New Gray Middle School to open Jan. 5, 2009
The new Gray Middle School will open on Jan. 5, 2009. The board held a study session before its Sept. 25 meeting to hear an update on the Gray project and was pleased with the progress. Project completion is on schedule and within the $30 million budget for construction costs. The new school was originally scheduled to open September 2009.
The district evaluated various factors to determine whether the new Gray would be ready for a mid-year opening, such as building completion, landscaping, furniture, personnel needs and the move from the old Gray site to the new school. Gray parents, students and staff members support the Jan. 5 opening.
Recess policy to be implemented immediately
The board adopted Policy No. 2126, “Recess,” that states elementary students will get a daily scheduled recess in addition to a recess lunch period. Superintendent Art Jarvis supports the policy and believes that recess will benefit student achievement. He said the actual scheduling will be left to the building administrators and teachers, and clear expectations will be established so that the intent to have recess is not in question. The policy will be implemented immediately.
Other actions:
The board also approved:
- The hiring of Rebecca Owens as assistant principal at Sheridan Elementary School.
- The acceptance of contract for the Wright Roofing Inc. for the roof replacement projects at Wilson High School and Pt. Defiance Elementary School.
The board directed the superintendent to research the costs of kindergarten aides and options available to serve the needs of kindergartners.