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WALDPORT HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH GROUND RELOCATION PUBLIC MEETINGS

I have attended both of the public meetings held at Waldport High School (December 10, 2009 & January 14, 2010) to review the various options regarding the potential of relocating the Waldport High School Students to a safer high ground location out of the Waldport Tsunami Zone. The following is a synopsis of the notes that have taken during the two public meetings, and what I believe I heard in the two meetings from both persons representing the Lincoln County School District, and other members of the community attending the meetings.

• There is a Clear Consensus agreement from both LCSD representatives and members of the public that the present Waldport High School location is vulnerable and unsafe for students in the event of a major Earthquake & Tsunami.
• A Clear Consensus also appears to exist among the entire group ( during both public meetings) that it is highly desirable to Relocate Waldport High Students to a Safe High Ground location out of the Waldport Tsunami Zone.
• There appeared to be a clear desire expressed by a majority of the members of the public attending the meetings for South Lincoln County Schools to remain within The Lincoln County School District, as opposed to other potential options discussed that could create Charter Schools or create a new South Lincoln County School District. At least at this time, it seems best to remain in the LCSD, since that is the quickest option for moving the students to a high ground location.
• Among the members of the public attending the meetings there appeared to be a consensus that the most desirable course would be the building of a “Full High School” as an add on next to the present location of Crestview Grade School (Cost $7-10 Mil) with bond election passage needed in June 2012 , plus school construction time of 2 yrs+.
• The concept of building a complete new “Stand Alone” High School Building away from the Crestview Grade School appeared to most persons to be unrealistic at this time, considering the projected decline in High School students down to 158 by 2015, and the high cost of $12 to 15 Mil for construction of a full “Stand Alone” High School Building. ( 2yrs + for construction) (1)
• At the same time many expressed strong concerns about the five years it will take to move High School Students to high ground, assuming a ‘renewal” bond levy is passed in 2012.. Many others were skeptical about a quick temporary move using “Portables”. Not only are “Portables” less than satisfactory school facilities, but once in place (cost $600K to $700K) these temporary “Portable” school rooms tend to remain and become the long term solution, which may even lessen the chances of future Bond Passage for construction funding. It was noted that Toledo got some “Temporary” Portable classrooms in the 1970”s and they still remain.
• An other option that had some level of public support was the concept of “Adding On” 10 permanent Class Rooms to the present Crestview Grade School (Cost $3-4 Mil) The School board could provide initial approval for funding but would need future bond funding to complete building construction, possible grant funding from some source, or a low cost loan (assuming sufficient internal cash flow to service a loan) in order to complete the 10 additional class room construction project for addition to Crestview Grade School. (Construction time 6-12 months) ** Discussion of potential funding for New High School Construction appeared to have a strong focus on an “Extension” or “Renewal” of the present Lincoln County School Construction Bond program ($39 Mil) which is due to expire in about 18 months. This would require a NEW COUNTYWIDE ELECTION in either May or November of 2012 to approve another round of School Construction bonds at the same $39 Mil funding level, which would continue the present level of taxes being paid by Lincoln County Tax Payers. (Payoff & Non Renewal of the present bonds would lower taxes)
• If continued School Bond Construction Funding were passed by Lincoln County voters in 2012, the funds raised would be allocated for school construction projects across Lincoln County, Including a New Waldport High School. County wide sharing of bond funds for various School Construction projects is essential in having any realistic expectation on passage of County School Construction bond levy. ** New Construction Excise Tax dollars going to the Lincoln County School District is currently being used to decide on projects and the design of preliminary plans in preparation for a new bond. However, this Excise Tax is dependent on Construction work being done, which is very slow at present and into the foreseeable future.
• The possibility of any new Federal school construction funding with Federal “Stimulus dollars” appears very remote at this time. I have personally talked with U.S Senator Jeff Merkley, and our U.S District Congressman Kurt Schrader on this issue. Neither of them were optimistic about Waldport getting any Federal High School Construction money for relocation from the Tsunami Zone. (I advised the public meeting group on this issue during the December 10, 2009 meeting.) (2)
• It seemed clear at the January 14, 2010 public meeting that the representatives of the Lincoln County School District were anxious to turn the issue of Relocation of Waldport High School out of the Waldport Tsunami Zone over to the Citizens of South Lincoln County for continued review, along with the hope that some course for future action could emerge from the public discussion.
• The LCSD Representatives also appeared to be looking for some sense of future direction, and perhaps specific recommendations on Waldport High School Relocation from the citizens of South Lincoln County that could be considered by the LCSD, and the Lincoln County School Board. To that end the LCSD Representative requested volunteers to form a “Steering Committee” to guide the discussion on future High School Relocation Public Meetings.
• The next Waldport High School Relocation public meeting was set for 6PM Wednesday February 3, 2010 at Waldport High School.

WALDPORT HIGH SCHOOL RELOCATION STEERING COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS:

• Andy Kittle
• Alma Simon
• Kelly Kittel
• Herman Welch—563-2354
• Sue Woodruff----563-2479
• Cathy Sorensen—563-2240
• Brad WebBill
• Turner
• Herman Welch—Steering Committee Volunteer

January 15, 2010 (3)