August of 2019 began our initiative to save our 110-year-old school in rural Gem County. It is amazing that this one building has been used for the purpose of educating children for over 100 years- a tradition that needs preserving! Trout Architects’ 2019 analysis determined the school building unsafe for use because of significant dry rot in some walls which will require the entire building to be brought up to current code. Approximately $490,000 in repairs are necessary.
The committed Ola Community generously offered our students a temporary school-home in the Ola Community Hall. The school district needed to pass a bond or levy to have funds to repair the school. The COVID-19 situation has made a bond unthinkable. Rather than wait on an unpredictable bond or have our students bussed 20 miles to a neighboring school, the committee has been fundraising and grant writing to repair our historical school building.
Our committee has been working closely with the Emmett School District, architects and contractors to begin construction in phases. So far we have completed 3 of the 4 initial phases. As of fall 2022 we are seeking bids for windows, siding and exterior paint. That will complete the fourth phase. Additional phases are planned for the library, playgrounds, school grounds and outside enclosure of the “slab”.
Thank you for all your support, love and hands in this effort to keep our rural ranching community tied to our rural ranching school!!!
Much Love,
The Ola PTO & SOS Committee
Great news, donations towards an Idaho school may qualify you for a 2020 Idaho and federal tax credit! For more tax benefit information please consult your accountant. No gift is too small and any amount is appreciated! Donations can be made online at https://www.paypal.me/OlaElementary or by check. Checks should be made out to Ola PTO, MEMO: SOS Fund. You can view our videos at https://youtube.com/channel/UCEpJ6pcijEs8Q39O9sm7zwg or visit our Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/OlaIdahoPTO. You can also donate while you shop through smile.amazon.com and select Ola Parent Teachers Organization as your favorite charity. Another great donate spot is our GOFUNDME Page https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/save-ola-school.
Please sign up for our Friends of Ola School Registry. Here we can keep you up to date on the latest and greatest happenings of the Save Ola School Initiative.
Ola Parent Teacher Organization, Inc. 