Snohomish remodel wrapping up SNOHOMISH - In Beth Porter’s five years as principal of Snohomish High School, she has probably seen more changes to her school than most principals see in their career.
Porter not only works as principal of Snohomish, but she also oversaw the more than 100-year-old school’s complete reconstruction and remodel, which was officially finished this school year and rededicated in a ceremony last week.
Parents, students and faculty old and new celebrated the seven brand-new and remodeled buildings in a community rededication ceremony Monday, Oct. 1.
District spokeswoman Kristin Foley said about 500 people were in attendance on the campus at 1316 Fifth St.
The school jazz band played and the jazz choir sang, and special guests such as Superintendent Bill Mester spoke during a presentation in the newly remodeled gym. Associated Student Body president Lindsey Shackelford also spoke.
The high school’s nearly 2,000 students stayed on campus during the five-year remodel and dealt well with the challenges that it presented, Porter said.
Students had to walk through a tunnel from the buses to the front entrance for some time, Porter said.
“That’s a lot to have to deal with, but they were great about it,” Porter said.
Porter said working with the contracted Lydig Construction team was a pleasure.
“They knew that the primary focus was on education and making sure that the kids were safe,” Porter said.
Staff made sure that some of the over 100-year-old school’s history remained intact.
The school is continuing to sell pieces of the old gym floor from 1938, and it used the wooden flooring as decorative wainscoting.
The bleachers, which were also made of wood, are now used to frame school records and made into casings for school awards.
“It’s nice to stay connected with the history,” Porter said.
The $86.7 million remodel of Snohomish High School was financed through two capital bonds. Projects included a new library, theater, and new classroom buildings.
