The Sweet Home School District is in the final phase of a building upgrade at Oak Heights Elementary School, funded by a $2.5 million Seismic Retrofit and Improvement Grant from Business Oregon. Most of the work was completed before the school year began earlier this month, with remaining exterior work set to finish this fall.
The upgrades focus on improving the school’s safety during seismic events and have been funded through a combination of state grants and long term maintenance funds from the district. This approach has allowed the district to complete multiple projects at once, reducing costs.
Seismic Improvements:
- Addition of shear walls to resist lateral forces during an earthquake
- Bracing systems installed to minimize structural movement
- Expansion joints added to allow sections of the building to move independently
- Reinforcement of the gym’s bowstring trusses to prevent collapse
- Bracing of masonry to prevent falling debris
- Metal strapping installed to secure the building during seismic or severe weather events
Non-Seismic Upgrades:
- Installation of a new secure front entrance with improved surveillance
- Energy-efficient windows, LED lighting and classroom technology upgrades
- Creation of an additional classroom by repurposing space
- Redesign of the office layout next to the new entrance and security vestibule
- Creation of a new library with natural light
- Upgraded HVAC system and improved climate control
- New roofing installed
- ADA-compliant accessibility improvements at the front entrance
- New glulam beam-supported covered entrance
- Upgraded hallways with new LED lighting and acoustic ceiling tiles
- Exterior siding replacement and landscaping improvements, including a flagpole and entry plaza
- Secure storage for bikes and skateboards
This project marks the fifth seismic grant the district has received from Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. Previous grants funded seismic upgrades at the high school, Foster, Hawthorne and Holley elementary schools. Some improvements were also made to the junior high as part of a 2017 voter-approved bond that received a state matching grant.
Superintendent Terry Martin emphasized the importance of these grants for the district and the broader Sweet Home community.
“We understand that Sweet Home operates with a limited tax base. It’s financially prudent for us to seek grants and tap into district savings to extend the lifespan of our school buildings,” Martin said. “We’re pleased to enhance the learning environment at Oak Heights while ensuring a safer building for our students and staff.”
Martin also noted that local contractors have completed much of the work, ensuring that funds remain in the community and benefit local residents and businesses.
The upgrades at Oak Heights aim to improve safety and the learning environment for students, providing long-term benefits for the school and the community.
