|
CONTACT:
Kerri Smith, Superintendent
PO Box 10, North Powder, OR 97867
Phone:
(541) 898-2244
Fax: (541) 898-2046
E-mail: ksmith@npowder.k12.or.us
BACKGROUND: The small community of North Powder
- although just off the I-84 freeway - is 25 miles from the nearest city. People must travel to Baker City or
La Grande for health care. The district also needed to replace a 25-year-old portable housing the fifth grade class. The district joined forces with the Oregon Health and Science University to create a multi-use facility that serves as a school, a health clinic,
and as a community center for classes or events.
THE PROJECT: The district secured about $45,000 in grants to build a facility last year on school property for a spacious fifth grade classroom with a third of the building devoted to office and exam space for the OHSU Rural Health Network for Rural Schools. Completed this August, it was built almost exclusively by about 20 students. Another 10 students spent time doing all of the network & phone wiring through a CISCO networking class.
THE NEEDS:
- Education - Fifth grade classroom used during the day with space for evening and weekend courses. "Presently, it is a wonderful teaching tool. We have about 30 students
benefiting from the hands-on experience of a building project," said Supt. Kerri Smith. "We haven’t offered this type of course in the past. These students will have the experience that may lead to a career or personal confidence to do similar jobs in their lives."
- Health care - The community is somewhat isolated both physically and economically from regular health care providers. The new space allows accessible, consistent, and quality health care personnel to benefit all ages and income levels.
- Community pride - "Every community needs projects that bring people together in a positive force," Smith said, noting the facility has been wired to provide 20 computer stations for both district and community education. "This area needs something to focus their attention on that benefits all."
FUNDING:
This has been funded by virtually no district money, although the North Powder School Board has pledged its support to spend district dollars if needed. It was funded by a variety of grants totaling about $45,000. Sources include the Leo Adler Community Fund, Northeast Oregon Economic Development (lottery funds) and Western Bank. It also received many donations, materials at cost, and in-kind contributions that allowed community members to teach skills such as sheet-rocking and framing to students.
RESULTS:
There is a strong sense of community pride attached to the facility. Students had actual "hands on work" in construction and networking classes. The fifth grade now has a usable facility that will not only meet their needs much better; but also be accessible for community classes. The community has
an accessible facility for health care needs.
|
