Funding from state to help Orchard Center project
The West Valley School Disrict has received a $100,000 state grant to offset the cost of upgrading Orchard Center Elementary’s fire protection sprinkler system, a requirement to get a building permit for the school’s remodeling project.
The new state funding comes through a program funded by the Legislature for urgent repair and renovation projects, called the Small Repair Grant program. West Valley is in the midst of construction projects at all four of its elementary schools as part of an original $35 million bond approved by voters in 2004 that also went toward complete renovation at the high school.
The construction work – at Ness, Pasadena Park, Seth Woodard and Orchard Center – includes new gymnasiums and classrooms. Some of the classrooms at Pasadena Park and Seth Woodard were completed in October, with all construction scheduled to be completed by next fall.
In order to get the building permits to remodel the elementary schools, the district is required to install current fire protection sprinkler systems. Doug Matson, West Valley deputy superintendent, wrote the Small Repair Grant request to offset the $156,000 cost of fire sprinkler installation at Orchard Center Elementary.
Through the Small Repair Grant program, about $4 million total is targeted to go to school districts statewide this year for capital construction work. The grants provide immediate assistance for unforeseen health and safety risks, fire and building code deficiencies, insufficient access for disabled students and asbestos abatement and removal.
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction administers the program.
A rigorous selection process was used to evaluate and prioritize requests from the 125 school district applications, with the top 47 projects being funded. More than $10 million was sought by the 125 school districts.
Daffodils from DECA
Central Valley High School DECA students will help promote Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society during the entire month of February. Students and members of the public can order bouquets of the flowers as a fundraiser or to send to a cancer patient.
The arrangements include a bouquet of 10 daffodils for $10, three bouquets for $25, a bouquet with a vase for $15 dollars, a teddy bear with daffodils for $25, or a “Gift of Hope” arrangement of daffodils to be sent randomly to a cancer patient.
The orders placed through the DECA students can be picked up March 17 and 18 at Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road, said DECA member Selena Byrum, who is helping organize the community service project along with students Carissa Balmes and Holly Woodburn. All three students are DECA members and juniors at CVHS.
For more information or to place an order, call CV DECA adviser Robin Barnhart at 228-5148 or the American Cancer Society at 242-8286. Those who buy the “Gift of Hope” arrangement will receive a special sticker to say they have donated to the program.
The American Cancer Society started Daffodil Days 30 years ago to help educate people. They use the money raised to do research, support early detection efforts and fund patient service programs.