Students will be taking classes in the 2019-20 school year at Lincoln Elementary School in Hoquiam after all. 

The major renovations scheduled to begin this summer that would have sent Lincoln Elementary preschool and first- and second-grade students to three other locations during the upcoming school year have been pushed back a year, according to a statement released by Hoquiam Superintendent Mike Villarreal.

“A decision to postpone the Hoquiam High School roof and Lincoln Elementary remodel construction projects has been made after in-depth consultation with the District School Board, Long Range Facility Planning Committee and district staff,” read the release. “The updated plan is to request bids early in 2020 with the goal of construction to begin the summer of 2020. Lincoln Elementary School will remain open for the 2019-2020 school year.”

The district said the decision to postpone construction at both schools was based on several factors. At Lincoln, higher costs for asbestos abatement and flood proofing construction requirements are the reasons, and the district wants more time to “ensure competitive construction bids that meet the scope of the project,” according to the district statement.

At the high school, there were no responses from the previous request for bids for the new roof, and the district wants additional time to secure bids for the project.

“The Hoquiam School District is committed to providing the best learning environment for all students and ensuring fiscal responsibility during the construction process,” said Villarreal in the statement. Anyone with questions can contact the district office at 360-538-8200.