Building the Future: Gervais Bond Projects Move Into High Gear
Construction Kicks Off This Summer
Construction crews are mobilizing in June to begin the first phase of summer work. Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company (KNCC) has developed a comprehensive site logistics plan with a clear focus on safety, efficiency, and minimizing disruption to day-to-day operations. Construction staging will take place in the middle school parking lot, which will be secured with fencing and clearly marked. This area will serve as the central hub for construction activity and will remain consistent throughout the duration of the project to maintain a streamlined workflow.
While this setup will impact staff and visitor parking at both the middle school and high school campuses, parking will still be available in designated areas nearby. The District is working closely with KNCC to ensure that access points remain safe, clearly marked, and functional for students, families, and staff. Updated parking maps and traffic flow patterns will be provided before the start of the 2025–26 school year, offering clear guidance on where to park and how to safely navigate the campus during construction.
The Gervais School District is making big strides thanks to the community’s investment in the 2024 Bond Measure and OSCIM grant. As summer 2025 approaches, campus transformation is ramping up. This work is grounded in thoughtful planning, community input, and a commitment to safety, quality, and student success. Here’s a look at what’s already been accomplished, and what’s coming next.
High School Logistics Plan - Summer 2025
Bond Advisory Committee Reviews Progress
In early May, the Bond Advisory Committee held a public meeting to review design and preconstruction progress. Project teams from Arcadis Architecture and KNCC provided updates on timelines, construction methods, and student-centered design features. The meeting, facilitated by committee chair Denise Teixeira, showcased the District’s transparent, collaborative approach to managing community investments. With design documents nearing completion and construction activity increasing, Gervais is entering an exciting new phase of transformation.
Behind-the-Scenes Site Work Completed
Foundational work continues to ensure high-quality, long-lasting construction. Site surveying and geotechnical investigations have wrapped up, giving the construction team the data they need to finalize plans. Soft soil conditions were identified and addressed with specialized foundation designs, allowing the District to remain on budget while ensuring future durability. These essential early steps help reduce costly surprises during construction and set the stage for lasting improvements.
Signage Upgrades Bring a Fresh Look
New district signage is on the way! Working with ES&A Sign & Awning Co., the District has completed initial designs and is in the process of ordering high-quality LED reader boards from Watchfire. As part of the installation process, outdated signage at both Gervais elementary and high schools will be removed to make way for the new, upgraded reader boards—giving both campuses a fresh, cohesive look. These modern signs will increase visibility, improve communication, and reflect the District’s forward-focused identity.
The first three signs will be placed at:
Gervais Elementary School
Gervais High School
A prominent location along Highway 99E (visible in both directions)
From left to right, elementary School, roadside, highschool.
Seismic Grant: A Setback with a Plan
While the District was not selected for a state seismic grant to upgrade the high school cafeteria this cycle, the need for structural safety remains a top priority. The District plans to reapply during the next funding round and continue advocating for support that protects students and staff.
Weight Room Renovation: Innovation Through Flexibility
In a smart pivot that blends savings with impact, the district has redesigned the high school weight room plan. Instead of building new space on the gym mezzanine, the team is repurposing an existing campus building. By relocating maintenance operations to a new facility, the District created room for a fully renovated, accessible weight training area—complete with dedicated restrooms. This creative solution supports student-athletes, improves access, and preserves flexibility for future programming.
Arcadis Leads Design Work Across All Schools
Since fall 2024, Arcadis Architecture has led a thoughtful and inclusive design process for Gervais’s Bond-funded renovations. This has included site tours, student visioning sessions, and educator focus groups—all contributing to meaningful spaces tailored to Gervais students. Final construction documents for the middle school will be issued this summer, with elementary and high school designs finalized by winter. These designs reflect both community priorities and best practices in educational architecture.
Check the District website and bond page for updated drawings:
👉 www.gervaisbond.org
Gervais Fields Project Underway
While not funded by the bond, the Gervais Fields Project is an exciting upgrade for students and the community. Contracted to K&E Excavating, the project broke ground in early June and is expected to be completed by August. By placing turf on the football field, the district will save approximately 97,000 gallons of water per week in the late summer and fall due to reduced watering. The soil excavated from the field will be spread across the soccer fields, addressing safety issues caused by rodent activity and settling ground.
These new athletic fields will provide expanded opportunities for physical education, team sports, and community recreation, reinforcing the District’s broader vision for facilities that serve everyone.
High School Roofing Pre-Bid Walk
Roofing Projects Push Forward
The roofing replacement work at Gervais high school and Gervais elementary is moving full speed ahead. While the elementary school project came in on budget, bids for the high school roof came in higher than expected. The team is currently working through value engineering strategies to maintain quality while staying fiscally responsible. Both projects are scheduled to begin mid-June during the low-traffic summer season, ensuring timely progress without disrupting students.
Looking Ahead
The Gervais School District is deeply grateful to voters for supporting the 2024 Bond and excited to deliver meaningful, long-term upgrades for students, staff, and families. With construction kicking off this summer and design efforts nearing completion, the year ahead promises to be full of visible progress and community pride. Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and ways to get involved as we continue building the future together.
Bond Tax Assistance Grant Supports Local Homeowners
The Gervais School District is proud to report a successful first year of the Bond Tax Assistance Grant program, an innovative initiative designed to ease the impact of property tax increases resulting from the 2024 Bond. This $200 grant, believed to be the only program of its kind in the nation, offers direct financial support to eligible community members.
This year, two local homeowners applied and were approved for the grant. The streamlined application process worked smoothly, and the District is excited to offer this opportunity again in the coming year. Be on the lookout for updated application details in December or January, and help us spread the word about this unique support for our community.
👉 Learn more at www.gervais.k12.or.us/page/gervais-bond-assistance-grant
Stay Connected
District Website:
Visit gervais.k12.or.us
Bond Website:
Visit GervaisBond.org