Dear Key Communicators:

If you have driven by the school lately, you may have noticed a couple of changes.  The trees in the bus loop have been removed, and the chimney from the old boiler is being removed.

The trees were removed to improve the health of the rhododendrons.  The rhodies had been fading for some time, and a consultant concluded the trees would need to be removed for their long term health.  The trees were robbing light, water and nutrients from the rhodies.  The trees were removed by professional faller and local legend/alumni Bobbie Saari.  Mr. Saari, AKA the “Human Squirrel,” removed the trees as a donation to the district.  His work is much appreciated.  The logs were sold, but there are plenty of limbs available for local citizens who would like to come by after school hours and make them into firewood.  They have been pulled up to the blacktop on the bus loop.  They will be chipped later this week.  After my recent knee surgery, no one will have to compete with me for firewood.J

The chimney is being removed upon the recommendation of an architect in the district’s Study and Survey a few years ago.  It has been on the facility committee’s five year plan since 2004.  This is a safety related project.  The architect was concerned that in an earthquake, the chimney could fall and cause injury and property damage.  We are fortunate as a district to have a community that supports its school in levies so there is money available to tackle projects such as this.

 

Take care,

Alan Bennett
Superintendent
Naselle Grays-River Valley School District #155