Stanwood schools take stock of needs
Published 9:00 pm Friday, July 8, 2005
A major redesign of Stanwood High School will be the highlight of a planned bond proposal next year, but other schools in the Stanwood-Camano School District also have needs.
Architects and school administrators this summer will take an inventory.
“Hopefully, what we’ll come out of all this with is a list of the things that need to be done and some costs, then prioritize and come up with a bond proposal,” said Gary Platt, executive director of business and operations.
Needs at four schools already have been identified:
* Twin City Elementary needs better access points that safely separate pedestrians from cars and buses. A second set of doors in the main entrance also would eliminate a “wind tunnel” effect, increasing comfort while saving on heating costs.
* Energy improvements are needed at Stanwood Elementary, one of the district’s oldest buildings at nearly 50 years old. And school staff would like to replace pea gravel and wood chips on the playground with rubberized padding, which is safer and easier to maintain.
* When it opened in 2000, Port Susan Middle School was designed so another classroom wing could be added. With 19 portables, staff members feel that time might be now.
* Stanwood Middle School also needs energy improvements, including replacing the boiler and single-pane windows. Administrative offices are moving into a separate building, freeing up space to be remodeled into classrooms.
The big ticket is the high school redesign.
Administrators, teachers, students and parents over the last year have come up with a program design that puts a priority on relationships, grouping students in smaller “learning communities.”
“Our job really is to take those kinds of thoughts … and translate that into a physical form,” said Marilyn Brockman, project manager with Bassetti Architects.
A new high school will not be built, but the existing one will change dramatically while retaining newer sections, such as the performing arts center.
The architects will have three design options for school leaders and the community in October.
Reporter Melissa Slager: 425-339-3465 or mslager@heraldnet.com.
