Rose and Green Elementary schools to stay open
ROSEBURG, Ore. -- The Roseburg School District Board voted to keep both elementary schools open Wednesday evening.
The board decided to go for an option levy instead of closing one of the two schools.
The decision came after the board had looked at many alternatives, and narrowed down the closures to either Rose School in south Roseburg or Green Elementary off Carnes Road in the Green District.
There was a standing room only crowd on hand at the school district offices, many wearing custom 'I love Green Elementary School' T-shirts.
Many parents from those schools felt they were the most likely on the chopping block.
The meeting started off with some awards being given, and then the board opened up for public comment.
Parents and former Green teachers spoke to the panel, some becoming emotional as they pleaded for their school to remain open.
Some parents told the board that they didn't want any school in the district to be closed.
The plan to close one of the schools was shot down by a 4-3 vote of the board members. The people in attendance clapped and cheered when the decision was made.
Karsha Owen, a Green student, told KPIC News, "I was really excited that they didn't have to close either school, and I understand that it's still going to be ongoing. At least for right now, we know we have another school year left."
Even though he voted no on the closure, board chairman Joe Garcia says this issue is far from over, and they still expect a budget shortfall for the next few years.
He says a closure is still possible, but they are looking for other funding options. "The next step for this board is to start exploring further the possibility of a local option levy, and get very specific about what our needs are," he said.
An option levy would not go into the general fund and would be targeted for certain projects such as facilities, technology upgrades and new curriculum.
Garcia says this is an opportunity to educate the public about the current state of the school system.
He hopes the community will voice their opinions and tell people what they want by voting.
