Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Into Former High School Building

Within the span of a week two moves were made in the Gurdon School System.

The moving began with Gurdon High School leaving its home of many years for a new location on Highway 67.

Then, between Jan. 16-18, Gurdon's Middle School took over what was the old GHS.

The high school move was made on Friday, Jan. 12, with the weekend available if needed. Completion of the process was Monday, Jan. 15.

The middle school move took an extra day because teachers didn't have the same opportunity to get their things packed as did the high school personnel.

Jeff Alexander, GMS principal, said a lot of students and parents helped with the move, as did all the teachers.

"It went smooth," he said. "I was really surprised. I had dreaded it, but I was amazed."

Alexander said the students settled into their new surroundings quickly and act like they've been there all year.

There will be a few changes at GMS, Alexander said. The gate to the gymnasium will be locked during the mornings and until 2 p.m. This is because there is no playground at the former GHS, and the parking lot will be so utilized during recesses.

According to Alexander, the GMS faculty and staff learned of the move the Wednesday before the high school moved.

He said they knew they would be moving shortly after the old GHS building was vacated, but until the water and sewer was hooked up, had no idea when that would be.

"There's been a little transition in getting things put up," he said, "but maintenance is working on it." Teachers are getting the maintenance crews to put up their maps and charts, which had to be moved from the old GMS.

Additionally, Alexander said, a new telephone system has been ordered. Currently, GMS is using the old GHS system, including the high school's old phone number. The new phone number for GHS is 353-5123.

As it was with the new GHS, getting the library moved and going again was the hardest part for GMS.

However, Alexander said this has been taken care of and classes are being held in the media center.

Another problem area was moving the heavy equipment and file cabinets. Alexander said most of these were brought up the stairs on the gym side of the school. He said there were a lot of stiff backs the next few days after making this move.

It took some adjusting, but Alexander and the staff was able to get all the students to fit into the cafeteria. He said GMS' old cafeteria was larger and had more room, but they managed to squeeze the students in the new one.

On the plus side, he said, with GHS getting new furniture there were plenty of tables and chairs left behind. This means a surplus for the middle school.