Safety precautions to be included in new school design

School safety is on the forefront of many people's minds.  Not surprisingly, one question we are getting from lots of people is, "Will the new South Bend elementary school have updated safety enhancements?"

Designing and building schools in today's world of 2018 is very different from designing and building schools in 1949/50, when Chauncey Davis Elementary was built.  Beyond the modern design enhancements related to classroom learning spaces and the addition of standard structural\environmental systems, additional considerations related to student and staff safety are now the norm.

So, to answer the question above...yes, we are planning to incorporate increased safety features into the new school design. Though the details of such features are determined during the design phase of the project, we have had initial discussions on types of "preemptive facility measures" we could include when building the new school.

Access control designs that are intended to slow down or contain possible threats are one aspect of building design to be considered.  Though this list is not comprehensive, some possible features related to access control include: a fortified, single point of entry, enhanced door locks, and security doors, etc.  Other areas of building design include enhanced internal communication and surveillance systems.  Though no building security feature is 100% effective, we will do our very best to build a school that will facilitate the safety of our students and staff.  As we begin and continue the design phase of the new school, we will involve community members, staff, and local agencies to ensure a broad spectrum of input is taken.

It is also important to remember there are other areas impacting student and staff safety.  Though everything above is related to securing students and staff from intruder threats, other aspects of building safety will also be addressed.  The fact that the new school will be built to current earthquake/seismic code is a big deal.  Most schools as old as Chauncey Davis are not built to withstand a major earthquake.  The new school will be built to current seismic standards, and will provide much more protection to our students and staff in the event of an earthquake.

The new school will also serve the community in the event of an emergency when shelter is needed.  Having a new building with modern public use features, updated kitchen and cafeteria space, and increased parking and access should allow us to better serve our community when needed.

Finally, though building a new school undoubtedly gives us the opportunity to better address a multitude of life-safety and security concerns, there are other "non-building" ways we can improve student and staff safety.  We are in the midst of reviewing our emergency protocols, staff/student emergency trainings, building security, and incident response.  These reviews are occurring for all of our school buildings.  As these reviews continue, we will update the community appropriately.

In conclusion, student and staff safety is the district's primary concern.  Though it is unfortunate we have to confront many of these modern day safety issues, we will nonetheless confront them to the very best of our ability.

We are fortunate to have a supportive community and a dedicated, caring staff.  South Bend truly is, "A great place for kids."  If folks have questions, ideas, or comments they would like to discuss, please contact your building principal or myself.  We are happy to listen to you.

Questions about this article or other South Bend School District programs can be directed to Superintendent Jon Tienhaara at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org.  You may also contact any of our school offices by calling 875-6041.

It's official: High school soccer coming this Fall

At our regular meetings this February, both South Bend and Raymond school boards approved an interlocal agreement establishing a combine between the two districts for boys and girls soccer.

The new program will begin with girls soccer this coming Fall, 2018.  Boys soccer will begin next Spring, 2019.  Both programs will compete in the 1A Evergreen League.

The interlocal agreement approved by both boards details oversight and administration of the combine, which includes the formation of a bi-district soccer governing board.  The board will consist of both district superintendents, a school board member from each district, and an athletic director from one of the schools rotated each year.  Costs for the soccer combine will be evenly split between both South Bend and Raymond districts.

Student meetings held earlier indicated strong interest from high school boys and girls.  In addition, the popular and highly participated Willapa Harbor Youth Soccer Club has an established tradition of area soccer for younger students. Several community members and school staff members have shown interest in supporting the new combine.  Next steps include hiring coaches, obtaining equipment, and further developing program logistics.

I believe athletics can provide many benefits to the overall education of students.  It seems only natural that our two schools cooperate to give students this opportunity, one that would be less possible on our own.  The addition of soccer will increase options for our students, and perhaps involve students who have not previously participated in high school athletics.  We look forward to forming stronger relationships with our community youth programs, promoting teamwork between our two student bodies, and working together to create a competitive high school soccer program for Willapa Harbor students.

Questions about this article or other South Bend School District programs can be directed to Superintendent Jon Tienhaara at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org.  You may also contact any of our school offices by calling 875-6041.

An important message to our community

Dear South Bend School District Community,

On behalf of South Bend Public Schools, our hearts go out to the community of Parkland, Florida, and especially to the staff, students, and families of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. It’s difficult to comprehend the motivation for the horrific attack that took place this week. 

We take safety in our buildings very seriously. The well-being of our students is our top concern. Though we strive to better our preparedness, in light of this recent tragedy we will look into any lessons learned that might further strengthen our plans. The obvious and very difficult balance is the task of providing ultimate safety in our schools while providing adequate access to the community in a thriving public school setting. 

