Beaverton dedicates new $67 million Raleigh Hills Elementary

The Beaverton School District officially dedicated its newest elementary school on Wednesday, October 28. The ceremony took place two months after Raleigh Hills Elementary first opened its doors to students. Community members, staff, and families gathered to mark the completion of a major infrastructure project for the district.

The new campus spans 97,000 square feet and cost the district $67 million. It sits on the site of the former Raleigh Hills Elementary, which was demolished in the summer of 2024. The old building was rated among the poorest structures in the district for seismic performance, prompting the decision to replace it.

Jennifer DeMartino, the former principal who helped design the new facility, addressed the students during the event. She expressed satisfaction with the final result of the construction effort. DeMartino informed the audience that the district buried a time capsule on the grounds. She explained that the capsule is intended to be unearthed when the school requires renovation in the distant future, allowing future generations to see what the current environment was like.

Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty attended the dedication alongside Billy the Beaver, the city’s costumed mascot. Beaty shared a memory of her first-grade teacher, describing the educator as someone who cared for students daily. She encouraged the current students to take pride in their new school, noting that it reflects community values of belonging and safety. Beaty identified the sports facilities as her favorite aspect of the new building.

Billy the Beaver greeted students in the gymnasium, sharing high-fives as they entered the room. Justice Rajee, the chair of the Beaverton School District board, also spoke at the ceremony. He expressed hope that the building would serve the community for many years, providing a strong educational experience for the students.

Superintendent Tony Smith, who joined the district last summer from Denver Public Schools, praised the quality of the new facilities. Smith stated that the building represents some of the best learning environments he has encountered in his career. He said the district aims to be recognized nationally for its facilities and educational standards.

Erin Kollings is the current principal at Raleigh Hills Elementary. Kollings previously led McKay Elementary for ten years before that school closed at the end of the last school year due to lower enrollment and structural issues. She cited the natural light in the new Raleigh Hills building as its best feature. Kollings also highlighted the spacious classrooms and a flexible area created by a door connecting the cafeteria and gymnasium, which can host various events.

Kollings noted that the school currently serves nearly 400 students. She recalled attending an open house last summer as the district prepared for the new building’s launch. That event drew an estimated 900 attendees from different generations who had attended the school in the past. Kollings described the evening as a favorite memory from her time in education.