In 2018, the schools of Corvallis were given an almost $200 million capital construction bond to update the infrastructure in their 14 schools. The Innovation Team they assembled of teachers and district leaders created a vision for what would best ensure that the students’ social, emotional, and physical needs and growth would be addressed. And one of the first schools to be reconstructed was dual-language immersion school Garfield Elementary.
Renovations at Garfield included six new classrooms, two dedicated art/science and music rooms, collaborative learning areas, and expanded library, a new covered play shelter, renovated restrooms, upgraded finishes in all common areas, renovation of all existing classroom spaces, and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. In terms of safety issues, there were improvements made to adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, seismic improvements, a new digital public announcement system, new parking, new pedestrian areas in front of the school, a secure front entrance, and gender neutral bathrooms.
The school as a whole grew from 46,000 square feet to 62,000 square feet to better serve the 386 students – of which 50% are Latinx and 40% are white – and the 62 teachers and support staff. More room to serve them all now that they can return to classrooms.
Former principal Leigh Santy is particularly proud of the school’s community flex room. Located at a central part of the school, this space – which includes a small kitchen and meeting room – is accessible after hours for community use. “Food and people are the heart of our school,” said Ms. Santy in a press release. “The community flex room is an acknowledgement and celebration of our community and culture.”
Principal Nancy Davila-Williams is a fan of the new art and science classroom. “The fact that the art room includes a large roll up door that opens to nature, that our teachers can open up the classroom and give students that type of connection to the outdoors is amazing,” she said in the press release. “These spaces are providing more than a modern educational environment. Together we created a thriving environment for our students to work together and learn and grow.”
By Marissa Roberts
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