New Columbia Falls elementary school building opens

Students and staff are happily in the new Glacier Gateway Elementary School, but there’s still plenty of work to do on the project.

Crews hope to have the playground in soon and there’s still some work to be done inside the building, most notably finishing the library bathroom.

Other than some parking issues, staff and parents are very happy with the building, principal Penni Anello told the school board. Classes started on Jan. 4.

The parking will take a few months to iron out, as the old school needs to be torn down, first.

Next week items like cabinets, lockers and other parts of the old school will go up for bid at the Glacier Auction and Estate Sales website.

The online auction will run through Jan. 26, superintendent Dave Wick said.

Once the auction is complete, a wall will go up between the north wing and the multipurpose room. The north wing will then be demolished.

Columbia Falls developer Mick Ruis has purchased the gyms and the old school from the district and will turn it into teacher and senior housing — a covenant that was agreed upon in the sale.

Ruis bought the building for $550,000, but it has asbestos and needs a considerable amount of work — both gym roofs have leaks and water damage.

Once the north wing is torn down, the parking lot and other amenities can go in, completing the project. The school’s entrance faces Fourth Avenue West.

The city would also like to put in a bike path from Fourth Avenue West to Sixth Avenue West on the south end of the property so kids aren’t walking in the street.