The Stanley Elementary School Project and the Grit of Small Town Idaho

Idaho has been experiencing so much economic and population growth over the past 15 years, communities like Stanley, ID have nearly doubled in size. From 2010 to 2023, Stanley went from 63 to 119 permanent residents—the most residents in the mountain town’s history! Whether it’s a small town like Stanley or a sprawling city, accelerated growth puts a tremendous strain on local infrastructure and resources, especially schools. The Stanley Elementary School was bursting at the seams, and it needed the help of a scrappy team of builders and an entire community to shape its future.

Doubling Their Efforts

Built in 1977, the Stanley Elementary School has served the residents as one of the only public buildings in town. Beyond its core function of educating children in kindergarten through eighth grade, the school operated as a community and events center, a recreation room, and a gathering place for a variety of functions. Considering the original building consisted primarily of two classrooms and a multi-purpose room, its nearly 50 years of continuous use in the rugged environment of the Sawtooth Mountains is nothing short of remarkable. The Challis School District has kept the school going with regular maintenance and repair work over the years, but the Superintendent and Trustees believed that it was time to better serve the students of Stanley with more space and upgraded facilities.

The district did its due diligence, then sent out the request for qualifications to attract qualified architects and contractors. On its face, the scope of work was relatively basic–build two additional classrooms, do the remodeling work, and add some finishes. Logistically, however, completing this project was a tough hill to climb. The nearest pools of labor and supplies available were at least 130 miles away. Additionally, the winters were notoriously punishing and wildfires threatened the summers. Finding the right crew to dedicate the time and resources necessary to deliver a successful project was a long shot.

Pitching In

Only one team answered the call. Design West Architects and ESI Construction formed a partnership and a plan to make it work. As the design and preconstruction phase began, however, the budget became a concern. Despite extensive value analysis and testing different design concepts to improve savings, the small rural school district’s funding could only cover half of the project’s budget. Although discouraged at first, the project team and the community rallied together to keep the project moving forward.

ESI leaders worked with community stakeholders to organize fundraisers and spread the word. Residents stepped up and donations came pouring in. The district went to work applying for grants and securing support from private sector entities. Not only did the team reach its goal, but the continued fundraising during construction generated a surplus of around $200,000. This generous outpouring of support was reinvested into further improvements to the school.

With a design in place and logistics sorted out, the project team, educators, community leaders, and students broke ground on July 1, 2024. ESI’s superintendent established a work camp adjacent to the site for laborers and tradesmen, keeping them comfortable while adhering to the town’s dark sky ordinance. Work progressed well as the foundation was poured and framing began. Then, after a violent summer thunderstorm, smoke billowed skyward in the distance.

Persevering

The devastating Waipiti fire spread from nearby Grandjean, consuming scores of trees and acres of brush in central Idaho. The smoky air slowed construction as Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire teams staged in and around Stanley to fight the inferno, protecting the people and property of the town. The situation grew dire and the difficult decision to evacuate the town was made. Winds and dry conditions impeded containment efforts for weeks. There was a possibility that Stanley, the entire town, could be lost. The community that had rallied to give their children a better future had dispersed, not knowing if they would ever return home again.

Because of the brave efforts of the firefighters and improving weather conditions, Stanley was miraculously saved. The burn line stopped just one mile outside of town. The townspeople returned in early fall, grateful to be home. The project team soon joined them to clean up the ash and soot that remained. They still had a job to do. The construction team was also working against the clock as another harsh winter loomed.

Although the fire caused significant delays, the project team got the schedule back on track just as the flakes began to fall. Construction and tenant improvements continued through the winter as the team dug out feet of snow each week to complete the scope of work. Extra temporary heaters were shipped in to keep the tradesmen comfortable in subfreezing conditions. Given the elevation and geography, Stanley is the coldest town in Idaho and one of the coldest in the nation. The lowest temperature during construction was -32ᵒ F. They worked through it all and did so without recording a single injury or safety incident.

Why We Build

Principal work was completed in early spring of this year as the team mounted the old school bell, which graced the previous building from the 1950s, over the new main entrance to the school. Students and educators can make good use of the two additional classrooms, one of which has extensive shelving for the school’s first dedicated library.

The district decided to keep the project team on through May to make further improvements using the budget surplus, including a kitchen and an additional restroom, among other small projects. Through it all, the project team made accommodations for students and staff by adding a modular classroom and keeping them safe from construction hazards throughout the year. The team also kept the adjacent park and playground open, so learning and play could continue unimpeded.

The Stanley Elementary School project was certainly unique and not one the construction and design team will soon forget. Small rural schools like this make an enduring impact on the communities they serve. These buildings are often the heart of the town and represent its future. These projects don’t drive the bottom line, but they are an investment from which we all can benefit. The strength and resilience of small-town Idaho are inspiring, and these values will continue to drive growth and opportunity throughout the state. ESI is proud to be a part of this movement because in the end, everyone succeeds together.