Creating a welcoming space

SWAN VALLEY – A five-year dream is finally a reality for Swan Valley School. While the finishing touches are still being completed, the new school portal is operational and ready to welcome parents and visitors to the school.

Swan Valley School Board Chair John Mercer said five years ago the board and staff identified the need for a main entrance. Because of the school's configuration, when someone entered the building, the secretary could see who entered the building with a camera but there was no physical presence.

"That is an important piece for communication as well as up front safety for everyone in the building so we know who is in the building," said Principal Ralph King recognizing the Board's visionary thinking prior to his employment. "In this day and age, safety for students and staff members is a priority."

While there was a reluctance to do anything because many felt it was a non-issue, the concern remained on the board's monthly agenda. Several community members supported the idea of having a safer entrance to the school. Mercer said the late Rick Ferguson would continue to raise the safety concern at the monthly meetings and even donated funding to improve school security. Despite the support, the board struggled to find a solution and funding.

Three years ago the Montana Legislature voted to allow schools to levy maintenance funds that could be used for school security.

"This began to address the problem of not money but still didn't have a good solution," said Mercer.

Last spring, Swan Valley School Secretary Katie Gleason presented the Board with the idea of moving the office to the south end of the building into what was the preschool classroom. Mercer said her idea came about after conversations with her uncle Rollie Matthew who pointed out how the building was configured.

Before the 2019-2020 school year started, the board voted to put the school portal at the top of the priority list for maintenance concerns. While the board was not required to initiate a formal bid process since the amount did not reach the amount required for official project bids, the board informally invited local contractors to take a look at project and submit a proposal. Matthew Brothers were the only one to bid the project at $36,000. King said the project is going to come in under bid.

Mercer said the board appreciated preschool teacher Danni Parcell's willingness to move into the old office space with only a week before school started.

"It took longer to get all the permits than do the construction," said Mercer.

A non-load bearing wall on the south end was removed to open up the space. Fire doors and windows were installed on the south wall that was then refinished on the inside. A gabble was build over the entrance to keep snow off the entry way and house the bulletin board for announcements. A light was added above the door and they are working on re-installing the light on the pole to light the parking lot.

Now when students and visitors come in through the front door, either Gleason or King greets them. The doors on the junior high and elementary wing are locked from the outside once the school day is in session.

"It makes sense from a functional stand point. The space is open and very friendly. It is a place where visitors come in and before they do anything, they are greeted. At the same time it gives us eyes on to anybody coming into the school," said Mercer. "Overall it is a great improvement to the school. It is really good for the kids. It makes it a more pleasant experience."

This spring a decorative fence will be added connecting the main building to the junior high building with a gate. This will eliminate the opportunity to use the old entrance. With the new windows on the south wall, anyone in the main office can see visitors coming before they enter the school.

"It boils down to safety for everyone in the building and for folks who are coming in. We just want to know who is in the building and have someone be a positive, upfront presence in the office. It is a good addition."

Mercer said they are going to clean up and possibly repaint the east wall of the junior high building and add the logo.

"When you drive up into the parking lot you will see the new portal, the entrance and the wall will have the new school logo on it," said Mercer. "I think it will be a really nice impression."