Bid letting to begin soon

Back in June of 2017 voters passed a $10.875 million bond issue allowing the district to proceed with a facility project that involves a sixth through eighth grade classroom addition at Ogden High School and remodeling of the classroom areas at the middle school to accommodate pre-K through fifth grade.

After that, “it’s been a balancing act,” says Supt. Jon Hueser who came on board July, 2017, replacing interim Supt. Dr. Tim Hoffman. “How can we maximize our money and our space?” That has been the challenge of staff and school board members as they direct their focus on the smaller details. “That’s why it’s taking time. We want to do it right. There are so many things to factor in.”

Details like placement of the lockers. “Keeping them within line of site is important yet we don’t want to have walls taken up by lockers,” he says. The design replaces the traditional hallway with collaborative learning space that can be utilized for team teaching. They can also open up the learning learning center spaces to accommodate larger activities. 

“Flexibility is the key now,” says Hueser. “We are allowing as much flexibility in the space as we can.” 

Hueser says after thinking through everything, and making some compromises along the way, he feels they will have some great spaces when the project is done.

The architect will be going before the board this month with a final input on the plans.

The school district is hoping to bid out the job in February with potentially starting construction in April, or as soon as bids are accepted.

Hueser anticipates the contractors will begin with the high school addition, then focus on the special education area, auditorium and vocal music room as these will be difficult to do during the school year while class is in session.

Read more in the Jan. 17 issue of The Ogden Reporter.

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