July 27, 2022 10:35 a.m. 

A construction project has begun at Coffenberry Middle School in Myrtle Creek.

Superintendent Kate McLaughlin of the South Umpqua School District said the school will receive a new edition that includes a kitchen, cafeteria and band room. McLaughlin said this will address student safety. Currently the middle school students must walk across the street to share facilities with Myrtle Creek Elementary School.

McLaughlin said the district continues to seek ways to support improved safety and learning environments for its students. She said, “This is an exciting time for our school community as we continue moving forward”. The main building at Coffenberry was built in 1947.

A release said construction is fully funded through federal grants and is estimated to cost $4 million dollars. Grants for construction were approved last year. Estimated completion date for the work is planned for February of 2024.

HGE Architects designed the building. Auslund Group is managing the project.