We have worked hard over the past few years to develop our emergency preparedness plans. We have practiced and trained to respond with confidence. Our plans have been developed in coordination with our local police and fire departments, as well as collaboration with county and state officials.  According to state law, schools must conduct at least one safety-related drill each month that school is in session. 

Nevertheless, the random nature of a sudden mass shooting can make us feel very vulnerable, particularly when innocent, vulnerable children are targeted. As we try to cope with this reality, we can and must help our children cope. 

We know that as caring adults we can make the difference between being overwhelmed by circumstances we cannot control and developing critical life-long emotional and coping skills.

Here are a few suggestions for helping to make students feel safe: 

* Turn off or monitor the television. Endless news programs are likely to heighten anxiety, and young children cannot distinguish between images on television and their personal reality.
* Maintain a normal routine.
* Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.
* Remember to filter what you say to a child. Avoid graphic details.
* Remain calm and reassuring. Children take their cues from their parents and adults.
* Be optimistic.
* Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
* Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your students if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, your students are more likely to be so as well.

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We are vigilant in our efforts to keep our students and staff safe. We will, as we always do, review our crisis plans in light of this tragedy as well as reinforce school security and campus visitor procedures.

It takes parents, students, staff, and community working together to keep our schools safe places to learn. If you ever have information about suspicious, illegal, or unsafe activity at school, please call your child’s school or contact us directly at the district office at 360-875-6041 option 5.  You may do so anonymously if you wish. 

If you have concerns about your child and would like our counselors to speak with him or her in private, please contact your child’s school office. 

Again, our thoughts and hearts go out to the students, staff, and families at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. 

Exceptional staff need modern school

For the last two years we have been working to find a way to build a new elementary school in South Bend.  It's easy to explain why a new school is needed when talking about an aging building that is susceptible to earthquake damage, floods every year, and is going on 70 years old.  When considering the prospect of a new building, comparisons between the old and the new reveal stark differences.

But I want to look at things from another point-of-view.  The next two articles I write will be centered on the need for a new elementary school from the staff perspective and student perspective.  I hope to talk about the student side next week.

In this article I am going to focus on why we need a new elementary school from the perspective of our staff; because without our staff our purpose could not be fulfilled.  The adults that work with our students need the very best, and this fact deserves our attention.

I love my job.  I have the privilege of joining an amazing team of educators each day as we educate over 600 students pre-k through 12th grade.  South Bend staff:  teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, principals, secretaries, bus drivers, cooks, department supervisors, custodians, building support staff, coaches, volunteers.  All of them, over 100 adults on a given day.  Good people. The best people.  People who make a difference in the lives of our youth through love, dedication, and a desire to make a difference.  This describes South Bend school staff.

Because we are talking about an elementary school, let's focus on our folks who work there.  Each morning and afternoon I walk through the campus.  As I enter the elementary school before lunch, I immediately smell the appetizing aromas coming from our kitchen.  Those of you who know what I'm talking about can imagine smelling the fresh baked cinnamon rolls and stew that have been a mainstay tradition in South Bend for decades.  The cafeteria is full, as caring, smiling teachers assist their students through the food line and at the lunch tables---our fabulous cooks loading up lunch trays as expecting kiddos eagerly take their food.

I mention this because I am always amazed at the loving care our teachers, paras, and kitchen staff provide these kids day in and day out as the students eat.  Many teachers reward students by bringing them back to the classroom to eat with them on their lunch break.  Others help the littler ones by opening their milk cartons or apple sauce containers.  It's a team effort.  Kids in South Bend are cared for, and it shows.

One of my favorite things to do is walk down the hallway as students are in class, as I enjoy popping into classrooms to see the students learning.  Elementary teachers have one of the toughest jobs in the school.  If you think about it, they are the ones teaching these kids the beginning elements of skills our students will use the rest of their lives.  And not just reading, writing, and mathematics, our teachers are teaching students how to problem solve, share with others, and learn basic functional skills.

And it's not like every student has the same needs.  Our students come to us with different talents, backgrounds, and varying levels of energy!  You will typically find our paraprofessional staff working individually or in small groups with kiddos in class or out in the hallway.  Whether they are reading to students, practicing math skills, or reteaching an important concept, they skillfully provide the vital help our students need.  Special needs children, gifted children, children who speak little or no English,  our teachers and staff work with them all, and they do an incredible job.

On my way out of the building, I like to pass through the office to see how things are going.  The office is not a boring place.  Lots of needs being met, lots of solutions being sought.  The professionalism I observe as staff assist parents, the skill of managing the operations of the building, the ability to answer almost any question.  Our office staff and administration are top notch.  They know the job and they get it done.
   
