Consider future of Grand Coulee Dam Middle School

With the 2014 school year quickly approaching, and the transition for students to begin school at the new facility in Coulee Dam, has anyone put much thought into the future of the current schools that will be vacant once all the students have left, specifically Grand Coulee Dam Middle School?

It seems this question has not been addressed or even seriously discussed. Is it fair to say that the city of Grand Coulee has not realized the opportunity they have for administrative expansion or at the very least, ensuring the local landmarks do not become another vacant building wasting away?

Currently, the Grand Coulee Dam Middle School serves multiple purposes, including providing education to the future of Grand Coulee. Recreational sports are played almost every night of the week during the spring and summer months. Locals take advantage of the track as a safe place to stay in shape and visit with friends. Children use the basketball hoops to play with friends and stay out of trouble. The lush grass is also a place to exercise the dog without worrying about traffic.

The school district has spent a lot of our tax money to maintain the school and recreational area. It would be a disappointment if the school building and play area were to be abandoned when so much more can be done to utilize the local landmark.

I ask the question, would the school and local tax money be better served by having Grand Coulee City Hall located in the building? Moving City Hall administration to the vacant school would allow for city officials to provide a professional appearance to visiting officials and vacationers/potential Grand Coulee residences. The police department would have the space needed to protect and serve, not to mention a secure area to store evidence and police vehicles.

As a Grand Coulee resident, my hope is to start a discussion: “How can we take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen our community and preserve the local landmark which many of us enjoy and cherish?”

M. Hall