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SFSD bond committee hosts four March infrastructure listening sessions

Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is inviting the community to a series of listening sessions as a Bond Advisory Committee considers the need for infrastructure funding.

Sessions are scheduled at schools throughout the district and will feature a presentation from members of the committee and opportunities for public feedback.

Three listening sessions have been held so far, with additional sessions  scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for:

• March 1 at Butte Creek Elementary School cafeteria;

• March 2 at Silverton Middle School gymnasium;

• March 15 at Scotts Mills School gym;

• March 16 at Pratum School cafeteria.

The committee was formed Sept. 12, 2022, by the SFSD Board to explore the possibility of asking voters for a facilities improvement bond to fund deferred maintenance and building upgrades. Around 20 community members were appointed to work with district administrators, as well as construction and PR consultants, to create a recommendation for the board.

At the committee’s Jan. 19 meeting the Silverton Middle School plan was discussed. Replacement has an estimated cost of $75 million,  renovating the current structure is estimated at $68 million. The possibility of upgrades district-wide to keep schools “warm, safe and dry,” was estimated at a cost of $26 – $63 million, depending on how many projects are prioritized.

The proposals will be discussed in-depth during the listening sessions. Public input will be considered when the committee meets again in April. A recommendation to the board is anticipated in May. A bond measure could be presented to voters as soon as the Nov. 7 General Election.

– Stephen Floyd