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Cotterell Elementary near move-in as Guthrie board previews ribbon-cutting and accessibility work
Summary
Board members heard a construction update on the new Cotterell Elementary building, were told the site will meet life-safety accessibility requirements before the move, and were invited to a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and public walkthrough before the official move-in.
The Guthrie Public Schools Board of Education on March 10 received a construction update on Cotterell Elementary and staff previewed a ceremonial ribbon-cutting planned before the official move-in.
Facilities staff reported that classrooms, doorways and interior finish work are nearly complete and that ramps poured this week will provide direct egress to a fire-safety exit at the end of the hall. Staff said drywall, painting and ceiling grid are finished in major areas and that the project team expects most work to be completed before the board’s next meeting.
Why it matters: The update confirms that the new Cotterell Elementary will meet life-safety accessibility requirements in time for staff and public walkthroughs, and the district scheduled a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that will allow community members to tour both the old and new buildings.
Details from the update
- Ribbon-cutting and walkthrough: Staff announced a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on the Thursday before the move-in (staff later clarified the date as April 10). The old building will be open for a last public walkthrough beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by public tours of the new building; staff said tours of the new building will not begin until after the ceremony concludes.
- Accessibility and life-safety work: Staff reported ramps poured to provide accessible egress to new classroom doors at the end of the hall, and said they had worked through multiple contingency plans to meet fire-code egress depending on construction sequencing.
- Move logistics: Staff said teachers will be assisted with moving into the new school on the Friday before the official move; contractors were observed working on brick and exterior work on weekends as needed to meet schedule.
Board and community notes
Superintendent Michael Simpson described the project as “very successful” and thanked construction crews and staff for the effort. Facilities staff and the superintendent encouraged board members and the public to attend the April 10 ribbon-cutting and to see the new building in person.
The board’s construction update did not include revised project cost totals or a final occupancy certificate in the public discussion; staff said more work remains but that the building would be life-safety accessible before the district occupies it.
