THE EDUCATION EDITION: Does School Growth Lie Ahead?
by Anne Scheck
Students at Ash Creek Elementary School are getting an addition to their school this year – a modular unit. At certain grade levels, class sizes exceed 30 and the prefabricated space now is an on-site necessity.
So, as Independence declares itself one of the fastest growing cities in the state, how much more pinched are local schools going to be? That, quite literally, is the million-dollar question.
Only five years after Henry Hill Elementary School was re-purposed as a district office building, that question is being addressed by leaders of the Central School District. Though enrollment appears stable, the future may require more classrooms, said 13J School District Superintendent Jennifer Kubista EdD.
Within the Ash Creek Elementary School boundary, for example, a new Independence subdivision is springing up: Quail Crossing. It’s scheduled to build more than 40 homes between Gun Club Road and 16th Street.
But even a surge in population "doesn't always mean growth in students," Dr. Kubista noted. In fact, it’s notoriously hard to make reliable estimates. Two years ago, for instance, the newly constructed Riverplace Apartments, built in north Independence, attracted scores of renters. City predictions put the number of new children in the schools at 30 – but there were only eight. This year, the district hired the Portland-based firm Flo Analytics, which forecasts school growth based on pools of economic and demographic data.
Over the past few years, growth in local schools generally ticked up about 2% annually. In fact, that's been the rate – slightly more or less -- for the past decade or so, said Steve Moser, chair of the School Board of Central School District 13J. However, those percentages are likely to change. "We don't know how much," Mr. Moser said. Now three schools -- Monmouth Elementary and Talmadge Middle School, along with Ash Creek – prohibit new, outside transfers. And, at Ash Creek and Monmouth Elementary, inter-district transfers now are barred.
Fortunately, the high school was reconfigured a few years ago for future growth, and it can accommodate enrollment well beyond its present student population of about 960, Mr. Moser noted. “Growth is good," he added.
"When communities don't grow, they die," Mr. Moser stressed. However, school districts and city governments work best in tandem, according to Rep. Paul Evans, a graduate of Central High School who represents Independence at the statehouse.
He suggested scheduling regular “all-hands” meetings of city and district leaders – a move that Mr. Moser said he also supports. "We haven't done this for several years, but I'd be in favor of it," Mr. Moser said.
When asked about the possibility of resuming these formerly held “all hands” meetings, Independence City Manager David Clyne stated that, under the previous district administration, “all-hands” meetings ceased “as they were of marginal value and lightly attended.”
“If the current superintendent wishes to return to regular inter- jurisdictional meetings, I am pleased to cooperate,” Mr. Clyne said.
To help stakeholders work together as the district faces the challenges of an increasing and changing demographic, a "Service Integration Team" has been meeting, in which representatives are invited from Monmouth and Independence, and from across the county, as well, Mr. Moser said. Even amid flat student growth, the district will begin to work with the facilities committee and school board to project if more space is needed for the future. Parents in the district who reside within the boundaries of Independence Elementary School, which has the least pupils, must enroll their children there.
“I want everything on the table," Dr. Kubista said. From looking at existing district facilities to potentially building a new school, to putting in new portable classrooms, "we have a lot of options," she said. A new bond measure for additional space at the elementary level is expected to be proposed in 2019, Mr. Moser said. A facilities committee comprised of school and public representatives is being convened to help analyze the issue.
And, if there is significant growth in the school district, other building requirements will also arise, Mr. Moser pointed out. “When you have growth, you have got to have some new infrastructure," he said, citing the need for water-and-sewer expansion.
But, in general, growth means “more revenue and vibrancy,” said Keith Ussery, deputy superintendent, Willamette Education Service District. At a recent educational panel held by Rep. Evans, he called steady student increases a good sign. But that kind of growth also takes careful planning, he said.
Ash Creek has been singled out as having the highest growth potential at the elementary level due to the fact that there is a relatively large amount of vacant land between 16th Street and highway 99. Quail Crossing is thought to be only the first of many new clusters of homes, although any other planned development so far is only a tentative proposal.
In fact, “student growth and achievement” is the top goal of the district, among four new strategic priorities that were approved by the school board this year. Rounding out the list are family involvement and community partnership, followed by staff leadership and empowerment (see following sidebar “What the Tell Report Tells”). The number one asset, according to Dr. Kubista: "We have amazing teachers," she said.
In August, Gov. Kate Brown announced plans for reducing class sizes of kindergarten through third grade in all Oregon public schools, though it appears she will need to be re-elected to be able push such an aggressive education agenda. In the past, such dramatic changes have taken several legislative sessions – and compromises along the way. But, if Gov. Brown succeeds, she’s pledged to see implementation of “a full 180-day school year,” another change that could affect space in Central District schools.
