By Kristine Thomas
Evergreen Elementary School Principal Dale Koger and Victor Point Elementary School Principal Linda Myers shared how the $36.9 million bond measure for the Silver Falls School District going to the voters on the May 21 ballot would effect their schools.
If you met with a resident of the Silver Falls School District, what would you share about what the bond would provide for your school?
Koger: We would have a new roof, all new windows and fencing around the facility. These are upgrades to our facility that are essential to continue to operate in a safe and healthy environment. Our fence currently does not enclose the facility and outside access to recess areas are completely open.
Myers: At Victor Point, we have struggled with leaking roof issues for as long as I’ve been principal here for eight years. We’ve had buckets catching water in the middle of the hallways and multiple buckets in the gym at times. These leaks are always repaired, but it just seems that another one pops up in a different location. Clearly the roof here has outlived its intended life. Also, several years ago we had maintenance funds to upgrade the windows in the building but we could only afford to do half the windows in the building at that time. Half our classrooms have upgraded, energy efficient windows. But the remaining classrooms have single pane, steel framed windows. They are very drafty, so much so, that a few windows have duct tape around them to try and seal them better.
Describe your school’s technology infrastructure and needs.
Koger: We currently have computer technology hardware for all students. The plan would upgrade our capabilties to be able to access technology-based curriculum that is quickly becoming essential.
Myers: We have dedicated school funds every year to try and keep up with the changing technology needs. However $5,000 a year doesn’t really go very far for a school with 200 students. We have a computer lab with 30 computers so students can complete class projects and state tests, but many of those machines are nearly 10 years old and don’t have the kind of speed and/or memory necessary to access high-tech videos and interactive material. There is limited wireless access in the building. Many of our students are starting to bring their own wireless devices to school, but we lack the ability to use them. Kids are essentially holding mini computers in their hands, and we have no way to utilize that technology.
Describe school security. Are upgrades planned or needed?
Koger: The bond would provide for electronically locked and monitored doors. All access points to the building would be electronically controlled from the head teacher’s computer.
Visitors would be shown by camera on her computer and she would allow entrance electronically right from the computer on her desk.
Myers: We have three entrances at the front of our building. Two of them remain locked at all times, but it is confusing to new people to determine how to enter the building.
Our main entrance enters a hallway that does not have visual line of sight from any staff members.
It is an unfortunate fact that anyone can enter our building and access classrooms without being seen by anyone in the main office.
There has been significant discussion about reconfiguring the entrance to provide immediate access to our main office, but of course, that is expensive work to do.
