Wa-Hi Window Options Decided

Walla Walla Public Schools has made a decision on the type of glass and paneling to be used for the Walla Walla High School renovation following a community survey and consultation with design experts.

There was overwhelming support for the frosted bottom panel, option E on the survey. It allows in natural light while obscuring sight inside along the portion of the window closest to ground level. There was a virtual tie between C and D for the top panels, the most tinted options. The district consulted with design experts following the survey results and selected panel D to break the tie based on natural light differences. Option D lets in nearly twice the amount of natural light compared to C, providing the best indoor experience for students and faculty.

The district will be replacing the original windows throughout the campus to improve energy efficiency and safety. The district assembled a demonstration mock-up featuring eight different window options, with varying levels of tinting and visibility for the community to weigh in on. Nearly 200 people participated in the survey.

“Safety experts recommended tinting the top panels and incorporating non-transparent bottom panels to improve safety,” said Superintendent Wade Smith. “We appreciate the feedback we received and are looking forward to replacing the windows with safer and more energy efficient models.”