
Aerial view of old Aurora Loan Complex provided by Google Earth.
The
school district is reviewing the possibility of utilizing the
former Aurora Loan Services complex. Although middle school
students could safely remain in Bluffs Middle School during
renovation, a better option has been provided by the City of
Scottsbluff. This has proven as the most economically viable
option while at the same time meeting high standards of safety for
students and staff.
“Prior to
the bond referendum we knew one of the challenges of a renovation
would be identifying a flexible space that could house a portion or
all of our student population. The Aurora Loan Services
complex provides us a space where we can place our entire student
body. Furthermore, by moving the entire student body out of
the Bluffs Middle School, the renovation process timeline can be
shortened by six to eight months. As a result, the renovation
project will be completed by December 2010 instead of August
2011. In addition, the district, and ultimately the tax
payers, will save over $250,000. This is an exciting start to
the next phase of our long-term building and renovation plans”,
said Superintendent Gary Reynolds.
Although the option of
utilizing the former Aurora complex is not final, many staff,
administrators and parents have expressed the hope that it will
happen.
“Many
patrons asked about the possibility of using the old Wal-Mart
building, but at $1.4 million per year, this does not appear to be
economically feasible. The City of Scottsbluff has been very
gracious and cooperative in assisting our efforts to find a
suitable, temporary location for our students. This temporary
arrangement will address many of our concerns during the different
phases of the construction process. The district firmly
believes we should provide the best possible learning environment
for our students during the renovation process and the use of the
former Aurora Loan Services complex will help provide this
environment,” said Principal Mike Mason.
| Advantages
for Students |
Advantages
for
Teachers
& Staff |
Advantages
for
the
Community |
| A classroom
free of dust and allergens |
One set up for
the classroom |
Savings of at
least $250,000 |
| A classroom
free of distractions from construction workers and
equipment |
A sufficient
planning space that is not utilized for additional classroom
space |
Shortened
completion of the project (by 6 months) |
| Continuity for
students without multiple changes due to different stages of the
construction process |
Ability to
maintain the middle school concept much easier |
Ample parking
space for visitors |
| Accessibility
in all areas for people with limited physical abilities, physical
impairments or disabilities. |
Ample parking
space for teacher & staff parking |
|
| Safe drop-off
and pick-up area for students |
|
|
Wondering how you’ll pay for
college? The Education Quest Foundation will help students learn
about the college funding options during the upcoming free
Financial Aid Program to be held at the Scottsbluff Senior High
Auditorium on January 12th at 7 p.m.
During the one-hour Financial
Aid Presentation, an Education Quest representative will
explain:
• Types of financial aid
• How to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
• Where to get help

Each Tuesday and Thursday,
10-15 WNCC baseball players volunteer an hour of their time to
mentor and work with K-4 students at Westmoor Elementary. "The
coach, Mike Jones, mentioned an idea he had involving his baseball
players. He mentioned they would be heading into their off-season
soon and wondered if teachers could use any help . . .
read more