Amity School District
Dedicated To Excellence In Education
Bond program
The Amity School District Capital Bond project is aimed at renovating and upgrading the facilities of Amity High School and Amity Middle School, as well as implementing new security measures at Amity Elementary School. The project will help in creating a shared-use facility for both the high school and the middle school, and will also provide much-needed additional space and modern amenities for students and staff.
Amity High School Renovation: This phase of the project will involve a renovation of the existing high school. The renovation will include the addition of new spaces such as a library, a competition gymnasium, locker rooms, a team room, art classrooms, science classrooms. This will significantly enhance the learning environment and provide students with the latest in technological and instructional resources.
Amity Middle School Replacement: In this phase, the middle school will be joined with the high school campus to create a shared use facility. This will enable the district to better serve students in grades 6-12 and will also provide additional capacity for students. The project will include the addition of eight new classrooms, science lab and the existing high school gymnasium.
The Elementary School will receive new security updates, including door access controls and a secured vestibule at the front entry. This will ensure a safe and secure environment for students, teachers, and staff. Additionally, a two-classroom modular will be installed at the Elementary School to allow for additional capacity.
The Amity School District Capital Bond project is a crucial investment in the future of Amity’s students and the community. It will provide state-of-the-art facilities, modern amenities, and a safe and secure learning environment for generations to come.
Live Stream updates
Click the link below to see live stream updates and photos of the construction progress!
Amity MS/HS - Renderings
Click on the images below to view panoramas of renderings.
Renderings by
Video Updates
Amity High School -
Capital Bond Program 2022
Amity Middle School + Elementary School -
Capital Bond Program 2022
Groundbreaking
September 29th, 2023, marked a new beginning for Amity School District 4J with the groundbreaking of the upcoming middle and high school project. This event, celebrated with community members and project teams, symbolized the start of an exciting journey towards enhancing our educational landscape. The scope of work for the Amity bond project includes renovating Amity High School, adding new spaces like a library and a competition gymnasium, and amalgamating Amity Middle School with the high school campus to form a shared-use facility. This merge will also introduce eight new classrooms, a science lab, and additional capacity for students Thank you to all who participated. The future looks bright!
Bond Update
As we advance in refining the design process for our bond project, our architects have been providing budget estimates for each iteration of the plan. Recently, we found ourselves around five million dollars above our construction budget. While this may sound concerning, both our architects (IBI) and project management firm (HMK) assured us that this is quite common and even on the lower end of what they typically see at this stage.
To meet our highest priority bond objectives, we must continue to modify, refine, and make reductions where necessary. With every project, the wish list tends to be longer than the available funding. One quick decision for change was to remove the relocation of the 5th grade to the MS/HS campus. This proposal was initially made to accommodate growth at the elementary school, which currently utilizes all available classrooms.
Amity is a town projected to experience growth in the coming decade, with the anticipated housing likely to bring in a significant number of school-aged children. While this is a positive challenge for our school, it can be addressed in various ways. By keeping 5th graders at the elementary school, we can save approximately $600,000 on the construction project, bringing us closer to our maximum affordable construction cost.
It’s also important to mention that the 5th-grade relocation was likely the least popular aspect of the bond proposal. The board decided to make this change during their last meeting, after considering input from IBI, HMK, and school administrators.
Our ultimate goal throughout this bond process is to create an exceptional learning environment for our students for many years to come. We aim to be responsible stewards of the funds and facilities entrusted to us as a district. This change does not compromise that objective and helps us maintain our financial principles. We’re grateful for the incredible community support we’ve received so far in this process.
Projects
Info and updates
Amity Elementary School
- New Security Updates Including (but not limited to):
- Door Access Controls
- Secured Vestibule at the Front Entry
- Install a two-classroom modular to allow for additional capacity
Current Activities
We’ve completed the core of the renovation of the Elementary School, and now we’re finalizing key items like security cameras and intercom systems.
We’re also reviewing final change requests and handling billing to close out the project.
Amity Middle School Replacement
- Grades 6-8 join the High School campus to create a shared use facility
- Add student capacity through:
- Eight new classrooms
- Renovated science
- Renovated gymnasium
- Renovated existing classroom spaces
Coming soon!
General Program Update
The Amity School District Bond Program continues with its construction activities, focusing on enhancing school facilities to better serve our students and staff. The High School Gym is undergoing foundational development, with progress made on several fronts including infrastructure and utility setup.
Current Activities
• Highschool Gym: The gym’s construction is advancing with critical infrastructure work. After completing the footings, our team has installed essential utilities and is preparing for the next steps, which include waterproofing and laying the concrete slab.
• Summer Renovation Project: Preparations are in full swing for the summer renovation of the 1965 wing. This renovation is pivotal, aiming to modernize the facilities to meet contemporary educational standards. Detailed planning is being undertaken to ensure minimal disruption and efficient progress during this phase.
Additional Funding and Enhancements
The program has been bolstered by an injection of $350,000 in additional funding, received from the Energy Trust of Oregon and SB 1149. This funding is earmarked for significant HVAC upgrades in both the High School and Elementary School, targeting the 1965 and 2002 wings specifically. These upgrades are critical for creating a comfortable and conducive learning environment, further enhancing our schools’ sustainability and energy efficiency.
Scheduled Activities
• Integration of critical components, especially the elevator, is a priority, ensuring accessibility and project continuity.
• Ongoing weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings enhance communication and project alignment.
