Board approves Rognlin's Inc. as general contractor

North side of the new South Bend elementary school

New SB Elementary School Construction Update

On April 22 at a special meeting, South Bend School District's board of directors accepted a bid for the construction of the new elementary school, which will replace the existing Chauncey Davis Elementary.  Rognlin's Inc., of Aberdeen, submitted the low bid of four general contractors, and is slated to build the new school.

Now that the board has accepted the bid, we will move to get final state approval allowing contract documents to be signed.  Once this occurs, surveyors will most likely be the first crew to arrive to layout the construction site.  Soon after, the pile driving crew will return to install the remaining piles as part of the foundation system.

Tentative building completion is set for Spring, 2020.  Demolition of the old school will happen next, followed by construction of the new parking lot and remaining grounds work.

Southeast view of new South Bend elementary school

Southwest view of new South Bend elementary school

South Bend & Raymond Considering Football Combine

South Bend & Raymond Considering Football Combine

Leaders of the Raymond and South Bend School districts have met recently to discuss upcoming Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rule changes and some of the challenges associated with declining turnout for football. The districts are considering having a “combine”, or a “cooperative” high school football program, beginning in the 2020 season.

The WIAA recently decided to allow districts bigger than the 2B classification to use their free and reduced lunch percentages to justify competing with smaller schools, potentially pitting 2B school districts (such as South Bend and Raymond) against much larger rivals. If the two districts request to play as a combine, they would remain much more competitive at the 2B level.

South Bend’s Athletic Director, Tom Sanchez, highlighted some of the safety reasons for forming a combine: “Entering into a combine could provide the opportunity for our younger players to play at a more appropriate level, allowing them to develop their skills earlier instead of potentially playing in an unsafe setting too early. The possibility of playing larger schools might make this a necessity.”

Raymond Athletic Director Mike Tully spoke about the competitive advantage a combine would bring. "Football is a numbers game. Combining our programs would allow us to have better depth and be more competitive at the varsity level. It would also allow us to play more JV games which would give our younger kids more opportunities to develop at the appropriate level."

Scholarships available to SB Alumni

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO 

SOUTH BEND HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

The South Bend Kiwanis Club is seeking applications from South Bend alumni (Classes of 2013 to 2018) who are currently enrolled in post-secondary programs.  Community colleges, universities, vocational schools, trade schools, and other post-secondary program students are all eligible.  Awards may be used to pay tuition, purchase books, materials, technology, equipment, and/or other needs.

Students interested must provide an application letter with student contact information, goals, current education program, unofficial transcripts, and proposed use of funds.  Application letter must be submitted (No later than April 30, 2019) to:  Betsy Penoyar, PO Box 425, South Bend, Wa 98586, or can be emailed to: joelpenoyar@gmail.com.  

Questions can be directed to Betsy Penoyar at the above email or by calling 360-875-5321.