PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN RISE
The incidence of sexually-transmitted disease is on the rise across the county -- repeating a pattern that’s been seen for the past few years, according to county medical reports. Gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis “continue to go up,” said Kristty Polanco, public health administrator for Polk County. The agency is attempting to pin down with more precision the most contributory factors, Ms. Polanco said. The findings were reported at a recent meeting of the Polk County Board of Commissioners.
INDEPENDENCE ANNEXING LAND FOR 100 NEW HOMES
A 70-acre tract of land for mixed-use housing was annexed into the city of Independence last week, and a direct effect on the school district appears to be the potential increase in the number of families. The plan includes 100 new homes in southwest Independence; State estimates put typical population gains from new subdivisions at two-per-household in the Willamette Valley, over a range of ages.
At the Independence City Council meeting, two of the councilors – Shannon Corr and Jennifer Ranstrom-Smith – asked if school administrators had been informed of the proposed expansion. Mayor John McArdle said he had spoken with former superintendent Buzz Brazeau about it before Mr. Brazeau left the district in 2017. Councilor Ranstrom-Smith then observed that local schools already are at capacity, adding that she found the issue “concerning.” She noted that in 2006 Henry Hill was an elementary school on the south side of Independence, but it no longer is open for students. Instead, it was converted to district offices.
Later, when Superintendent Jennifer Kubista was asked privately at the meeting if she’d been contacted by the city about the annexation, she responded only: “I am here to learn.
At the Independence City Council meeting, two of the councilors – Shannon Corr and Jennifer Ranstrom-Smith – asked if school administrators had been informed of the proposed expansion. Mayor John McArdle said he had spoken with former superintendent Buzz Brazeau about it before Mr. Brazeau left the district in 2017. Councilor Ranstrom-Smith then observed that local schools already are at capacity, adding that she found the issue “concerning.” She noted that in 2006 Henry Hill was an elementary school on the south side of Independence, but it no longer is open for students. Instead, it was converted to district offices.
Later, when Superintendent Jennifer Kubista was asked privately at the meeting if she’d been contacted by the city about the annexation, she responded only: “I am here to learn.
UPDATE ON MEALS FOR HUNGRY KIDS
Breakfast will be available for late-coming students at all three elementary schools and at Talmadge middle school, even if students enter the building after the morning bell has rung. “We want to offer them the opportunity to eat” even if they’re not on time, explained Alex Singer, head of food service for the school district.
More funding for free school meals is part of the School Success Act, but money won’t kick in till 2020. Meanwhile, for students in the district, “we want to take away the worry of hunger,” he said. Independence Elementary School has the highest poverty rate of any district school, according to a report at the November school board meeting.
More funding for free school meals is part of the School Success Act, but money won’t kick in till 2020. Meanwhile, for students in the district, “we want to take away the worry of hunger,” he said. Independence Elementary School has the highest poverty rate of any district school, according to a report at the November school board meeting.
END NOTE
An unusual weather pattern of windless fog that trapped poor-quality air across the region is making the days to come potentially unhealthy for some segments of the population with respiratory problems, despite sunny blue skies this week. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has said the air quality concerns will remain till Tuesday, Nov. 12.
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