THANK
YOU! I can’t tell you the number of times I think
of the support the voters gave last spring for the serious
needs at both of our elementary schools. We are so appreciative
of the “YES” vote last May which created
the opportunity for us to move forward on the construction
projects at Lake Spokane and Nine Mile.
We
have spent the last few months finalizing the design
phase of each project. It is important to note that we
will be doing these two projects simultaneously
beginning in August 2008. Each site will have preliminary work beginning
right
after school is out, but the major construction effort can not begin until
we receive our “State match” dollars. We are not eligible to apply for
those until July 1, 2008. The budget for these combined projects is $18,350,000
which includes the $12,350,000 approved by voters and approximately $6,000,000
the State will provide in matching dollars now that the voters have said “YES.”
At
Lake Spokane we are excited for the new square footage.
Over 25,000 square feet of new construction will
be added to the building. As a result,
the portables
will be removed and new construction will replace that area and an additional
wing across the back of the school will include a new music room and
new classrooms. Renovation will also occur in much
of the remaining building.
The much needed
space will be provided in both the office and staff lunch/work areas.
Additionally, there will be classrooms available
for future growth, a new library and
computer lab, a cohesive Special Education area, a new HVAC system, and
a beautiful courtyard
for use by our younger children. A paved parking lot for parent drop
off and event parking will be an added benefit
from the project.
At
Nine Mile we will gain over 3000 square feet in new construction
as well as renovation of a large part of the building.
The construction
area will be a new
library and computer lab. Additionally, the music and band area will
be modernized with storage available for both programs. The Special
Education area, office/staff
work room area, and some classrooms will be completely renovated as
well. A paved parking lot and event parking will also
be a highly welcome attribute
to the
Nine Mile Elementary project.
The
Design Teams in each building (including staff, parents,
board members, and administrators) are actively working
their way through
some of the
finer details
of the project. Their input is critical to the successful completion
of these projects, and we are very thankful for their participation.
Please
feel free to call with any questions regarding these
two projects. Their success is important to the future
of not only Nine Mile Falls
School District,
but the community as well. Once again, thank you for your “YES” vote
that made it possible to meet our kids needs.
