Replacing Joseph Gale Elementary School and expanding Forest Grove High School are the major items on a preliminary bond proposal presented to the Forest Grove School Board Monday. The proposal also addresses deferred maintenance and safety/security issues at all 10 schools. District administration will present cost estimates of the various components at the March 29 board meeting, but the total is expected to be between $60 million and $70 million. Because an existing bond will retire in 2012, even a $70 million bond would result in a drop in the school tax rate. The tax rate for the existing bond is $1.69 per $1,000 of assessed value; the tax rate for a $70 million bond is estimated at $1.52 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The board welcomes community feedback on the proposal and will offer opportunities for public discussion at the March 29, April 12 and April 26 board meetings. Written comments can be emailed to cpotter@fgsd.k12.or.us. The board is expected to vote on April 26 whether to proceed with a bond.
 
A major need is to expand Forest Grove High School, which was built in 1983 for a capacity of about 1,100 students. A classroom wing was completed in 1998 that expanded classroom capacity to about 1,675 students but didn't expand the infrastructure of kitchen, cafeteria and gymnasium space. The school currently has about 1,900 students. 

Joseph Gale is also a major concern. The proposal calls for tearing down Joseph Gale and rebuilding it on the same site. In addition to major maintenance issues, the school's open air design creates safety concerns. Students must walk outside to the far end of the wings of the building to access the bathrooms.   

The district could save $9.9 million in interest over the life of a bond if it's able to pass a bond in November and take advantage of zero interest financing on part of the amount through the federal stimulus package.

Preliminary bond proposal
Facilities Task Force report
Bond feasibility survey results
Survey executive summary

The Forest Grove School Board has given Superintendent Yvonne Curtis high marks for her first year at the helm of the nearly 6,000-student district. They said the transition has been "virtually seamless" and said she is viewed "as a leader who focuses on the positive and possibilities, and not afraid to take on difficult challenges and issues." Evaluation Letter

• Adidas Tennis Camp, July 18-23. Resident: $695, Extended Day: $595; Day: $485. Register at http://TennisCamper.com/>
• Quicksilver-Roxy Tennis Camp for ages 7-18, August 9 – 12 and August 16-19, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, $425. Register at 1-800-681-3788 or email info@campitsports.com for more information

FGHS Advanced Art students are showcasing their work through April 30 at Valley Art Gallery, 2022 Main Street. The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, March 13 from 2-4 p.m. There will also be a "Meet the Artist" gathering at "First Wednesday" on April 7 from 5-8 p.m. Flyer

Forest Grove electrician Dylan Wentworth will embark on a 2,000-mile cross-country bicycle ride in May to benefit Forest Grove School District. He’s seeking sponsors for his ride and has designated that 100 percent of the money will be equally divided among the music, arts, athletics and shop programs. Dylan intends to ride from Peach Arch State Park at the Canadian border to the Mexico border. He expects the trip to take about 30 days. Dylan said he is doing the fundraiser because “I want today’s students to have the same opportunities to learn as I did when I was in public school.” Donations can be mailed to: Forest Grove School District, c/o Project Very Long Bike Ride, 1728 Main Street, Forest Grove, Or 97116.  Flyer

Dr. Ross Greene, originator of the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Approach, has teamed up with Forest Grove School District and the Community Based Activity Program to offer a three-day Level 1 Advanced Training August 16-18 at the Embassy Suites Hotel-Washington Square. Greene is associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, author of the acclaimed books The Explosive Child and Lost at School, and founder of the non-profit Lives in the Balance. He offers advanced trainings throughout the summer for educators and mental health professionals seeking a more intensive look at the CPS model. Reserve your spot today! Please feel free to contact Beth Buehler at 503-359-8110 ext. 4555.

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