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Show Volume XV Issue V The Ogden Valley news Page 19 February 15, 2008 ELEMENTARY cont. from page 1 one-half of the ten acres now provided for other elementary schools being built today. Board member Buck Froerer said, “Students coming and going in a construction site was a concern. Due to the smaller 5-acre piece of land where the school now sits, we soon realized that it would necessitate a new two-story section with additional costs for elevators, etc. When we began adding up these inconveniences and extra costs, the question was raised on the feasibility of building a completely new school on a site in Eden already owned by the school district.” Froerer stated that building a new school would avoid all the disruption and distraction to students that would occur during a remodeling project. One regret was expressed, though—the new school will not be located next to the Ogden Valley branch library. The site chosen for the new school is located in Eden on the southwest corner of Highway 166 and Stringtown Road. This piece of land has been owned by the school district for over a year. It was purchased for the purpose and goal of providing a second elementary when the demographics of the Valley should warrant it. But Froerer pointed out that because of the decline in the student population in the Valley over the last five years, it’s probable that a second school will not be needed in the foreseeable future. Although the Valley is now experiencing a period of growth, it is estimated that this trend will continue to reflect increases primarily in the vacation and second home market, which explains declining student populations. Also, of the 630 students who currently attend Valley, there are only 53 who live in Huntsville Town, and only 67 who live within walking distance. This translates into only about 10% of the student body living within walking distance of the school; a large majority has to be bused in since most students reside in the central and north side of the Valley. A school that is centrally located will better serve current and projected student populations. Superintendent Dr. Michael Jacobsen estimates that 7,800 bus miles per year will be saved by having the elementary school located in Eden rather than in Huntsville. This will result in considerable savings for the Weber School District. The cost of the new school will be between 13.5 and 14 million dollars. The school board feels that the increase in cost will result in a much better product with little or no disruption to the edu- Mr. Lee explained, “I think that the greatest thing about this decision is that the students are not going to feel a big upheaval during the next couple of years. The physical hurdles we would have had to jump through by remodeling the school would have been enormous. The students are not going to hear the drilling and other various noises that happen during construction. Ogden Valley’s new elementary will be built at the corner of Highway 166 and Stringtown Road. Photo by Karen Bastow. cation of Valley Elementary students. The design of the new school has already been used in other locations and is state of the art in design and efficiency. A now standard safety feature will be the parent drop-off or pick-up center located away from the bus area. Valley’s lack of this feature has long been a concern. Plans for the new school are currently on display at Valley Elementary. Anyone interested in viewing the plans is welcome to come by the school. Construction on the new school will begin as soon as the ground is cleared of snow this spring. It is hoped that the school will be ready for occupancy by the beginning of the fall 2009 - 2010 school year. And, we can be in the Huntsville school as long as necessary—as long as it takes to complete the new school. While we would like to be in by August of 2009, we will wait as long as necessary to make sure the kids can have a smooth transition. We will not move into the new school until every doorknob is polished.” The new school will be environmentally friendly—or green—partially heated and air-conditioned by thermal tubes in the earth below the school. Tests have already been completed, the drilling of 300 feet into the ground, which determined that the earth in this area is conducive to this type of system. The new elementary will be a four- section school where each grade will have an area containing four classrooms. In addition, the school will have an oversized gym. It is a time for looking back yet also looking forward. For over 100 years Huntsville has been home to Valley Elementary. Principal Lee, himself a resident of Huntsville, said, “It is sad and it is a part of history, but I know that now the decision has been made, we will have 100% support from the entire valley, ensuring that we make this the best school for providing the best education our students can have. The board has made the best decision for the students.” It still has not been determined what will be done with the old school after it has been vacated. This will, partially, be under the control of Huntsville Town and its zoning parameters. Froerer suggested that the property could be retained by the school board in case a second school should someday be needed. However, he felt that a more likely scenario will be the sale of the property by the school district, hopefully to a private investor who will find something to do with the site that will be useful to and compatible with the town of Huntsville. The school district doesn’t pay property taxes but under private ownership, revenue will be generated that will benefit the town. Lee stated that there are many artifacts in the basement of Valley Elementary dating up to 100 years ago, which will somehow be used to remember the past. And former Valley students are already talking about wanting to have their pictures taken in front of the old school as a keepsake. Carolyn Hogge, a former Valley student and current sixth-grade teacher, said, “I have fond memories of attending school at Valley Elementary, but these memories are about the people rather than the building. I look forward to having a new school and feel it will be a good opportunity for the teachers to enjoy a new building. They will help make the new Valley Elementary as wonderful as the old.” There will be ample opportunity for generations past to reminisce and recall the memories that echo throughout the halls of this wonderful old school, while looking forward to the future memories that will be created by generations to come. Subscriptions available for out of area residents at $18.00 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: The Ogden Valley news P O BOX 130, EDEN UT 84310 This prestigious home is ideally located in the recreation mecca of Ogden Valley! Outstanding value for 4477 sq. ft. 4 BR, 2.5 BA, unbeatable valley and mountain views. Property is on 0.42 acres with small stream, professional landscaping. Bring your best offer today! $575,000 4973 E. Fairways Drive, Eden. MLS # 749107 All Offers COnsidered! 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