Black River High School to be rebuilt, new secondary learningcenter to combine programs from Sartori Education Center

Voter approval of bond in May 2008 allows for rebuilding of school facilities

April 19, 2010

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This summer construction will begin to rebuild BlackRiver High School with a new facility that will also combine programsfrom Sartori Education Center. The new secondary learning center sitewill take about two years to complete and will provide students withfundamental education

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mathematics, reading, writing, science

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alongwith new, innovative classes

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Web-based programs, culinary arts andmore

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for high school students who wish to enroll in an alternativelearning environment.Planning for the project began in 2006, when community members, staff and others prepared a list of needed schoolrenovations and upgrades to be placed on the ballot before voters. In May 2008, voters approved those projects, whichincluded the construction of the new $20 million secondary learning center, along with a new wing at Hazen HighSchool, work at Dimmitt and Nelsen middle schools, an Early Childhood Learning Center, and more.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Randy Matheson | Executive DirectorCommunity Relations | 425.204.2345 |randy.matheson@rentonschools.us

Artist rendering of the concept of the new secondary learning center at Black River High School. The new facility will combine programs from Sartori Education Center. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2012. (See more photos below.)

“

It’s wonderful that with voter

support we can now provide students in our alternative programs a school as impressive as others in the district.

”

—

School Board President Lynn Desmarais

Plans to build on the east side of site in question

Initially the district hoped to build the new facility on the east side of the campus while allowing Black River HighSchool to remain open. Further testing of the area proposed for development unearthed excessive underground water,placing those plans in jeopardy. Geotechnical engineers are again analyzing the site and subsurface conditions forearth support, drainage, foundation design, and concrete slab on grade construction. A decision was made recently tochange the logistics of the project and move students and staff off site and out of the construction area to prepare toraze and rebuild the school, which may have to be built much closer to where the current Black River school is located.Staff, students and parents were recently informed about that change to the project timeline, and the decision tovacate the property during demolition and building of the new facility.

An individual plan for every student

Black River High School teachers and staff are working with school and district administration to create an individually-specific education

plan for each of Black River High’s 150

students. An estimated 25 will graduate this year. Plans forthe remaining students include grouping nearly half of the students into a newly-formed program at Sartori EducationCenter that meets their need for guided and independent study. Other students with specific education requirementswill learn at district schools that best meets their needs. In the coming days, teachers and school staff will holdindividual meetings with students and their families to review the education plans along with strategies for transitioning

into next year’s

schools.

Staff, students, parents offered input into design

At the start of this school year, an independent consultant worked for months with teachers, support staff, students andparents at Black River High, Sartori Education Center and other alternative programs to review current alternativelearning programs for effectiveness and students engagement. Also discussed were current and future programs thatwould make a difference for students in alternative settings. That work, along with teacher, parent and studentplanning and strategy sessions that began in 2006, coupled with recent input offered by staff, parents and others toNAC Architecture, helped develop plans for the new learning facility and will be used to infuse the center with newinnovative alternative classes.

PPRROOJJEECCTTSSUUMMMMAARRYY

Site Plan:

This artist rendering shows a siteplan for the campus with the schoollocated near the area of the currentschool. Plans for the school couldemploy many energy conservationmeasures including using

“

graywater

”

technology which waterrunoff from the roof to flush toilets.The green area depicts a soccerand baseball field and a pavedfitness path. The vegetation runsthe property line along SouthLangston Road. The water area is acounty-mandated storm waterpond.

Main Entry:

This rendering is a conceptualrepresentation of the main entryway for the school. The two-story school will replace thecurrent one-floor building. Themain entry way is a two-story,glass structure that will allowlight to flood the entrancewayand student administrationareas.West Façade:This rendering a conceptualrepresentation of the buildingfrom the west. An extendedroofline, encased in glass,allows sunlight to enter theinterior of stairways, commonareas and classrooms.

Bird

’

s Eye View:

This rendering shows the schoolfrom the air. Clearly visible is a

“green roof”

on the west façadethat is covered with vegetation,planted over a waterproofingmembrane. The environmentallyfriendly green roof will work tocool the building and reducesun glare.