Spaces for Events and After School Programs 

One challenge the school faces is the lack of room for clubs, workshops, and sports team practices. Fairfield administrators noted that these features would play a vital role in supporting the school’s extracurricular activities, creating more space for large groups to meet for academic and athletic purposes. 

Serving the Community 

Traveling Tom's Coffee

Seeing the potential of what a project like this could do for the community, it was crucial that our team bring the best building solutions possible to the table. We’re encouraged by the passion and involvement the Fairfield Community demonstrated over the course of planning this project. 

“We heard about this project back in December of 2022…in that timeframe we’ve witnessed a tremendous amount of involvement from this community, and there’s no doubt that you all care greatly about what we’re doing here. At Weigand, our why is that we build landmarks that impact the lives and communities that we serve, and there’s no doubt that’s what we’re doing here and I’m grateful to be a part of it.” – Aaron Holy, Director of Operations South Bend, Weigand Construction 


Mingling
Groundbreaking Site
Project Partners
Fairfield Community
Posing with Hardhats and Shovels
Architect sharing remarks

Exciting Addition to Knights Campus

Norwell Middle School

Ready for Fall 

Speech

The Norwell community was elated as we celebrated the opening of their new middle school building. Joined by project partners Schmidt Architects, ERI, and Weigand Construction, Superintendent Mike Springer noted that collaboration helped to bring this project together. Not only so, but our team delivered this building more than a month ahead of schedule. This ensured that faculty and staff would have ample time to transfer their offices and arrange their classrooms well before the start of the fall semester. 

Students Welcome 

The new two-floor, 160,000 square foot middle school building is fitted to help meet current and future space needs as its student influx grows with features such as: 

  • Media Center 
  • Band and Choir Rooms 
  • Art Classrooms 
  • Commons Spaces 
  • Science Classrooms 
  • Multipurpose Rooms 
  • Resource Rooms 
  • Intense Intervention Classrooms 
  • Sensory Room 
  • Skills Development  
Ribbon Cutting
  • Dedicated Alternative School Space 
  • Office Wing 
  • And More 

This project also included some new additions and renovations to the existing baseball and football fields on the campus sports complex. These included: 

  • Steel Archway Entrance 
  • Football Building with Concessions, Bathrooms, and Ticket Booth 
  • Baseball Building with Concessions, Bathrooms, and Ticket Booth 
Building Tours

These features set Norwell Middle School up for success with future education programs, student learning experiences, and improved daily operations. Prepared to address a wide range of needs both academic and athletic, students and faculty can now enjoy the many benefits that their brand-new facility offers. 

Proud Partner 

We’re excited to have played a role in taking this amazing project from a blueprint to real bricks and mortar. Our team is currently hard at work on Phase II of this project, which will involve demolition and renovation of the old middle school building.  


Front Door
Commons Space
Classroom II
Main Office
Baseball II
Band/Orchestra Room
Baseball Building
Football Building II
Baseball Building III
Baseball Building IV
Entry Way
Media Center
Meeting Space
Classroom
Media Center II
Football Entryway
Classroom III
Hallway
Norwell Middle School II

Upcoming Music Project Name Revealed

Groundbreaking

A Song not yet Written 

Attendents

A sound of hope and anticipation echoed through many in the Purdue Fort Wayne community as they witnessed the official construction kickoff for their new music center addition. The Surack-Sweetwater Music Industry Building, whose name was unveiled at the ceremony, is the fulfillment of a vision first set in 2018 when the School of Music first opened at PFW. 

A Best-in-Class Facility 

Shovels

The Surack-Sweetwater Music Industry Building will act as an addition to the Rhinehart Music Center, providing more studio, rehearsal, and classroom space with a focus on recording, mixing, and mastering music. The $25M, 26,000 square foot building will have: 

  • Two Studios 
  • Rehearsal Rooms 
  • Storage Spaces 
  • Equipment Checkout 
  • Editing Rooms 
  • Classrooms 
  • Office and Conference Space 
  • Tracking Room 
  • Isolation Rooms 
  • And More 

Sporting a modern, sleek design that still captures the overall look and feel of PFW’s larger campus, students will have access to industry-level technology, helping fine tune their sound as they learn to produce professional audio. 

Made Possible Through Donors 

Ceremony Mingling

This project moved forward through the coordinated efforts of contributors such as the Auer Foundation and the Surack Family, as well as many private donors. The Indiana General Assembly also played a role in securing funding by apportioning their budget to offset a large portion of the construction cost.  

Construction Phase Now Online 

We are excited to begin building this incredible new addition to the PFW Music Center. We’re humbled to have the opportunity to once again partner with PFW and Design Collaborative on this amazing project for the benefit of students, faculty, and the music industry in Fort Wayne as a whole. Here’s to building landmarks that impact the lives and communities we serve