Integrity Structures, contractor for construction of the new Ocosta Elementary School two-story building, completed demolition of the lower-grades play shed and the 40-year-old round building on Monday of last week, Dec. 15. Work started on this phase of the project Dec. 1.
The round building structure formerly housed students in grades 4-6, who are now happily learning in modern portable classrooms located along the south side of the primary grades building.
Along with the round building’s classrooms, the elementary school lost its library, kitchen, computer lab and multi-purpose room that served as a lunchroom, entertainment space and gym.
Groundbreaking
The Ocosta School District is celebrating the out-with-the-old status with a groundbreaking ceremony on the grounds of the former buildings on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. All South Beach community members are invited to attend. A reception will follow in the Community Gym.
Financing
In April of last year, voters residing within Ocosta School District boundaries approved a $13,800,000 construction bond request that will allow the District to not only construct the new two-story building, but also modernize the existing elementary addition building, increase parking and modify bus, auto and pedestrian circulation.
The bond will be paid back over the next 20 years via increased property tax collection from those who reside within district boundaries.
According to school district officials, based on a 20-year bond, the cost to taxpayers will be $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value, or a monthly cost of $9.58 for a home valued at $100,000.
Completion
The new school addition is scheduled for completion in time to house students in the fall of 2015. The history-making building will be first in the United States, and quite possibly in North America, to include a tsunami vertical evacuation structure on its roof. The structure will be large enough to accommodate the district’s approximately 700 students and staff.
