BALDWIN CITY — The ribbon-cutting for Baldwin USD 348’s new performing arts center is tonight at 6. An open house will follow the ribbon-cutting and will be 6:15 to 8 tonight. Former superintendent Brad Neuenswander, who is now director of the Kansas Department of Education’s teaching and learning center, will be guest speaker. Baldwin High School music and band students will also perform. The new 619-seat center represents a giant leap into the future, with hi-tech lighting and sound systems, said Supt. Paul Dorathy said. A few years ago, when the district did a survey to gauge school needs, it showed that students were particularly interested in careers relating to performing acts and the new center addresses that, he said. The center also performs another purpose – it’s a Federal Emergency Management Agency-rated tornado shelter built strong enough to withstand an F-5 tornado, the most powerful of all tornadoes, and large enough to hold 1,800 people, he said. FEMA provided a grant that paid much of the costs of the center.
Tuesday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m.
