For those with students attending the new Salish Coast Elementary (formerly Grant Elementary) in Port Townsend, you've likely heard that the first day of school has been delayed due to a union strike by the construction crew working on completing the school.
While disappointing, it's clear from attending the parent forum this evening that the school board members, teachers, administrative staff, construction project manager, and more are committed and motivated to open the doors on Sept. 11. A 5-day waiver to delay the start of school was applied for by Superintendent Polm and sent to the State Board of Education. Those days will not have to be made up.
Picketing has ceased on-site making it possible for non-union workers to access the building, including teachers and staff, who have worked hard this week to get started putting the inside of the school together. However, the strike is not over and it's not known when it will end.
Parents voiced concern about the unfinished exterior being a potential safety hazard for children, but it's clear that the City of Port Townsend and Absher Construction are committed to high standards of safety required to provide the occupancy permit that is slated for approval the week of Sept. 4 allowing students in the building on Sept. 11.
Some large machinery will still be present the first month of school (which we saw all last school year). However, instead of crews working during the school day, their schedules will be limited to after school hours from 2:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Local neighbors to the school will have to bear the inconvenience of noise and crews until the work is completed.
The school is working with local community organizations to provide some extended summer programming into the week of Sept. 11 for families who need additional childcare support. The YMCA of Jefferson County is offering childcare 9/4-9/10 and the Port Townsend and Jefferson County Libraries are extending their youth programs through 9/11.
The outside play areas and the gym are completed and ready to provide a safe haven for students to enjoy recess time. While the areas surrounding the outside play area are not completed, the impact will mainly be on the amount of children allowed on the play area at a given time. Principal Condran has drafted up a recess schedule that will maintain the same length of recess time as students are used to, but will stagger the amount of children able to play outside at a given time. Similar requirements were in place last school year when students had a play area that was less than desirable, but was an effective workaround in the short term.
The exterior landscaping will be finished in mid-Nov. and the soccer field will be completed in the spring. Pictures of the new play area and gym will be posted to the school's Facebook page and the school district page soon. http://salishcoast.ptschools.org/home
As a parent with a child attending Salish Coast this year, I'm confident that despite the delay, my child will be attending a safe and secure environment on 9/11. While 9/11 remains an emotional day in my heart and mind, I'm taking a deep breath and welcoming in the new school year with open arms. You should too.
