School Boards begin weighing options for construction

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards met on June 26 to review the recently completed school year and begin making plans for the upcoming year.

The Boards also started a discussion involving the future construction at Lind-Ritzville High School and the best options for the students during that period.

Superintendent Matt Ellis explained Architects West recommended relocating the students during construction.

The contractor estimated the remodeling project of the building could be completed in a year if the students were in a different location, but it could take up to two years if the students remain in the school.

Initially, the plan was to complete the project in stages, completing one wing of the school and then moving the students into that wing for the remainder of the construction.

Ellis explained if they do relocate, they have to account for an estimated 200 students being displaced, as well as administrative staff. In terms of construction costs, Ellis said it appears to be more economical to move the students out of the building.

Research supports that construction or disruption of daily routine leads to a dip in student achievement, Ellis said, but they need to focus on student growth and finding the best option for the students.

The construction is set to occur during the 2018-19 school year, which allows the Boards an opportunity to weigh their options and look into alternative classrooms for students. They are also working to find locations suitable and equipped for courses like science and home economics.

Ellis said during the next year, they will conduct public forums to receive feedback from the community and parents. During that time, they will evaluate the options and find the most cost effective route.

Ellis added the school district did not budget for purchasing modular classrooms during the bond proposal, but they will still research the option.

Renovations have already begun in the Ritzville Grade School, with the project expected to last throughout the entire summer. Currently, all of the classroom furniture and resources are being stored in the gym, while the new ventilation system and windows are installed.

Ellis also explained the new windows will be mirrored on the outside, preventing onlookers from seeing into the classrooms, but still allowing the students to see out.

During the summer months, Ellis said there are projects being set up to help utilize staff in both districts to begin working together.

The team meetings will allow educators to share ideas and their best practices, as well as help create uniformity and unity between the districts.

In the initial calculation of students attending school next year, Ellis explained the Ritzville School District is expecting an increase in enrollment.

The District has hired an overload teacher on a one-year contract, and they are also going to begin shifting teachers into different grade levels, allowing the students to stay with the same teacher for two years.

Ellis said this practice has research to support students experience more growth in the classroom when there is consistency with the same teacher.

Ellis also announced Lind-Ritzville High School received an award and certificate from EF for hosting exchange students in the Districts. Ellis said based on student population, Lind-Ritzville hosts more exchange students per capita than most schools.

Christy Saetre also received the Migrant Records Clerk of the Year award for her work with the Lind School District.

During the meeting, Ellis recognized Colleen Ruzicka for her dedication to the Districts. Ruzicka recently resigned from her long-time position as a bus driver.

Ellis also recognized Gale “Putt” Gardner for his service and hard work to keep the Ritzville Schools well maintained and working effectively. Ellis added Gardner has also been coordinating with the contractors regarding the current work on the Ritzville Grade School.

For the Community Connection portion of the meeting, Ritzville Mayor Gary Cook provided updates regarding the city. The largest dilemma the city is currently facing is the wells, Cook explained.

Well No. 9 has still not been utilized after almost four years, Cook stated, but there is a crew on site hoping to have the well operational by the end of the week. Cook explained Well No. 8 went down in January, and the city has been operating on the Koch Well.

With the tank full at the Ritzville Golf Course, Cook said the city can keep up with the water demand, but the hot weather has created multiple issues.

During the time when the tank is being filled, Cook said the city asked the largest irrigation users to decrease the amount of water used.

Cook expressed his gratitude to the District for cooperating and reducing water usage during those times.

Cook also explained the branding campaign for the city was successful, and they appreciated the input received from local students as members of one of the panels.

The unveiling of the new brand will occur in early August, and it will help standardize and create uniformity in town, as well as assist with marketing the city.

The next Lind and Ritzville School Boards meeting is set for July 24 at the Lind-Ritzville Middle School.