New pavilion is student idea brought to reality

It may have taken a few years to set aside the money, but on Oct.12 Evergreen School District cut the ribbon on a new pavilion located by Evergreen Junior High School.

The pavilion, which features the district’s wolverine mascot on a cupola, was the realization of an idea generated by eighth-graders who wanted a place to eat lunch and learn outside.

The idea was brought to the attention of school board trustees during a student-led work session in 2016 and again in 2017 and 2018. Trustee Jim Waggener, who is also a contractor, and district Maintenance Director Steve Windbigler, took the lead in researching what it would take to make the idea a reality from funding to design.

Student-led board work sessions was an idea Superintendent Laurie Barron brought to Evergreen schools when she joined the district in 2013. She based the concept on a similar one being done in a colleague’s district. As a superintendent, Barron said she was seeking more opportunities to connect with students in meaningful ways and bringing student voices to the table was a great start.

Each spring, fourth-graders and eighth-graders present ideas on how to improve the district to trustees in separate work sessions. Although no action is taken during a work session, it gives trustees a first-person look at what students view as important in education and in their schools. From soccer nets to schedule changes, Barron noted different improvements that are a direct result of student ideas. She said the district’s cross-country program was another big undertaking. At the time the idea was presented, there wasn’t a spring sport. Currently, the district is working on students’ suggestions to replace aging bicycle racks.

If a project or idea is not immediately feasible, Barron said the district doesn’t leave students hanging, but explains if it can be taken under consideration for the future, or what steps may be taken to bring it to fruition. Waggener said it’s an opportunity for students to learn about the school-board process.

“We’re [here] for the students,” Waggener said.

The effort students put into the presentations begins in their English and language-arts classes, where they work on listening and speaking skills and writing persuasive essays, according to Barron.

Waggener said it has been wonderful to see fifth- and eighth-graders present to the school board, which can make even some adults nervous.

“It’s incredible to see and hear the students,” he said.

The pavilion project was funded through the district building reserve fund.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.