School Boards provided with monthly updates

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards listened to updates from school administrators, community members and students during the Nov. 27 school board meeting.

Two members of the public expressed their concerns and opinions about the potential one-year consolidation of Lind-Ritzville High School to the Ritzville Grade School. The Ritzville School Board still has not made a conclusive decision on the consolidation, but presented the initial idea of moving the high school students into the grade school building during a meeting in October.

Vicki Benzel addressed the school boards, explaining she wanted clarification on the project and the plans for the students. She stated she believes the RGS and LRHS consolidation is not the cheapest option, nor is it the best alternative for students.

She added she feels the best option is to bring LRHS students to Lind for the year because the school was designed to accommodate high school students.

Benzel stated the principals have done a lot of work and research to assist with the decision-making process, and their information needs to be presented and considered.

Benzel stated, as a taxpayer, the school boards should speak with administrators and do what is best for the students.

Annie Trunkle-Smart also addressed the Ritzville School Board, and stating as a former Lind School Board member, she is against the consolidation of LRHS students into the RGS building. Trunkle-Smart said it is her desire to work together in order to discuss facts and find a better option.

During the October meeting, she said it was presented that moving LRHS students to Lind was not financially feasible. She stated her frustration towards the decision, adding she believes it shows good faith for the cooperative to move the students to Lind.

Trunkle-Smart stated the school boards need to consider the move that would create the least amount of change for students. She added the public has a right to know the financial information for each potential consolidation, and the affects on academics.

Superintendent Matt Ellis provided an update on the school facilities plan for the renovation of LRHS during the upcoming school year. He reported the final copy from the interviews with school officials and employees had been completed and received from Teater-Crocker.

The school board members received a completed copy of the educational specifications compiled from the interviews and survey. The document includes expansive research and content regarding community information, general building considerations, and educational and support spaces.

The general building considerations include individualized information regarding circulation, vehicle access and parking, building security and safety, technology and communications, community use, maintenance, utilities, energy conservation and restrooms.

Potential design considerations were included with the packet, as well as general classroom information and needs.

The education and support spaces information identities the individual needs of each academic subject, as well as special education and staff rooms.

The next step is to complete a topographical and geotechnical survey of the grounds to continue planning for construction.

Ellis expected the first design of LRHS to be presented in January. The footprint of the high school building will stay the same, but the rooms inside will change, he explained.

The Lind and Ritzville Schools Boards next meeting will be Dec. 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the Ritzville Grade School. The meeting date and time was adjusted due to the holidays.

During the meeting, the Lind School Board will interview Josh Hernandez as a potential candidate for the school board vacancy position being left by Rena Wahl.