NEED A LIFT? SCHULTZ SCHOOL ELEVATOR IN SERVICE

When seventh-grader Amy Woods arrived at L.J. Schultz Middle School Monday morning walking with the aid of crutches, she earned the honor of being the first student to use the school's new elevator.

The lift began operation Monday after a final check Friday by the architect, who approved use of the elevator.

Amy had surgery on her leg last week and expects she will be on crutches for a week.

Principal Carolyn Vandeven said that if the elevator were not available Amy would likely do class work in the library.

"It's too difficult for students to go up and down four levels to get to classes," Vandeven said. "In the past that's what we have done. Teachers brought assignments to the students.

"While we can bring assignments to the library, so much of what goes on in school is not pen and paper work. Students miss the interaction and discussion that goes on in the classroom."

With the elevator, Amy will not miss any of her classes this week. Vandeven said, "This is wonderful. Her instructional program goes on as regular."

The elevator, which cost $131,550, is situated at the front of Schultz School, where the northern addition joins the original building. Included in the cost of the elevator installation was some renovation to the entrance and the front of the school.

Vandeven said the elevator is the first step to make the building handicap-accessible. During the summer, ramps will be built in several areas of the school, where two or three steps are situated, and the restrooms will be made accessible.

Vandeven said next school year a student in a wheelchair is expected to attend Schultz.

The elevator will be used by students who have physical handicaps, permanent or temporary, that make it difficult for them to negotiate stairs.

Vandeven said many students during the course of the year find themselves with temporary handicaps like broken bones or like Amy's surgery recovery.

"You'd be surprised how many students fall into this category," she said.

Students and staff authorized to use the elevator are issued a key. It will not be used by the general student population. The elevator also will be used by maintenance and custodial personnel.

For example, on Monday the school's copy machine broke and had to be sent away for repairs. "The offices are on the second floor. It was nice to be able to take that machine down the elevator instead of carrying that heavy equipment down the stairs."

The school has five levels: four are used by students; the fifth is used for storage.

The building was built in 1914. An annex was built in 1919. The building first served as the city's high school. In 1953 it was remodeled and became the junior high. In 1965 it was dedicated as the seventh-grade attendance center.