Student: 'I'm afraid that it's going to shut down, but I hope it doesn't'
ROSEBURG, Ore. -- After a public forum Wednesday night, it is still uncertain which elementary school will close down in the Roseburg school district.
Now the school board has something else to consider: a levy.
Parents, teachers, board members and even children came out to the meeting to show their support.
A decision wasn't made, but people got to voice their opinions.
The Roseburg School District is facing a big cash problem. They met to discuss closing a school to help balance the budget.
The four schools being looked at for closure are Melrose, Fir Grove, Rose and Green.
School supporters showed up holding signs and wearing their school colors. Alauna Colton is a fifth grade Melrose student, and she is pretty proud of her school. "I came here to represent Melrose School because I'm afraid that it's going to shut down, but I hope it doesn't because Melrose School rocks," she said.
Now, they are considering an idea that could save the schools on the chopping block.
Officials say a tax levy could fund the three critical areas: curriculum, technology and maintenance of schools.
Larry Parsons, the Roseburg Superintendent, says he would like the board to make a firm decision about what route to take. "I want some clarity," Parsons said. "If we're going to run a levy, let's run a levy and put our energies into that. If we're going to close a school, let's get it decided and do it."
The group will re-convene to discuss it more on March 10.
I think Rose having the lowest test scores may have something do with socioeconomics rather than the quality of teachers.
Actually you are right about getting things resolved Tanya. Also about district officials taking cuts to help out. That would show they really care and are making an effort themselves. Shutting down a school is a numbers issue. Enrollment is down, we have a school in town, (not one on the chopping block) with six empty classrooms. The answer to me was mentioned at the meeting the other night. Not only do we need to shut down a school but also need a levy to improve the ones we have left. No I don't have kids in school anymore so my opinion doesn't matter to you. Although I have raised two children that have graduated through this system and soon too have two college graduates. I do care. My wife has worked at a local school for eighteen years, so contrary to what you think this does affect more than your school. There are other people affected besides Melrose. I think the board just needs to grow a pair and make a decision. I'm done with this subject now. I will pray all this works out for the children.
If this doesnt get resolved our kids will suffer. And it sounds like to me u people just want schools to close.if u dont want a levy so bring new ideas to the table!
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! And I am personally offended by the comment that was made regarding union retirements. Be mindful that most of those unions are our nurses, firefighters, and police officers. The people that serve and protect us on a daily basis. The people who pull children out of burning buildings, who save lives, who protect innocent people from bad ones! I want my child to have a good education but I support my public service men and women and will fight for their right to keep what they have earned! To me it's a no-brainer. Keep Melrose as they have the highest test scores, close Rose as they have the lowest!
Unfortunately the children DONT see the money..It will go to someone's union retirement.
well here's where Japan and China got us beat so sad what is the cost of our future? yes I will vote for it and yes there should be a look into spending and school budgets after all where is the lotto money going to? other that that if you have kids I would expect you to vote yes
Are you saying if you don't have kids you don't have to PAY?
Tanya everyone's opinion maters, with that attitude.. Yours shouldn't matter
Tanya, it should be the other way. People who don't have kids pay more for your child's education than you do. Great tax system we have here.
@TanyaMontagani, everyone in an area &/or community bears the cost of levies & school taxes weather they have children attending a school or not-therefor that gives them the right to have a say
So Tanya what you're saying is the only ones that should pay a levy are parents with kids in school? Since no one else matters?
Yes, but for upgrades and renovation of those schools too
No. Don't vote for a tax. Half my check goes to medical insurance and taxes. If it weren't for my spouses check we couldn't live. I refuse to go on welfare because its abused by people who shouldn't even be on it. Forcing a tax is not going to fix the problem. Managing funds correctly instead of frivolously.
3ft tall children walking down Harvard should have more RESPONSIBLE parents that would not allow them to walk to or from school by themselves or without adult supervision PERIOD!!. Firgrove has a huge student ratio because of the location. The childs death was due to a bus driver not seeing the child that had wondered in front of the bus as it was pulling out of the school parking lot not because of traffic on Harvard. I dont bave any kids in School so I have no attachments but I do not think a levy is the answer, I think the school with the lowest attendance should close & be united with the closest school that could take on the extra kids without overwhelming the current teachers.
Absolutly no levy whatsoever!!!!!!!! Will not. Vote for one period!!!
Yes
I would really like more money put into the Middle Schools, we only have 2, for the entire area. Higher class sizes in Middle School is a extreme issue and those students and schools, need dire attention.
In my opinion, closing Fire Grove would be the one I would vote for. The safety of children, 3 foot tall walking down Harvard Ave BY THEMSELVES is b.s. not to mention the speed changing several times a day through a high trafficked area is unsafe as well. There has been a death of a child in past years because of congestion in school area and this property could be of higher value for community development. - Just my opinion.
Why not district take a pay cut? WE are MELROSE STRONG and we all help each other.why are they starting new programs THAT COST MONEY instead of putting it where it needs to go?
No levy! They just need to stop building new banks and other such places and fix the old one's! Perhaps that could save money!
I believe strongly that schools are a must! What I don't believe in is Levies! Everyone & their brothers are getting too lazy & dependent on this form of attachment & abuse that creates more & more burdens on the communities. What we as communities need to find out us why these schools can't operate within the budgets they are given! If you don't have it-don't spend it!
Until schools stop wasting money on alternative bouncy balls for chairs and iPads in the hands of all teachers, as well as other items, I will not vote in favor of a levy.
Melrose is the oldest school and if people would stick to the district they would have the kids.u people think this wont have an effect on our kids it will and it is.i for one dont want my kid riding the bus longer than she needs to.If melrose closes im taking my kid out and homeschooling.melrose has more parents involved than any other.
YEa out of the pockets of CONGRESS!
No levy..close Rose,lowest test scores and lowest student enrollments the last 5 years.
Not at all
I honestly don't care which is closed anymore, I do however really think it joule be the school with less students.. It makes the most sense.
Common sense we be to close the oldest and most need of repair school.
I agree Abbie!!
tax levy is not the option to keep the school open... what if lower the salary grade if the government cant afford. Why it goes to the taxpayer.... very sad.
There are definitely other options! I think the whole Wednesday early release was a bad idea. Change that up a little, maybe go to a schedule similar to Oakland or Winston. That would provide some financial relief.
I am sorry, but I am so over everyone's opinions. Every person who attended a school or has children at a school is going to fight for that school because you have emotional attachments. This decision to close a school is NOT supposed to be based on emotion. This decision should be logical. It should be based upon finances and not about what school has the most heart or parents with the most money or the most popular parents. This decision should not have even had a public opinion forum. IT IS NOT PUBLIC OPINION. It is a decision based on numbers and finance and which school is in the most dire PHYSICAL state.
No Levy please.