When students and staff make their return to Beaverton Schools in a couple weeks, they’ll be forgiven if it takes them a moment to recognize their surroundings. The district has undergone eye-popping upgrades to facilities and infrastructure over the summer, and the benefits will be felt for years to come.
“This really feels like a new start for the district,” said Superintendent Joe Passalacqua. “The improvements are numerous, and they are substantial. Our students and staff – and ultimately, our community – are going to benefit tremendously from the upgrades, and we’re excited to get this school year rolling.”
Classes begin for students with a half-day Aug. 22. The school will host an open house for families August 17 starting at 4:30 p.m., giving everyone a chance to survey the enhancements. Students will also meet with teachers and obtain schedules and other important information.
The changes are made possible by voters who supported the district’s 2021 $12 million bond request, and the improvements affect everything from the learning environment to safety and security. Some of the specific upgrades that directly impact student learning include:
- One-to-one device ratio - Last fall, the district took the final steps to provide Chromebooks to every student. Now, with upgrades to classroom presentation technology and heightened district-wide wireless connectivity, Beaverton Schools is well-positioned moving forward on the technology front.
- Classroom comfort – Every classroom in the district has an entirely new look and feel, whether through the replacement of dilapidated desks and chairs or the installation of high-efficiency LED lighting in both buildings, which allows teachers far more control over conditions and comfort for students. Old, damaged or unsafe flooring was replaced in many sectors. Media centers in both buildings also received a significant makeover.
- Climate control – The long overdue replacement of boiler systems in both buildings will provide far more efficiency in terms of heating and costs, as well as better regulation throughout all rooms. Improved air quality and remote access and control are additional benefits.
- Athletic complex – For the first time in several years, Beaverton will once again have the ability to host competitive meets thanks to the complete renovation of the track. Bleachers on both sides of the football field are being replaced, as are the press box, stadium lights and scoreboard. New drainage and sprinklers have been installed. Additionally, the weight room in the junior/senior high school has been completely redone.
- Heightened safety and security – New high-definition cameras are replacing old technology throughout the campus and on buses. The entrance of the elementary school has been modified to make it more secure and classroom doors will be equipped with individual barricades to be used in emergencies.
“Those changes represent a huge leap forward for our students, but there’s so much more to be excited about as school starts,” Passalacqua said. “We’ve made renovations to accommodate our new preschool program and our enhanced wellness centers. We’ve hired some excellent new staff members. And when people see what’s been going on in the schools, they’re going to know that we’re operating at a whole new level now.”
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