SCHOOL-BY-SCHOOL PROJECTS

SHADLE PARK

Shadle Park is on schedule to receive a major face-lift and modernization to the 48-year old building as part of the 2003-2009 Capital Projects assignment. Educational specifications are currently being reviewed as part of the process and the design phase of the school is scheduled to begin in January 2006, with construction beginning in the fall of 2007.

The $165 million facilities improvement bond passed by voters in 2003 provides not only for building construction, but also for technology updates.

Over the past year, Spokane Schools staff created an inventory of computer needs at every school, resulting in the installation of almost 1,300 computers throughout the district. Shadle Park classrooms received 76 of them this year, and will continue to receive more over the next six years of the bond. Another 1,300 computers throughout the district were upgraded to improve reliability and performance.

Shadle received one cart of COWs — not the black-and-white animal, but Computers on Wheels, a cart of wireless laptop computers, ready for use by whichever class needs them. Each cart holds between 12 and 28 laptops.

Support staff at every school also will receive new PCs on a scheduled basis, enabling them to do their jobs more efficiently. And a new copier at each school should save the district about $400,000 over six years.

In addition, 84 teachers from 37 schools went through a special training, and were provided a laptop, so they can better use technology to improve student learning.
Thank you, Spokane voters, for helping us to better equip our students with the tools and skills they’ll need to be successful in today’s society, and that of tomorrow.