The Philomath School Board has called a special meeting for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the school district office to award a contract for the construction of a covered play structure at Clemens Primary School.
The school district received six bids that range in price from $475,361 to $890,000.
Clemens Primary School’s principal, Abby Couture, has been hoping to add a covered playground structure to its campus for years and School Board members have voiced support for the idea.
School officials said outdoor recess space provides students with the opportunity to release energy, learn to play together and reduce stress, which in turn allows them to focus in the classroom and reduce disruptive behaviors.
The school for kindergarteners and first graders received the free use of a 20-by-40-foot canopy from Philomath Frolic and Rodeo to provide a covered area to start this school year.
“Recess can be one of the most impactful parts of the day for young students to learn problem-solving skills, leadership skills, conflict resolution and teamwork,” reads a bid summary on the project.
Funds for the project will be covered through a combination of general funds, federal grant monies and a $50,000 donation from the Clemens Family Foundation.