Brand New Browne New Elementary School With Familiar Red Brick Exterior Will Be Ready For Students, Staff Next Week

It’s almost ready.

Moving boxes are being emptied, computers are getting connected, pictures are waiting to be hung. Teachers are making mad dashes to hardware stores for extension cords. Classrooms are slowly acquiring personalities as they fill with plants, posters, books and small American flags jutting proudly from pristine whiteboards.

And by the time school starts for Spokane Public School District Aug. 31, Browne Elementary School Principal Rodger Lake expects everything in the new school building will be just right.

“They’re going to be thrilled,” he said of the roughly 500 students who will be the first to be educated in the new, $4.75-million building.

The new Browne represents a departure from the district’s cookie-cutter school buildings. For school officials, neighbors and alumni, it was important that the new building - a focal point of the neighborhood - be reminiscent of the old. And with its familiar red brick exterior, it does just that.

The original 1914 building, which was crowded and occasionally flooded, was demolished.

About the only thing that won’t be finished in time for the start of school is the playground. It won’t be ready for a few months, in fact, since the grass seed will need time to grow.

But in the meantime, children will be able to bounce balls and shoot hoops on a new blacktop area, or have recess in the spotless gym.

Besides the future playground, kids will be excited about the technology lab with 26 new computers. There’s also a multipurpose room, so lunch won’t have to be eaten in the gym, as it was in the old building.

Volunteers will be glad to see the special breakout areas in the halls - each with its own whiteboard and table for extra-help sessions.

Teachers will be thrilled by the expansive staff lounge - a huge step up from the damp, cramped space they used before.

And everyone will be pleased by the layout of the 50,000-square-foot building, and its use of windows.

“It’s a good example of the school staff and the architects working together to come up with a good design,” said Ned Hammond, director of capital projects and planning for the district.

The front door will always be unlocked - but that’s the only one. Though the building has many exits, the doors won’t open from the outside. That way, everyone coming into the school must pass by the office.

“It’s a very safe place,” Lake said. “In the old building with all the portables, a principal couldn’t help but be nervous. This is a much easier place to manage.”

Other details will be more appreciated as school days pass: things like the sinks and water fountains in every room, and the fact that the classroom heating units can be serviced from the hallway, so technicians won’t have to disrupt classes.

“I think the kids will think it is an environment conducive to learning,” said Lake, “and to having a good time.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: BROWNE SCHOOL

Open house Officials will hold a Browne Elementary School open house for students and their parents Wednesday from 5:30-7 p.m. Students will have a chance to find their way around the new school and locate their classes.

Curious neighbors are welcome, too.