2013 Nissan Pathfinder

This week, we're driving Nissan's new generation Pathfinder, a larger SUV that is now more dedicated to highway driving comfort more so than the previous Pathfinders, even though the name "Pathfinder" exudes more of an off-road affinity.

The new Pathfinder is still a four-door, seven-passenger SUV that comes in eight shades of dress, from the two wheel drive "S" at $28,650 up the top line Platinum 4x4, which goes for $41,150... and happens to be our tester for the week.

Important to note is all new Pathfinders come with the same engine under the hood, which means regardless of choice you're receiving the same underpinnings and mechanical attributes. Specifically, a fine running 3.5-liter V6 produces a stout 260-horses and 240 lb. ft. of torque. Pathfinder also delivers excellent fuel mileage at 20 city and 26 highway EPA numbers. If you opt for the 4x4 versions, you'll lose just one MPG on both ends thanks to Nissan's new and standard on all models Xtronic CVT overdrive automatic.

Pathfinder's major change, however, lies underneath for 2013. The former truck style full chassis that made Pathfinder a real off-road and towing mouthpiece is now swapped for a car-like unibody construction, resulting in more creature comfort and less truck like stiffness. There's also more interior room to utilize for the family and suitcases although as for towing, the weight allowed is lower than the last generation by 2,000 lbs. Still, Pathfinder's new tow numbers are good for a unibody at 5,000 lbs. max.

During our week long test, we allowed a fellow newspaper auto enthusiast a test drive and he was quick to give much praise. He cited Pathfinder as one of the very best riding and amenity loaded Crossover/SUVs he's ever driven.

Inside, the top line Platinum is indeed "top line," and is as close to sibling Infiniti in luxury as Nissan allows. The seating is firm yet very comfortable, and the reclining features of front and second rows are an added feature.

We utilized the second row slid and tilt feature while moving some bigger items. The seats also fold in the third row for even more cargo space. Notable is the ease of entry for adults that ride in the third row, which really is for full size adults.

Standard equipment on all Pathfinders include the necessities like tri-zone air, 18-inch tires, nice alloy wheels, keyless entry, cruise, 60/40-split second-row (slides, reclines and folds), tilt-and-telescopic, and a nice six-speaker stereo with six-CD player.

When you arrive at the top line Platinum, everything imaginable is included as standard, including power front seats, leather, Bluetooth, eight-inch color display, rearview safety camera, XM radio, USB/iPod,

fog lamps, roof rack, rear park sensors, roof rack, heated front and rear seats, driver memory functions, 20-inch wheels on alloys, tow package, multi-view parking camera, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation system, real-time traffic and a spectacular 13-speaker Bose stereo audio system.

The options on our tester came in the form of a $2,300 Platinum Premium package that includes a dual panoramic sunroof and a DVD movie/entertainment system with two headrest seven-inch displays and some power tint sunshades. A roof rail costs $300 and carpeted floor mats were $200.

The 2013-2014 school year may well be remembered as the year with six snow days — including one on May 2. The senior class co-presidents included the phenomena in their addresses to the class, describing it as an event to be remembered. Undoubtedly 2012-2013 will also be remembered for the successful building referenda.

School may be out for the year, but things are just gearing up in the design phase for the renovation projects and the summer work planned in buildings and on grounds. The board of education established an ad hoc committee, which is meeting more frequently to help guide the process. In addition to the board committee, there have been numerous small group meetings and staff discussions about the final designs.

The schematic designs are on schedule to be completed and approved in early August. Once completed, the construction documents will be finalized. That work will take several months. The documents are scheduled for release and bidding in January 2014. It will then take some time to prepare for construction.

During the referendum process, we worked with design concepts. The basic design layouts now being prepared are largely consistent with the earlier ideas but more detailed and more closely aligned to how the spaces are used.

River Heights Elementary will have a new entrance and parking area on the east side and a new central core, including offices, a library-media center and renovated classrooms. The classrooms will also share flexible learning spaces, have better soundproofing and sight lines, and a new HVAC system that includes air conditioning.  The staff, parents and students are very excited about the changes — especially the air conditioning! 

River Heights Elementary is considered a "lighthouse" school with wrap-around childcare in the morning and a full schedule of after school programming that runs until 5:30 p.m. The improved environment will have significant impact on the functionality of the building. It will have a modern look and feel.

We have just begun the design work for Downsville Elementary. While the project is much smaller than the renovations at River Heights, they will also have a redesigned entrance and central core. Downsville will see major changes in energy projects, such as new windows, HVAC and roof.

Both of the schools are located in areas that may be able to utilize geothermal systems. Our strategic plan includes consideration of sustainable practices throughout the district. The action planning team met with members of the board and design team to discuss the various sustainable practices that could be considered during the renovation and maintenance work.

As a result of the discussions, proposals will be developed for multiple options and the board will be able to consider the costs and benefits of each. The community facilities task force also asked the board to place a high priority on energy projects that would have a good return on investment. The projects and planning have taken that into consideration.Read the full story at www.tilees.com!