News

Albany-based Mid-Valley Commercial Construction has earned the Project of the Year Award from the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau for its work on the South Albany High School cafeteria project.

The bureau is a coalition of contractors in Oregon and Washington. The award recognizes outstanding interior work during the construction process.

The local company has many ties to the Albany area and to South Albany High School in particular. Principal Brent Belveal, who was a football coach at South Albany High School when recipient Jessie Vigil attended the school said, “From a school perspective, there isn’t anything better than seeing your alumni be successful.”

Superintendent Jim Golden expressed that he was glad the district was able to use a company based in our community.

Also in attendance were representatives from T Gerding Construction Company, gLAs Architects and HMK Company.

Memorial Middle School teacher Jana Swearingen and West Albany High School teacher Erik Ihde will join teachers from around the state at a statewide civics conference. The two were nominated by Representative Andy Olson to represent civics educators from his house district.

The following announcement came from the conference sponsor, the Classroom Law Project:

Congratulations on two teachers from the Greater Albany School District being named 2017-18 Civic Scholars by Representative Andy Olson for House District 15! They are Jana Swearingen, Memorial MS, and Erik Ihde, West Albany HS. Congratulations!

Every state legislator is naming two teachers from their district to be Civic Scholars. This is part of a statewide initiative to enhance high quality professional development in civic education for teachers.

With the recognition of Civic Scholar, teachers receive:

•  registration for the Civics Conference for Teachers at the State Capitol, Dec. 1, 2017. The conference will feature workshop presenters from each branch of Oregon government as well as strategies from master teachers.
•  special recognition at the conference
•  follow-up classroom assistance

We look forward to seeing Ms. Swearingen and Mr. Ihde the conference. Best wishes and, again, congratulations!

Construction of the modular classroom building at Lafayette Elementary school is on track and near completion.

• Roofing and siding are complete minus some trim work at the north end of the building.
• Sidewalks are in and landscaping of the drainage swale is nearly complete. The swale will be surrounded by fencing. Poles for the fencing have been installed.
• The campus will have an expanded driveway system. Paving will begin on Wednesday.
• The classrooms are nearly ready. Walls have been plastered and painted, cabinets, carpeting and lighting have been installed. Sinks have been installed but are not yet connected to water and drains.
• Work is progressing in the commons room. Some carpeting has been installed and lighting and intercoms systems are being installed.
• Framing of the covered walkway is ongoing.