Activities Scheduled for Next Period
As we move forward, our team remains focused on executing the current construction
phases while also gearing up for the intensive summer renovation project. The strategies
in place for managing long-lead items and scheduling ensure that we are well-prepared
for the tasks ahead. Our regular coordination meetings continue to be a cornerstone of
our project management approach, ensuring clear communication and alignment among
all stakeholders.
Highlights, Challenges, Solutions
CHALLENGES:
Site Constraints: The project site is relatively small, limiting the maneuverability for heavy machinery and storage for materials. This spatial constraint necessitates meticulous planning and precision in every phase of construction to maximize the limited space without compromising the safety or efficiency of our operations.
Water Retention System Complexities: The city’s requirements for an underground water retention system have introduced an additional layer of complexity to our construction plans. This system is essential for controlling the runoff during adverse weather, ensuring that excess water does not overwhelm the city’s drainage capacity or negatively impact the surrounding environment.
Challenges Faced: The installation process for this underground system must account for the natural water flow and storage capacity needed to handle runoff during storms. Our team is faced with the task of excavating, waterproofing, and backfilling with precision, all while working around the inherent limitations of the site. The image attached with the report highlights the preparatory work, showing the significant groundwork already laid down, with gravel in place and waterproofing measures being applied.
SOLUTIONS:
Conclusion: The Amity School District Bond Program is making steady progress, driven by careful planning, community collaboration, and strategic financial management. With additional funds secured for key upgrades, our focus is not just on expanding and modernizing our facilities but also on enhancing their efficiency and sustainability. The months ahead are crucial as we continue to build on our current momentum, aiming to deliver on our promise of improved educational environments for our community.
Amity High School Renovation
- Add Middle School to the campus to create a shared use facility
- Renovate existing HS
- Add square footage with new spaces including:
- Library
- Competition Gymnasium
- Locker Rooms
- Team Room
- Art Classroom
- Science Classroom
- General Education Classrooms
Coming soon!
Current Activities
At the High School, with permits now secured, excavation and the digging of foundation footings have begun. This marks a significant step in the construction process. Additionally, a comprehensive submittal review and acceptance process is underway, ensuring that all aspects of the project meet the required standards and specifications. This phase is crucial for the smooth progression of the project.
Activities Scheduled for Next Period
Construction for the high school / middle school
• Begin Foundation excavation and water detention installation.
• Develop an FFE (Furniture Fixtures and Equipment) Matrix and scope.
• Hire additional Consultants needed for the construction Phase.
• Begin Construction.
Highlights, Challenges, Solutions
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Design Completion: The successful completion of the design phase for the High School/Middle School project has paved the way for the transition into the construction phase.
• Bidding Response: The strong response of over 200 bids for subcontracting reflects a healthy competitive environment and interest in the project.
• Budget Management: Being under budget by approximately $1.8 million showcases effective financial planning and provides a cushion for the upcoming phases.
• Elementary School Project Nearing Completion: With the renovation complete and final items being addressed, the project is on the verge of a seamless closeout.
CHALLENGES:
• Transition to Construction: As we transition into the construction phase, challenges such as unforeseen site conditions, coordination among various stakeholders, and adherence to the stringent safety and quality standards are anticipated.
• Permit Acquisition: Securing the necessary permits in a timely manner could pose a challenge, given the potential for bureaucratic delays.
• Final Change Requests and Billing: The review and approval of final change requests, along with the processing of billing to close out the Elementary School project, requires meticulous attention to ensure accuracy and compliance.
SOLUTIONS:
• Robust Planning: Implementing a robust planning and coordination mechanism to manage the transition to construction efficiently, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and informed.
• Proactive Engagement: Engaging proactively with permitting authorities to expedite the process and address any concerns promptly.
• Detailed Review and Audit: Conducting a detailed review and audit of change requests and billing documents to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing. Establishing clear communication channels for prompt resolution of any discrepancies or issues.
community details
- Amanda Grove
- Current Chair
- Tim Haarsma
- Current Vice Chair
- Ryan Jones
- Jennifer Leppin
- Ray Bottenberg
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – March 9, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – May 10, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – May 17, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – August 21, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – September 21, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – October 12, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – November 10, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – December 14, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – March 9, 2023
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – May 10, 2023
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – August 9, 2023
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – September 20, 2023
- Mary Matocha
- Principal
- Jeff Clark
- Superintendent
- Jeanna Bottenberg
- Ryan McKinney
- Melinda Wallace
- Mike Ludwig
- Karl McShane
- Becky Prevett
- David McKay
- Program Director
- Paul Chamberlin
- Project Manager
- Rebecca Stuecker
- Principal, IBI Group
- Levi Patterson
- Associate Principal, IBI Group
- Andrew Werth
- Architect, IBI Group
- Chris Daniel
- Principal
- Jeff Clark
- Superintendent
- Tashi Haarsma (AD)
- Amanda Grove
- Jed McMullen
- Lauren Sawyer
- Craig Wilson
- David McKay
- Program Director
- Paul Chamberlin
- Project Manager
- Rebecca Stuecker
- Principal, IBI Group
- Levi Patterson
- Associate Principal, IBI Group
- Andrew Werth
- Architect, IBI Group
Newsletters
Stay up to date on the latest program updates!
March Newsletter – 2023
April Newsletter – 2023
May Newsletter – 2023
June Newsletter – 2023
July Quarterly Summary Newsletter – 2023
August Newsletter – 2023
September Newsletter – 2023
November Newsletter – 2023
January Quarterly Summary Newsletter – 2024
February Newsletter – 2024
March Newsletter – 2024
April Newsletter – 2024