Proposed high school improvements
By Denny Sabo
The Bigfork High School construction bond election is being held on March 4. This series of columns is being written in order to inform voters regarding the issues, the proposed solutions and the potential alternatives that had been considered. The hope is that when voters understand all of the issues, they will understand the overwhelming need in BHS and vote accordingly.
The improvements that are being planned are listed along with the benefits that students and school will receive as a result.
New Science Classrooms and Labs - The existing science labs are obsolete and unsafe. The new BHS will have a new second floor science module that will feature a modern design for chemistry and physics, earth science and geology studies, biology, comparative anatomy studies, dissections and experiments. It will also have a small greenhouse for botany, earth science and biology experiments.
New and enlarged Library- A new 4,800 square foot library with expanded hours because of the cooperative efforts with the Flathead County Library will allow students to use the library after close of school at 3:30 p.m. Students will have a place to study, do their homework, and research their projects in a facility that is convenient to their busy schedules.
Bigfork citizens will also have a tremendously increased library facility with expanded hours. Any Bigfork resident will now have a comfortable, accessible library with expanded computer resources from which to read, send messages, receive pictures from loved ones and meet with their friends in the community meeting room.
New and Enlarged Commons Area/Cafeteria - At present there is lunch seating for only about 25 percent of the existing students. The rest eat while sitting on hallway steps, floors or in classrooms. The new BHS plan creates a new entrance and foyer through which all visitors would enter the school. This Foyer/Commons Area will be the expanded lunch area for students. The New Administrative Offices will be moved to be adjacent to this area for security and oversight purposes. Additionally, a new kitchen and food service area will be built adjoining the common area.
New Choir Room - BHS has no existing choir room. The planned design will build a new choir room next to the existing band room. This will eliminate the need for our select choir students to come at 7:15 a.m. to attend their year-long classes and it will give many more options for expanded vocal music studies and classes.
New Math Rooms - BHS holds nearly all of its Math classes in an old, worn-out portable building which is 13 years beyond its anticipated life span and in constant need of repair. The new plan will move all of the math classes to the main high school building, into new classrooms and will tear down the old portable building. Additionally, a new computer Room will be added to catch up to the increasing demands of present day computer requirements, both in the classroom and in administration.
Additional New General Classrooms - The lack of sufficient classrooms is one of the factors that presently limit BHS's ability to offer new and additional subjects. The planned new high school addition will have an incremental eight labs and classrooms over the existing school.
New and Enlarged Gym Locker Room Area - Physical Education is a large and continuing part of a high school's responsibility. Facilities to provide quality classes, training and events are important to the quality of education and sense of pride that we have when we attend these events. The new plan replaces our 40+ year old shower facilities. This might allow us to reclaim our school stage which is presently full of weight equipment.
Renovated Art Room - The new plan will almost double the size of our Art room. This is a necessary increase considering the broad range of art classes that are offered and the number of students that take the classes.
Denny Sabo is a school board trustee. Next week he we examine the joint school/community library.