Rimrock Learning Center holds Open House

For the first time since its 2008 closure, Rimrock Elementary School is reopening its doors, this time as the Rimrock Learning Center. The building will house our local preschool special education programs as required in each school district by Federal law.

Currently, School District 2’s early intervention programs have been housed at the Career Center. However, due to the growing needs of the Career Center’s ever-expanding programs, the renovation of the newly dubbed Rimrock Learning Center (2802 13th Street West) will provide a new home for the the preschool and Young Families Early Head Start programs. This new, easily accessible location will be a welcome change for children, parents, and staff.

The Rimrock Learning Center Open House was held the evening of June 21, and I took the opportunity to see the improvements first hand. School District 2 has replaced the roof, addressed accessibility, installed new flooring, upgraded the HVAC and fire alarm systems, replaced  windows and skylights, repainted, and upgraded the data and communication needs.

While spending a few minutes speaking with Scott Reiter, the Executive Director of Facilities for Billings Public Schools, he encouragingly said:

“We had a great turnout tonight, about 150 people. The building is on schedule to be done by July 15; we are very excited to finish and be ready to go for the new school year. Renovations cost right about $2 million. The building will house a preschool for special needs kids and Young Families. All of the hard work was done by a combination of general contractors and district staff.”

Billings Public Schools will occupy six classrooms, while Young Families will utilize two classrooms for their Early Head Start program. The remaining space will serve School District 2 meeting and training needs. Sheri Boelter, the Executive Director of Young Families, is excited for the improved resources and their expanded ability to serve local families.

about the author...A Montana transplant and stay at home mom to two beautiful children.