By Mary Owen
Students return to school Sept. 2 to upgrades at several North Santiam School District schools.
“We are on track to begin moving supplies and equipment back into the rooms that have been disrupted,” said Superintendent Andy Gardner. “We are projected to be on time.”
The work began in June on projects slated for improvements in the almost $23 million construction bond passed by voters last November. NSSD schools had not had any significant improvements in about 30 years.
Some of the changes include: roofing installed in all five building sites; windows replaced at Stayton Elementary and Sublimity schools; parking lot and bus lane remodel at Stayton Middle School; heating and air system upgrades at Stayton Elementary, Mari-Lynn, Stayton High and Sublimity schools; sidewalk/handicap access revisions at Sublimity School; playground repaved at Stayton Elementary; new drainage system around the Sublimity School gym; and remodel of the science area, main office, and foyer in front of the auditorium at SHS.
The list of improvements for all schools includes seismic upgrades, replacing windows for energy efficiency, upgrades to the HVAC systems, new roofs, additional kindergarten classrooms, new eternal paint, and other remodeling.
“Several projects will continue into the school year,” Gardner said. “The new addition at Stayton Elementary, the new classrooms at Sublimity School, and the auditorium/east wing at Stayton High School are all scheduled for completion later in the fall.”
Plans have been made to separate construction sites from students and school activities once the school year begins, Gardner said.
“I think some of our more visible changes will be completed a bit later, but my hope is that students will be excited to see the community’s investment in them,” he added.
The North Santiam School District Board of Directors recognized the outstanding work of one employee from each school for going “Above and Beyond,” and making a difference in their school. Recipients include:
Stayton High School – Stefanie Breitling, who works with alternative education students.Stayton Intermediate & Middle School – Tammy Baxter, who organized and ran the school’s annual book fair for students and families.
Sublimity School – Nicole Britton for her dedication and work on the CLASS Collaboration Grant.
Mari-Linn School – Cindy Lulay for her work as an assistant working with students increasing reading skills, helping kindergarten students and being a mentor to staff.
Stayton Elementary School – Shealon Cooper for support given to the new administrator and to staff and students throughout the year, as well as her willingness to always go the extra mile.
District staff – Sella Bemrose for her work in the distribution of more than 20,000 books to our district through a partnership with “First Book.”
District staff – Mike Miller for his work and effort toward ensuring the bond projects come together and for his positive attitude.
District staff – Ken Rowling for his commit0ment to the district bond projects and his willing to always go the extra mile.
