News Release

Everett Public Schools

Ocotober 17, 2006

For more information:

Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049

Hal Beumel, 425-385-4190

Silver Lake and Garfield to learn about modernization plans

The families and neighbors of Silver Lake and Garfield elementary schools will soon learn more about the remodeling plans for

both of those schools.

On the first two Wednesdays of November, separate open-house events — one at each school — will give parents and

residents a chance to look at the plans for each school. Wednesday, November 1 is scheduled for Garfield, and Wednesday,

November 8 is the date for Silver Lake. Both drop-in-and-visit sessions take place between 4 and 6 p.m.

We know that a school remodeling project impacts more than just students and families who attend that school, said Hal

Beumel, district construction director. Because the neighborhoods are impacted too during the construction phase, and

because residents will have a new community resource when the project is complete, we want everyone to know what is

planned and what the different stages will involve.

Beumel will be joined by each school principal during the informal afternoon sessions, and Camie Anderson, environmental

planner for Shockey/Brent, Inc. will also be available to answer questions.

Both schools were identified as part of the district's eight-year construction and improvement plan as needing modernization

work that includes upgrading worn interiors, safety and security improvements, access to technology, and additional

classrooms. These two projects are among those approved by voters in the February 2006 construction bond.

Although the educational design process for each school has not yet begun, it is possible that Silver Lake could get an entirely

new gym and cafeteria area. Garfield's visitors will no longer puzzle over which door is the school's main entry. One of

Garfield's already identified modernization needs is a clearly defined front door to improve supervision of who comes to and

leaves from the school.

Each school has seen Everett school children in its classrooms for more than half a century. Garfield was originally built in

1946. Twenty three years later, in 1969, the district added a multi-purpose area to the school, office, library, kindergarten, and

more classroom spaces. In 1987, students began enjoying what was then a new, covered play area on Garfield's site.

Silver Lake has an even longer and somewhat patchwork history. The original building was constructed in 1937. In 1958, the

district bought a nearby church and converted it to classrooms in 1986. Between 1959 and 1989, the school has undergone

various remodeling and expansion projects, including a covered play area. Two years ago, the converted church building was

removed. In its place is a new parking lot and entry to the school.

This district makes good use of its building inventory, said Mike Gunn, district facilities and planning director. Our schools are

valuable assets, and we have been able to extend their lives beyond what might be expected. What is planned for Garfield and

Silver Lake will be as transformational as what Eisenhower Middle School and Emerson Elementary are enjoying this year.

Work at both schools will begin in late spring 2007 and will be complete in time for the 2008-09 school year start.

everett

Page 1 of 1

http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/10-17-06

6/9/2009