Redmond charter to break ground on new school

Redmond Proficiency Academy will hold a groundbreaking ceremony this afternoon for its new middle school, the first facility the charter school will build and own.

The 24,045-square-foot school is scheduled to open in time for the start of the 2016-17 school year at the corner of W. Antler Avenue and 25th Street in Redmond, just down the block from the school’s current building.

Construction will begin as soon as possible.

“It is a fast process. It’s about an eight and a half month build process,” said Jon Bullock, executive director of RPA. “We’ve got all the plans done, all the permitting done, and they’re ready to build.”

Bullock described the design as modern industrial, with open ceilings and concrete floors.

The charter school, which opened in 2009, now serves about 840 students in grades six through 12. Middle schoolers are housed in the former Hugh Hartman Middle School building RPA leases from the Redmond School District, while RPA’s high school is in downtown Redmond.

Its lease on the Hartman building is up at the end of this school year. Beginning next year, the school district plans to house all Redmond kindergarten classes at Hartman to help with crowding issues at the elementary schools.

Last month, RPA got final approval to sell bonds to build the school from the Oregon Facilities Authority, the state agency that helps nonprofits finance capital projects. Unlike bonds issued by school districts, RPA’s bonds will have no impact on local taxes.

Bullock said the cost of the project is $6.685 million. The school purchased the 2-acre site from The Bridge Church for $172,000. RPA will also install a parking lot and playing field on the property.

BBT Architects of Bend is designing the school and Griffin Construction of Prineville is the general contractor.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. today at 150 SW 25th St. in Redmond. The public is invited to attend. Depending on the weather, the event could be moved to the gymnasium of the current school, 2105 W. Antler Ave. If school is canceled, the groundbreaking will be rescheduled.

— Reporter: 541-617-7837,

aspegman@bendbulletin.com