Archie R-V School District builds storm shelter/new gym

By MICHELE BURRIS

The Archie R-V School District is now the site in which citizens can go during tornadoes and severe weather.  With funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a new gymnasium has been constructed under a monolithic dome that is designed to withstand an F5 tornado.  The new gym will accommodate a large number of individuals who are seeking shelter. 

In the Fall of 2009, the Archie Board of Education developed a Strategic Planning Committee comprised of a variety of stakeholders (educators, parents, board members, etc.) to evaluate the quality of program service delivery in the existing facilities. They determined several areas of deficiency. With a great deal of teamwork, a number of funding resources were secured to pay for the much needed renovations. 

The projected date for completion of the gym/storm shelter is by time of the Archie Basketball Tournament on January 23 - 28, 2012.  Dr. Smith said, “This is one of the most seamless projects I’ve been a part of.  It couldn’t have gone any better.  The Board of Education worked together to make this happen.”

Right: A dome designed to withstand an F5 tornado will serve as a gymnasium for Archie R-V and a storm shelter for the entire community.

Middle: Archie’s new gym will be the site of the Archie Basketball Tournament from January 23-28, 2012.

Far right: A new commons area is in the final stages of construction.