From repairs and renovations to vandalism, to sports, much is going on or has been completed in the Fern Ridge School district as the winter term gets underway.
For starters, the district employed Federal Tite IV funds when it purchased an antenna for the district office roof, a repeater that will be located in the basement and one radio for each building. This was done out of concern over the inability of the District Office to communicate with school during phone/electricity outages coupled with spotty and otherwise ineffective cell service. With this device, one radio will be installed at each school that can be utilized in speaking with the District Office, even in the event of a power outage or no cell phones in the building. Tests were conducted showing things worked well and installation will begin within the week. Also, winter break saw the middle school receiving new carpet in the commons area and the setting up of a new intercom/PA system. While all the larger work has been completed, the project should be finished in totality in two weeks. The high school, meanwhile, had some very old popcorn ceiling (asbestos) removed. Unfortunately, on Christmas night, an unidentified vehicle drove on the main field at the middle school and on the grass in front of the high school, which resulted in substantial damage that was incurred while the driver performed “cookies.” The district does have the ability to lock the gate at the middle school and both gates at the high school, which would prevent this from taking place, however, doing so becomes problematic for teams that engage in late practices or come home late from a game, not to mention custodians coming in to work. Another reason for leaving the gates open at the high school is that two of the three are what’s known as “bar gates” and in the past at least three individuals have collided with them after not being aware they were down. There have also been two very close calls where serious injury could have been sustained. However, the district may be forced to rethink this decision to leave the gates open. Photos of the suspect vehicle can be seen on Superintendent Gary Carpenter’s Facebook page. Several months ago, Lisa Leatham, principal of Veneta Elementary School announced that she would be retiring. Her position has been posted since early December and will close in mid-January. A hiring committee comprised of seven individuals has been formed to oversee the appointing of her successor, which will not be easy as she is leaving large shoes to fill. The district is also looking to hire a School Psychologist. There has been no luck in filling it for several years, but things are looking up after the University of Oregon psychology program was reached out to and two applicants will soon be interviewed. A School Psychologist would be an asset to staff, parents, and students alike and the district will no longer have to contract out for these required services. Winter sports are hot and heavy with boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling and cheer. Territorial Sports Program is also offering a wide selection of sports along with basketball and school gyms are seeing heavy use. This year is the first time that Oregon high school basketball has used shot clocks. Currently, they are mandatory at the Varsity level. Below that, they are optional only. Lastly, in December the school board voted to continue to use Planned Parenthood but has also requested that other options be explored. Prior to any instruction the district will hold a parent night at each school where presenters will review the curriculum/material to be used and answer any questions. Any parent who wishes to do so can opt their child out of the instruction. This month, the board will be voting to renew sponsorship of West Lane Charter School. If approval is gained, negotiations will begin on the new contract for what is assumed to be another five years. This is all for now, but more will be shared monthly after the board meets on the third Monday of the month. This may be a small district, but it’s a busy one.
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