PLAINS TWP. — Just 10 years ago, the future was looking bleak for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.

Joe Caffrey, the school board president, said there were some “eye-opening moments for sure,” as the district was facing a $30 million deficit over the coming five years.

“It was alarming,” said district solicitor Ray Wendolowski. “We were facing the possibility of giving the keys to the district back to the state.”

The situation was that bad.

Then the journey began — a journey, as Caffrey said, that was bumpy at times, that culminated in the construction of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District complex in Plains Township.

It cost $124 million to complete the 406,000-square-foot complex.

“The journey was worth it — yes, bumpy at times, but well worth it,” Caffrey said.

The Times

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