Ritzville School Board approves LRHS engineering study - Lind, Ritzville boards focus on student safety

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards had the opportunity to participate in a safety presentation from the Ritzville Police Department during their meeting on Feb. 26. The Ritzville School Board also approved the Value Engineering Study for the modernization of Lind-Ritzville High School (LRHS).

The Ritzville Police Department, represented by Sergeant Mark Cameron, conducted a presentation regarding active shooters. With the recent school shootings throughout the country, RPD contacted the school to host the presentation for the school board directors and community members in the audience.

Cameron explained the definition of an active shooter is attempted mass murder. While the majority of the population commonly associates active shooters with school shootings, attacks within schools account for less than 25 percent of incidents.

Nearly 50 percent of shootings take place in businesses, Cameron explained, and he advised those in attendance to be aware of their surroundings. The remaining shootings typically occur in places like governmental buildings, medical centers, concerts or movie theaters, for example Cameron stated.

Cameron said the most important aspect to realize is anybody could be a potential shooter, regardless of how “normal” they may appear. He continued to say being aware is not being paranoid, merely just being attentive to potential risks in the surrounding areas.

The majority of today’s weapons can be carried within a backpack, but he explained the majority of shootings are done with handguns.

Cameron showed a video produced by the City of Houston, which highlights the three steps to take if in an active shooter situation: run, hide or fight. All options have to be considered and the individual must determine which is the best option for them, and the safest option possible to preserve human life.

Individuals need to determine how they handle stressful situations, Cameron continued, and the common reactions are fight, flight and freeze.

Cameron said it is important to think ahead and to focus on survival of those around. He reminded those in attendance that first responders priority is to neutralize the threat, not to tend to the wounded, which can seem unnatural in a situation but it is how law enforcement officers are trained in order to protect human life.

He said if anybody has questions regarding what to do in an active shooter situations, they can contact him at 659-1313. Cameron plans to return to the local districts to provide a more intensive presentation of staff members, and possibly students in the future.

Superintendent Matt Ellis reported the certification of the Educational Programs and Operational levies for both the Lind and Ritzville school districts. The Lind levy passed with a 78 percent approval rate, and Ritzville’s passed with 67 percent of voters in favor of the measure.

Ellis reported the principals have conducted meetings with study groups for input regarding the relocation of students during next year’s modernization project and LRHS. The study groups focused on the condense and consolidate, relocation and hybrid models, with the main points of discussion being space, safety, a master schedule of classes, student learning and transportation.

Construction Services Group (CSG) and Architects West Ed Champagne were at the meeting to answer questions regarding the LRHS Modernization Value Engineering Study.

Champagne addressed questions regarding the exterior structure of the existing building, as well as the roof. He explained the purposed of the study is to see how the district can improve the project and also save money.

For the exterior walls of LRHS, Champagne explained it is a recommendation to remove the existing walls, but keep the existing structural components. He stated the walls have been modified before, and based on research, it is not believed the walls can support the building with additional modifications.

Champagne added it is the current plan to maintain the roofing structure, but if funds allow, there may be options to consider for improving the roof. There should be three large air handler units installed during the project, and if funds allow, the roof could be modernized to put the equipment under a pitched roof.

The Value Engineering Plan contains 46 proposals for a total of $959,000 in potential additional costs for the district. The projects are geared at adding value to the facility and lowering life cycle costs.

The design team and project manager recommended approval of 12 suggestions, and will continue to study the remaining 31 recommendations.

The major issues determined during the study included the roof structure and boilers. The recommendation is to place new boilers within LRHS, which would be a potential cost of $125,000 a year with an estimated savings of $10,000 in energy costs per year.

Approved projects in the study included vaulted ceilings in the common area, installing roof hatch access, abatement of all asbestos material, demolition of exterior walls, adjusting external roof overhangs, electrical room improvements, reviewing condition of existing pipes before reuse or replacement, and installing new mechanical equipment in the ECCLA room.

Another discussion point is the creation of a fire lane, which could also be utilized as a bus drop off location. The lane would run behind the school, and be a drop off for both RGS and LRHS students, Champagne explained. This would allow bus traffic to be separate from the parent pick-up and drop off locations.

The next step of the process is design development, Champagne explained.

The committee will continue to evaluate options for the project during bi-weekly meetings until the next report is complete.

The Ritzville School Board unanimously approved the study and plan, as well as a resolution for racial imbalance, which is required for the district to receive state match money for the project.

The principals provided results from the MAPs testing, starting with Ronanda Liberty. At LRHS, freshmen and sophomore students completed the test with the freshmen staying at the national norm in English and math, and the sophomores being above the national average in English.

Liberty explained it is in the data specifics that assist teachers determine learning instruction for both the class, as well as the individual student.

She also added there are 46 students eligible for graduation, but three are expected not to graduate in the spring.

For Ritzville Grade School students, Principal Tom Arlt said all grades saw growth since the fall testing. The majority of the classes were above the national average in reading and math, but some classes were just under the national norm in math.

Arlt explained the reasoning for the lowered math scores is because the students are learning specific material at different times than when the test is given. He said the classes are reorganizing which chapters are completed when, in order to improve the students’ chances during future testing.

At the Lind schools, Principal Cindy Deska said students recorded more positive than negative results on the fall testing. She stated the school as a whole made improvements in the winter testing, with the younger grades making the most improvement.

Deska also provided photos of furniture that was recently purchased for the middle school using funds from the award Julia Klein received last year. The furniture replaces existing couches, and will provide students with a safe and comfortable place to socialize during breaks in classes and before school.

Athletic Director Greg Whitmore provided a brief update regarding spring sports and the athletic cooperative. He stated the one potential issue affecting athletes this year or in the near future is the tennis courts, and the courts need to be resurfaced within the next couple of years.

For the five-school athletic cooperative, Whitmore said the addition of Washtucna and Kahlotus has provided more opportunities to student athletes. He explained this year the LRS softball team will also have a junior varsity team, as 33 students have registered to compete in the sport.

The Community Connection for the meeting was provided by Pastor Ryo Olson, the current president of the Ritzville Ministerial Association. Olson explained the RMA expands outside of Ritzville, and also includes churches from surrounding communities.

Olson said the RMA focuses on meeting the needs of the community, including residents’ spiritual and physical health. The organization is partnered with the Ritzville Food Pantry and also makes regular visits to swing bed patients at the hospital, residents at Rose Garden Estates and also inmates at the Adams County Jail.

The largest service provided by RMA is Vacation Bible School, which hosts around 100 youth members who participate in Bible study and a variety of activities.

Olson explained the RMA also receives a $5,000 grant from the government in order to help those in need to food and shelter.

Olson concluded his presentation by asking the school districts to reach out to the RMA regarding any ways they can assist the local students.

The next Lind and Ritzville School Boards meeting is scheduled for March 26 at Lind-Ritzville Middle School.