Angela Smith, former special education assistant in the old Armand Larive Middle School, says the addition of air conditioning is one of the best things about the new 110,000 square foot facility.

It was always so hot, she said after the Hermiston School Districts ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning.

Air conditioning is just one of many upgrades made at the new Armand Larive Middle School, which is next door to Desert View Elementary School on SW Ninth Street.

Enrollment at the school is 675 students from grades six through eight, said principal Tom Spoo. This is Spoos first year as a principal and first year with Armand Larive. He worked as an agricultural science teacher at Hermiston High School for 13 years and as an assistant principal at the high school for four years.

We are unbelievably excited and lucky, he said. It is a blessing to be provided an opportunity such as this.

Everyone involved in the ceremony made a point of thanking the voters for passing the $69.9 million bond package that made building new facilities in Hermiston possible.

The bottom line is the community paid for it, Spoo said.

This is your tax dollars at work, said Don Rankin, school board member. Other communities are closing, but were building.

There are two computer labs, Promethean interactive whiteboards in every classroom, voice lift amplification systems in every classroom and badges that, when scanned, provide access to the school. In a situation where the school needs to be locked down, a computer can do it all at once. The school also is equipped with 60 security cameras, which can be accessed online by those with the authority to do so, he said.

Aside from the technological advances in the new school, there are two gymnasiums, tennis courts, a football field, baseball field and college regulation track. The goal is to not only have quality athletic facilities for the students, but also to attract community events.

This can bring in events like state tournaments, which is good for the community because people come to town and spend money, Spoo said.

Interim Superintendent Wade Smith highlighted the long-term planning that went into building this school. One example was the concrete floors that do not have to be stripped, waxed and buffed every summer.

In manpower and maintenance, well save about $12,000 per year in this facility, Smith said.

The maximum capacity of the new Armand Larive is 900 students, whereas the old school could only handle about 600, Smith said.

Another highlight of this project: The contractors finished under budget and ahead of time. The initial estimate has them $200,000 to $300,000 under budget and the building had occupants about a month ahead of schedule, Smith said.