New Prineville elementary school nears finish line

The Crook County School District’s newest elementary — Barnes Butte — is now about two-thirds complete and on track for its fall debut, school officials said Friday.

Starting in September, roughly 660 students will attend the $15 million school, paid for by a $33 million bond measure voters passed in 2013.

The 72,000-square0foot building will feature 25 classrooms divided into learning pods.

The new school, and the planned remodel of Cecil Sly Elementary, will allow the district to close down two other aging Prineville elementary schools for good.

Incoming Barnes Butte Principal Jim Bates is currently principal at Cecil Sly.

He said the projects will allow the community to grow into the future, and give students the opportunity to learn in spaces designed with both technology and safety in mind.

District officials are in the process of redrawing school attendance boundary lines. Bates said parents have been given opportunities for input, and a decision is expected before June.

Bates said the buildings and property of Ochoco Elementary will be sold. Crooked River Elementary also will eventually be shut down. However, the district will keep that property.

To see Barnes Butte’s progress and hear more from district officials, watch KTVZ.COM’s attached video.