New Westview Elementary scheduled to open in 2012

Spokane Public Schools held another open house showing off its plans for a new Westview Elementary School last Thursday evening, and compared to the open houses concerning Jefferson Elementary School’s remodel and possible relocation, this was a very quiet meeting.

Westview Elementary was built in 1955. This rebuilding project is part of the 2009 voter-approved school bond which funded a $332 million districtwide plan to remodel, rebuild and restore schools.

The school is located at the corner of North Moore Street and Decatur Avenue, and the new school will be located at the opposite end of the approximately 6-acre property at the intersection of West Bismarck Avenue and North Fotheringham Street.

Principal Cathy Comfort greeted parents and neighbors in the gym, where poster boards showed off plans and maps.

“I’m just so excited,” Comfort said about the new school.

The preliminary plans for the new school show updated classrooms inside a modern building and new play areas outside.

The new school is expected to be ready in August 2012.

Mark Anderson, assistant superintendent for Spokane Public Schools, said the current school will remain while the new one is being built.

“The kids from Finch Elementary School may then go here while their school is being remodeled,” Anderson said. “But we will not keep the old building around for anything in the long run. It’s just too worn down.”