By Sara Wiercinski
On September 26, the Grandview C-4 School District hosted a ribbon cutting celebration to showcase its newest renovation project at the Center for Alternative Instructional Resources (CAIR).
A renovated gymnasium–painted in bright blue and gold– and entryway made up the $1,048,022 project, which was funded by the $45 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue passed in April 2021.
Maggie Arthur, who teaches Crossroads at CAIR and assistant to the principal, thanked the district for its care and attention. “The students feel how much you care when they walk through,” she said.
CAIR is located at 1001 Main Street in Grandview, and serves as a hub for alternative programs serving district students and families. The Transitions program offers an alternative classroom setting with lower student-to-teacher ratio and specialized support to help Kindergarteners through 12th graders succeed.
The school is also home to the Crossroads program, an in-school suspension alternative for students who have faced disciplinary problems, as well as FOCUS, the district’s gifted program which serves 1st through 12th graders. These students are pulled out of their respective classrooms to experience enriched curriculum with opportunities for in-depth problem solving and creative applications.
Full time school enrollment is 28 students, though more than 160 students use the school for the combined programs.
The CAIR building was constructed sometime in the early 1940s–the records are not clear. According to a structural engineer for the project, no one remembered the original wooden rafters which were uncovered when the gym’s old ceiling tiles were removed. This discovery inspired redesigned plans and restoration of the woodwork for a beautiful effect.
Upgrades to the main entryway improve security and make the school more welcoming.
Dr. Kenny Rodrequez, Superintendent of Grandview C-4 Schools, said “There’s just something about being here. The students feel more valued. They see the commitment from the district.”
Student Ja’Corey Moon voiced his fellow students’ appreciation. With a wisdom beyond his years, the high school senior added “The entire community will benefit, including neighborhood youth basketball teams.”
Helen Ransom, Vice President of the Board of Education, thanked the community for its trust and concluded with “It’s definitely a good time to be a bulldog.”
Learn more about the Grandview C-4 School District and CAIR at http://www.grandviewc4.net.
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