We’re making incredible progress this summer as we transform our school facilities to better serve students, staff, and our community. This week was a full-team effort with ten different contractors, our dedicated Wishram crew, and Apollo on site helping to coordinate and supervise construction to keep everything moving safely and on schedule.
Here’s what’s been happening this week:
The new walk-in refrigerator and freezer have arrived! Concrete pads were poured in preparation, and they are now staged for installation in the kitchen area.
Concrete pads have also been poured for the chiller and propane tanks.
Sprinkler lines have been rerouted, grass moved, and trenches dug to accommodate underground infrastructure.
Cooling system cabinets were delivered and are now being installed in classrooms by Total Energy.
Tanz Mechanical is on site insulating all ductwork to ensure efficient airflow and energy use throughout the building.
Contractors active on site this week include:
Mackin & Little – Installing copper piping for steam heating and chiller systems.
Total Energy – Installing classroom ductwork and HVAC components.
Wrecking Ball – Completing demolition of outdated infrastructure as well as drilling and cutting concrete where needed.
Drywall Interiors – installing drywall where needed.
Gorge Dirt Works – Managing excavation, concrete forms, and site prep.
Gorge Crete – Supporting concrete work for infrastructure and equipment pads.
Schuepbach Builders, and Tanz Mechanical – Supporting framing, insulation, and mechanical systems.
DKB Insulation - Insulating HVAC Ductwork.
Apollo – Coordinating construction logistics and safety oversight.

A huge thank you to our own Wishram team—Jason Cooper, Elijah Cooper, June Cates, and Kaleb Rowan, —for your continued hard work hauling materials, removing old cabinets, cleaning, organizing, and handling the ever-changing demands of a live worksite. Your dedication is key to our progress.

These improvements are fully funded through a $6 million Small District Modernization Grant, written and secured by Superintendent Churchwell. There is no cost to local taxpayers, and we are proud to be one of the few districts in Washington State selected for this level of investment.
We’re incredibly proud of the transformation underway and grateful for the continued patience and support from our students, staff, and families.
The Children ARE the key to OUR Success
Tye Churchwell
Wishram School
Superintendent
509 767 6090 Office
541 993 1850 Cell
509 767 6536 Fax