June 18, 2003

Dear Greater Eureka Resident,

Slow but steady is a good way to describe progress toward beginning the construction phase of the Facility Improvement Bonds in Eureka City Schools. We are meeting weekly with local architect firm Matson and Vallerga regarding elementary projects. This firm is also working on the breezeway replacement project at Zane Middle School.

In working with the architects and drawing from the knowledge of our District facility experts, we will be concentrating on kindergarten facilities at Lafayette, a classroom unit at Washington, and exterior siding at Lincoln. It is amazing what has to be taken into consideration when planning even the most straightforward project. A good example of this is the affect the weight of new exterior siding may have on the existing wall structure at Lincoln. As a result, a modest engineering study must be conducted.

We are disappointed the Zane breezeway replacement must be postponed until summer 2004. The main reason for the delay is to allow the District time to pursue hardship funds from the state. We feel this is the responsible thing to do since it may save up to $600,000 of bond money that can be used for other projects.

The District is also working with LPA Inc., on high school and middle school projects. LPA’s team of architects and specialists visited the District twice this spring and met with several committees to receive input on the scope of projects. These committees include teachers, secretaries, custodians, administrators, and technology experts. The focus will be on classroom renovations, office remodeling, and general grounds and operations considerations.

Another important component of the facility bonds is technology enhancement. The District’s outdated student information system has needed replacement for quite some time. The Governing Board recently approved the purchase of a new system PowerSchool, along with the upgrade of hardware and infrastructure necessary to accommodate this new system. One important component of PowerSchool will be enhanced communication with parents regarding their student’s progress.

The speed of bond projects at various sites will increase considerably through the 2003-04 school year. The GO Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee will be busy advising on projects. This committee will meet their legal reporting responsibilities with a report to the community in the fall. Community members can find facility information including updates and minutes and other interesting district information on the District’s Web site: www.eurekacityschools.org.

Sincerely,

James W. Scott, Ed.D, Superintendent