Dear USD 105 Community,

We welcomed our staff and students back this week as we began a new school year. Staff returned on Friday, August 14, and our first day of school was Wednesday, August 19. It is exciting to begin a new school year and come together again as a herd!

Last week, Senator Jerry Moran visited our construction site. We were pleased to give him a tour and discuss our community and school district.  In the days following the fire in June 2023, Senator Moran called me personally. His support and encouragement were very meaningful to me at that time, and it is reassuring to know that he continues to support and advocate for our community.

As we begin the school year, I want to recognize and thank our staff members who worked throughout the summer to prepare for students to return. Although our buildings were closed, there was a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes to ensure we were ready for the new school year.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to make the start of the school year possible.

Construction Progress

As the school year begins, we are also seeing exciting progress on our construction project.

North Side of the Project

Junior-Senior High School

• The underground rough-in is complete.

• The concrete slab is complete, except for the section reserved for the crane blockout.

• Structural steel installation has begun on the east side of the Junior-Senior High School, including the Music Room, Stage, and Cafetorium.

• Once the steelwork is complete, slab-on-metal-deck work will begin.

New Gym

• Interior work has begun, including interior framing and mechanical rough-in.

• Sheetrock top-out is expected to begin this week.

• The east-side low roof is complete.

• Exterior framing is nearly complete, with air-barrier work ongoing.

South Side of the Project

Elementary School

• Metal panel and window installation is ongoing.

• First-floor drywall installation and finishing work are ongoing.

• Mechanical overhead rough-in is ongoing. Second-floor drywall installation will begin once the rough-in is complete.

Existing Gym and Classroom Renovations

• Although work in the gym is not yet complete, the district is now able to use the space for practices.

• First and second-floor overhead mechanical rough-in is nearly complete.

Agriculture Shop / New Art Room

• The fire marshal completed the final walk-through of the new art room last week.

• With fire marshal approval, the district is able to move into the classroom and use it for the new school year.

• Crews are completing the remaining punch-list items.

Thank You

Thank you for your continued support of USD 105 and for your patience as we work through this construction process. We are grateful for the support and encouragement our community has shown throughout this journey.

As we begin the new school year, please be mindful of construction activity on campus. With school back in session and construction continuing, space is limited and conditions can be tight. The safety of our students, staff, families, construction crews, and visitors remains our highest priority.

Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Eric Stoddard

Superintendent

USD 105: Rawlins County

Go Buffaloes!