Everything you just read above is just a small sample of what goes on Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until after 3:00.  My brief descriptions don't come close to the actual work being done.  There is so much happening behind the scenes that the typical public never see.  From curriculum meetings, professional development, counseling sessions, and so many other functions...to grading papers, planning lessons, assessments, and complying with an endless bureaucracy of state and federal mandates.  School staff have a big job, an important job, and our staff excels.

A few days ago I was talking to a community member who told me, "You know, it's so exciting that we have the prospect of getting a new elementary school in South Bend."  Of course, I agreed with him and we went on talking about the project.  But after, I realized that it's so much more than getting a new building.  We have the chance to provide the amazing people who educate our young students something they so desperately need---not just a modern facility, but a better work environment, a better learning environment.  I am amazed at what these people accomplish now, just think what they will accomplish with the educational atmosphere of a new school.

For someone who might work in a newer school or newer office building, it's easy, perhaps, to take for granted adequate lighting, comfortable HVAC, new plumbing, adequate classroom or work space, adult restrooms with more than 1 toilet (remember, lots of adults for 300 kids), comfortable break rooms, conference space, fully functional doors, adequate electrical, insulation, and so many other essentials one doesn't quite find at the same level in a public building from the 1950's.

School is so much more than it was just 15 years ago, let alone 1951.  Our school staff need a new school.  They need the tools and efficiencies of a modern building.  They deserve it, they've earned it, and they continue to accomplish so much for kids.

We have such an incredible opportunity.  Our community has the chance to accomplish something that will take South Bend kids to the next level.  Something most people never dreamed possible.

As a grandmother of one of our students told me this weekend, "We're doing this.  South Bend people support our schools."

Yes we do.  And, I know South Bend people are proud to give that support.  We are thankful for it.





If you have questions about South Bend School District's new elementary school project, please contact superintendent Jon Tienhaara at 875-6041 ext 4 or at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org

Please check out our other informational posts on the new elementary project below:

• Bond for SB's new elementary school: how much will it cost me?

• An opportunity of a Generation

Bond for SB's new elementary school: how much will it cost me?

South Bend School District is proposing a $4.95 million dollar bond initiative to voters this April 24, 2018.  Revenue from the bond, in conjunction with over $11 million from the state, will provide the needed funds to construct a new elementary school, replacing the almost 70 year old Chauncey Davis Elementary building.

As a property owner here in South Bend, I am sensitive to factors impacting my property taxes.  I like to have a good idea about how my property taxes are affected by different tax drivers and how my tax dollars are used.  Knowing that all taxpayers have similar concerns, one of the first things I studied about our bond proposal was how it would impact the yearly tax bill. 

Not surprisingly, I have had others ask the same question.  That is, "How much will the new bond impact my taxes?"

Though needed, the thought of building a $16 million dollar school in South Bend, or any other small community, is a tough option to consider.  However, two unusual circumstances make the decision much simpler and more affordable for South Bend voters:

1.  The state is providing over $11 million dollars of the total cost, about 70% all-in-all; and,

2.  The state legislature changed the school levy law last July, which will dramatically decrease the South Bend tax burden beginning in 2019.

These circumstances set up South Bend taxpayers with the opportunity to approve a bond that will build a brand new elementary school, and in doing so still SAVE an approximate $1.44 per $1,000 for the new bond and M&O compared to what taxpayers are paying for the current school bond and M&O.    

Below is the math comparing current and new bond & levy rates:

If you want a little more explanation, read on...

You see, the bond South Bend overwhelmingly approved back in 2007 (paid off in 2020) currently costs taxpayers $1.00 per $1,000.  The new bond for the elementary school is projected to add just $.81 cents to that amount.  This means taxpayers would pay a projected $1.81 per $1,000 of assessed property values.  The $1.81 would replace the current $1.00 per thousand, and is not an additional amount.  The bond rate is projected to be $1.81 for the duration, which is paid back over 20 years.

For some local perspective, South Bend's new bond rate will be lower than the current rates paid by Raymond and Willapa Valley:

The current school levy that voters overwhelmingly approved in 2016 currently costs South Bend taxpayers $3.75 per $1,000 assessed property value.  Because the state changed the school levy law last July, this rate will DROP to $1.50 per $1,000 beginning January, 2019.  The combined new rate that includes the new bond and reduced levy will be $1.44 LESS than our current combined rates.  

So as an example, a $100,000 home is currently paying about $475 dollars a year for the current school bond and local levy.  If the new bond for the elementary school passes, beginning in 2019 that same $100,000 home will only pay $331 for the bond and local levy, a drop of $144.

Another thing to remember is that tax rates are based on assessed property values and will fluctuate as property values change.  Historically, property values tend to go up over time, which means the tax rates go down.  As more people build homes in the school district, as properties increase in value, the tax burden is shared by all property owners driving rates down.

If anyone has questions about the tax rates and costs of the proposed school bond, please contact Superintendent Jon Tienhaara at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org.