The much anticipated new VOC/CTE building portion of the Alsea Bond Project (ABP) is getting a revamp with the addition of Portland based Soderstrom Architects (SDRA) to the project team. SDRA has successfully designed multiple VOC/CTE buildings around the state, including the new facility at Dallas School District. Collaborative design meetings between Soderstrom president Marlene Gillis and her team, Integrity Management Solutions (IMS), and Alsea school staff will continue through the summer of 2023 with anticipated construction in Spring 2024.
The VOC building design previously proposed did not align with staff needs for the budding Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program and estimated costs were significantly over budget. While some initial excavation and utility work had been performed, the team is working on a plan for a “leaner, meaner” VOC building that can be constructed in that location without undue additional cost.
Alsea School staff have requested a flexible space that can be adjusted to meet the school’s needs over time. Per staff input, the new building will include spaces for a computer lab/classroom, digital fabrication, shop space that can accommodate wood and metal shops, welding, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences and Pottery, as well as interior storage, and restrooms. Additional exterior covered storage may be utilized in the future for a portable sawmill and log yard, dependent on Perkins Grant funding.
Current plans place the building beyond the current staff parking lot, allowing for future expansion of that space, and within the new secure fencing being installed this summer.
IMS, ABP Construction Managers, presented their monthly report, including the current VOC building design draft, at the June 8, 2023 School Board meeting. To see their full June report and budget update, click here. An application for a state seismic grant proposal will be prepared this fall by outside ZCS Services. Notification of the grant award is expected Spring 2024.
Also at that meeting, the board hired Seth Stevens to be the Ag Sciences instructor and David Lynch to be the Art CTE instructor. CTE Teacher David Crowe had a recent triumph when the Oregon Department of Education approved his proposal for an official Forestry Program at Alsea School District.
