August 10, 2023 9:10 a.m.

Officials with the South Umpqua School District have announced that Coffenberry Middle School has added a new building to its campus.

The structure includes a kitchen, cafeteria and band room.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer said the community is invited to a grand opening on Friday August 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The school is on Northeast Rice Street in Myrtle Creek.

Hillyer said construction was fully funded through federal grants and cost approximately $4 million. The grants for construction of this project were approved in 2021.

A SUSD release said the expansion addressed student safety. Previously, the middle school students walked across the street to share facilities with Myrtle Creek Elementary School.

Hillyer said, “South Umpqua School District remains committed to providing safe learning environments and opportunities for our students. We’ll continue moving forward to discover ways that best support our school communities”.

The new structure represents the first phase of the project. The future goal includes adding classrooms. Hillyer said the passing of a school bond would allow for this expansion.

HGE Architects designed the building and Ausland Group, a development consulting, engineering and construction company headquartered in southern Oregon, managed the project.