Othello school construction is on schedule, Lutacaga finished

OTHELLO — Lutacaga Elementary School staff and students settled into the newly renovated and expanded facility this week.

The Othello School District is hosting an open house for the public to view the facility on April 27 at 7 p.m. in Lutacaga’s gymnasium, located at 795 S. Seventh Ave.

It took almost two years to remodel the inside and outside of Lutacaga. The school’s makeover is the second of five construction projects the district began in 2006.

The district received a $29 million bond and $45 million in state-matched funding.

“What we did at Lutacaga and what we are doing with most of our buildings is stripping down to the walls and starting all over again,” said George Juarez, district superintendent. “Almost every part is of each building is being remodeled.”

Lutacaga’s remodel features a new administration area, classrooms, library, office space, gymnasium, kitchen and special education wing. New technology was added in most rooms as well.

“It’s always nice to remodel,” Juarez said. “Some areas in the schools had not been updated in quite awhile. It’s always great to update buildings and technology because it allows us to better serve the educational needs of our kids.”

McFarland Middle School is in the final phase of construction. Office staff, counseling and special education classes moved into their new facilities during spring break.

The final phase of construction includes renovation of the classroom wings to the north and south of the administration area. The project is on schedule and is projected to be complete by early August 2010, Juarez reported.

“The kids have the same excitement we get when we move into a new home,” Juarez said.

The schematic designs for Scootney Springs Elementary and Hiawatha Elementary School are completed. The Facility Steering Committee met several times over the past few months to review the architectural renderings.

Both projects are ready to go out to bid in June 2010. Construction is projected to begin this August.

Hiawatha is scheduled to be completed by spring 2012 and Scootney in 2012. The district is waiting for approval from Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction officials.

“It looks positive we will receive funding for those two buildings and began construction this summer,” Juarez said.

Juarez expressed gratitude to students, staff and the community for their patience during the construction process.

“Going through remodeling is tough because it puts everyone in cramped corridors,” Juarez said. “It’s certainly been difficult and challenging, but everyone has been very flexible, cooperative and accommodating. I think staff and students understand that at the end of all of this is a reward and they are looking forward to moving into their new areas.”