District approves architectural services for new school

The Camas School District will move forward on construction of a new elementary school near Lacamas Park.

At the Monday, June 28 board meeting, the School Board approved a $1.49 million architectural services contract with Dull Olson Weekes Architects for design, construction documents and oversight of the project.

The new school will be located just west of Crown Road, above Lacamas Park.

The 12.5-acre site was purchased in 2007. It is expected to house up to 600 students and cost $15 million. It will be paid for using Qualified School Capital Bonds, which the school district will pay back. These are low interest bonds that must be spent before Dec. 31, 2012.

This will allow the new school to be open for students by fall 2013.

“The addition of the new east side elementary will provide the needed student capacity as our district continues to grow,” Superintendent Mike Nerland said.

It will be the fourth elementary school in the district, and the second one opened within four years. Grass Valley opened in the fall of 2009.

Other construction projects happening around the district this summer include:

o Camas High School addition and renovation: The project includes a new classroom wing, library extension, remodeling of special education space, a new student commons, remodeling the physical education areas, a new wrestling and dance room and renovation to the front office to improve security.

o Dorothy Fox Elementary School addition and renovation: The project includes an expanded cafeteria, new gym, seven classroom addition and renovation of library space to include a new computer room.

o CHS baseball/softball field drainage improvements: A drainage system under the fields is being installed at all four baseball and softball fields at CHS this summer, which will ensure these are ready for play in time for spring season 2011.