Thursday, August 29, 2019

School Spirit and Coal Energy United in Gym Floor Design: It's a one of a kind GEM

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip High School gymnasium floor is definitely "a one of a kind gem," as defined by Steve Lalum, owner of High Performance Floors. The refurbishment of the gym floor was necessary, but how it would look and how it would be financed was unknown. The possibilities started to take shape with a grant from the Montana Coal Board. This last June, the Coal Board approved a grant for over $474,000 to address the floor needs and the handicap seating in the gymnasium. It was at that point that the design work began as Steve Lalum and his crew from High Performance Floors were ready to go to work. 

From the onset, the floor design was intended to unite our community with the contributions of students, parents, community and the industry that fuels this town and Montana. The fact that the coal industry financed and built Colstrip High School and now is paying for this major renovation certainly added to a design that incorporated more than just our school's logo and colors. The Board Facilities Committee, administrators and coaches worked with Steve and his crew to generate a basic design that would unite all of these faucets.

I really think Steve Lalum's description says it best in a series of tweets he made on August 21, 2019:
It incorporates elements from the proud, historic past of Colstrip, with elements of her progressive future. Running horses and horseshoes accent the corners while the new generation, massive horse head, dominates center court.

A strong, proud nod to the significant impact coal and energy play in the local and Montana economy also show in this beautiful floor with the smokey gray base, black borders, and dark gray 3 point arches. #MTCOAL takes it place in bold gold in the black borders and smokey gray floor.

Without a doubt, as much thought and consideration for local significance and importance went into this flirt, as any we have ever done. The entire High Performance crew wouldn't be happier or prouder to work on a floor than we are now with the completion of this job.

The people of Colstrip are looking forward with a positive, realistic outlook, and it has been our pleasure to finish this beautiful floor for them. Coal and energy are vitally important for Colstrip and all of Montana. All of us at High Performance Floors stand united with Colstrip! 
As a superintendent, there is so much satisfaction in seeing a vision become a reality. I certainly believe that #MTCOAL plays a critical role in the lives of the people of Montana. We hope this floor not only incorporates the energy industries contributions, but says thank you to the Montana Coal Board and the severance taxes that have fueled this project.

NEXT: I can't wait until the coal black bleachers are in place.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"


Tuesday, August 20, 2019

CPS New Coach is Realized Through Depreciation Funds

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

When I arrived four years ago the Colstrip Board of Trustees laid out a plan to purchase a new coach to replace a Blue Bird coach commonly known as "C1." It has taken over five years of saving bus depreciation funds in order to purchase the new MCI coach bus. The timing was perfect as "C1" had been fully depreciated in the last fiscal year.


Every new route and coach bus is a depreciated asset as soon as it is purchased. The school district is able to leverage funding to replace these vehicles through the depreciated value of each vehicle. The depreciation funds are then used (and can only be used) to purchase and replace current route and coach buses.

I am very pleased with this purchase as it maximizes our staff and students' safety, support and belonging.  We have had problems in getting parts for C1 since Blue Bird discontinued making coach buses. Breakdowns were becoming more common and our District needed to execute it's plan to purchase a new coach.

The MCI J4500 is the top selling coach in the United States. It is a coach that is reliable up to one million miles. We are lucky to have this piece of equipment for our students to travel in. The bus is accented with our school logo and name. FMC 3D Printing and Design located right in Colstrip was able to decal and wrap the new coach.

I am not sure what it will be called by others, but I kinda like the title "Big and Beautiful." It certainly is all of that. I am sure our students will make the most of it and take special care.



GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

CPS Staff is Back to School to Make Dust

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski


Monday, August 19, 2019 marked the first day back to school for all of the staff. After an initial welcome and introductions in the auditorium, staff began ALERT Training in the CHS Commons. This group of professionals are eager to meet their students and Make Dust in 2019.

During the afternoon break, I managed to gather the staff for a photo in front of the new Coach.



GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"