Reason For High Modernization Costs Of Mead: Inflation

Many residents in the Mead School District are wondering why it takes $31 million to modernize Mead High School when it cost $32 million to build Mt. Spokane High.

Al Swanson, the district’s superintendent of finance, said the answer is inflation.

“In bond 1993 dollars, (Mt. Spokane) was $37.5 million based on the average price of construction at that time,” Swanson said. “Four years, almost five have transpired. That’s five years worth of inflationary cost. The cost to build Mt. Spokane today would be $43 million.

“Compare the modernization of Mead to Lewis and Clark High School,” Swanson said. “Their modernization cost is $40 million, but their project is a little more complex.”

One big difference between the two schools, some critics point out, is that Lewis and Clark was built in 1912 and Mead was built in 1972.

Shook, Simpson honored

Suzann Shook, a second grade teacher at Arlington Elementary, and Joyce Simpson, a language and humanities teacher at Shadle Park High School, were recognized as distinguished teachers in Spokane Public Schools for the second quarter of the academic year.

Corporate sponsor Wendle Motors made the presentations at their respective schools.

Shook has been a teacher for 19 years, 14 of which were spent as a special education teacher.

According to the staff that nominated Shook, “She leads with initiative, drive, personality and implementation of the newest instructional strategies designed to improve student learning.”

Shook deflected the credit given to her by her peers.

“This reward is a reflection of everyone at Arlington and how we work together as a staff,” she said.

As for Simpson, she has taught for 27 years. She said being around students has given her personal satisfaction.

“I love the look on the faces of the kids when they discover something new,” she said. “You have to experience it. I feel like I’ve really made a contribution to the world - added one more thinker.

“The kids keep you hooked. They keep you very, very hopeful, and that’s why you stay in this profession,” she said.

Morningside rises in afternoon

The Morningside Partnership and St. Luke Lutheran Church at 9704 N. Division have started an after-school program for latchkey kids from Evergreen Elementary School at the church.

Church officials wanted to provide a safe place for kids to stay after school.

“We want to take the financial load off single moms and provide a possible alternative to day care,” St. Luke pastor Michael Wiser said.

But there is a catch. The students have to do some learning.

“A lot of these kids are struggling in school, so we’re trying to stimulate their motivation in school,” said volunteer Julie Weller.

The program runs from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. The first 45 minutes, kids can play games and have snacks. The rest of the time is dedicated to what volunteers call “smart time.”

Eleven volunteers ranging in age from 15 to 65 serve as mentors while helping kids with their homework. About 18 students are currently using the service.

St. Luke has donated money for supplies and snacks, but the Morningside Partnership is actively looking for more volunteers and financial support. The group is trying to get grant money to expand the project.

The Morningside Partnership was formed in March to put residents at the forefront of the community.

For more information about the after-school program call Jack Scott at 465-6400 or Weller at 468-2526.

, DataTimes MEMO: Education Notebook is a regular feature of the North Side Voice. If you have news about an interesting program or activity at a North Side school or about the achievements of North Side students, teachers or school staff, please let us know. Deadline is Monday. Write: Kevin Blocker, Education Notebook, North Side Voice, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. E-mail: kevinb@spokesman.com. Call: 459-5513. Fax: 459-5482.