SIDEBAR:
What the Tell Report Tells
It’s called the survey for Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning, or just TELL for short, and it is now taken every two years by educators across the state. The TELL report for Ash Creek Elementary this year lives up to its name: It tells quite a bit about the school. (For an explanation of how the TELL report is conducted see The Bulletin Board on back page.) In the 2018 TELL Report for Ash Creek Elementary, school administrators and teachers who took the survey – and a majority of them did – generally agreed with statements supportive of district leadership. The same was true when asked about whether they received adequate materials and supplies and well-functioning, technology. Conversely, there was very low agreement with the statement “class sizes are reasonable such that teachers have the time available to meet the needs of all students” and “teachers have sufficient instructional time to meet the needs of all students.” Access to reliable technology and office equipment drew responses of nearly 97% in agreement. One hundred percent of those who responded felt that “the reliability and speed of internet connections in this school are sufficient to support instructional practices,” a service provided by the locally-founded municipal broadband, MINET.
Students at Ash Creek Elementary School are getting an addition to their school this year – a modular unit. At certain grade levels, class sizes exceed 30 and the prefabricated space now is an on-site necessity.
So, as Independence declares itself one of the fastest growing cities in the state, how much more pinched are local schools going to be? That, quite literally, is the million-dollar question.
Only five years after Henry Hill Elementary School was re-purposed as a district office building, that question is being addressed by leaders of the Central School District. Though enrollment appears stable, the future may require more classrooms, said 13J School District Superintendent Jennifer Kubista EdD.
Within the Ash Creek Elementary School boundary, for example, a new Independence subdivision is springing up: Quail Crossing. It’s scheduled to build more than 40 homes between Gun Club Road and 16th Street.
But even a surge in population "doesn't always mean growth in students," Dr. Kubista noted. In fact, it’s notoriously hard to make reliable estimates. Two years ago, for instance, the newly constructed Riverplace Apartments, built in north Independence, attracted scores of renters. City predictions put the number of new children in the schools at 30 – but there were only eight. This year, the district hired the Portland-based firm Flo Analytics, which forecasts school growth based on pools of economic and demographic data.
Over the past few years, growth in local schools generally ticked up about 2% annually. In fact, that's been the rate – slightly more or less -- for the past decade or so, said Steve Moser, chair of the School Board of Central School District 13J. However, those percentages are likely to change. "We don't know how much," Mr. Moser said. Now three schools -- Monmouth Elementary and Talmadge Middle School, along with Ash Creek – prohibit new, outside transfers. And, at Ash Creek and Monmouth Elementary, inter-district transfers now are barred.
Fortunately, the high school was reconfigured a few years ago for future growth, and it can accommodate enrollment well beyond its present student population of about 960, Mr. Moser noted. “Growth is good," he added.
"When communities don't grow, they die," Mr. Moser stressed. However, school districts and city governments work best in tandem, according to Rep. Paul Evans, a graduate of Central High School who represents Independence at the statehouse.
He suggested scheduling regular “all-hands” meetings of city and district leaders – a move that Mr. Moser said he also supports. "We haven't done this for several years, but I'd be in favor of it," Mr. Moser said.
When asked about the possibility of resuming these formerly held “all hands” meetings, Independence City Manager David Clyne stated that, under the previous district administration, “all-hands” meetings ceased “as they were of marginal value and lightly attended.”
“If the current superintendent wishes to return to regular inter- jurisdictional meetings, I am pleased to cooperate,” Mr. Clyne said.
To help stakeholders work together as the district faces the challenges of an increasing and changing demographic, a "Service Integration Team" has been meeting, in which representatives are invited from Monmouth and Independence, and from across the county, as well, Mr. Moser said. Even amid flat student growth, the district will begin to work with the facilities committee and school board to project if more space is needed for the future. Parents in the district who reside within the boundaries of Independence Elementary School, which has the least pupils, must enroll their children there.
“I want everything on the table," Dr. Kubista said. From looking at existing district facilities to potentially building a new school, to putting in new portable classrooms, "we have a lot of options," she said. A new bond measure for additional space at the elementary level is expected to be proposed in 2019, Mr. Moser said. A facilities committee comprised of school and public representatives is being convened to help analyze the issue.
And, if there is significant growth in the school district, other building requirements will also arise, Mr. Moser pointed out. “When you have growth, you have got to have some new infrastructure," he said, citing the need for water-and-sewer expansion.
But, in general, growth means “more revenue and vibrancy,” said Keith Ussery, deputy superintendent, Willamette Education Service District. At a recent educational panel held by Rep. Evans, he called steady student increases a good sign. But that kind of growth also takes careful planning, he said.
Ash Creek has been singled out as having the highest growth potential at the elementary level due to the fact that there is a relatively large amount of vacant land between 16th Street and highway 99. Quail Crossing is thought to be only the first of many new clusters of homes, although any other planned development so far is only a tentative proposal.
In fact, “student growth and achievement” is the top goal of the district, among four new strategic priorities that were approved by the school board this year. Rounding out the list are family involvement and community partnership, followed by staff leadership and empowerment (see following sidebar “What the Tell Report Tells”). The number one asset, according to Dr. Kubista: "We have amazing teachers," she said.
In August, Gov. Kate Brown announced plans for reducing class sizes of kindergarten through third grade in all Oregon public schools, though it appears she will need to be re-elected to be able push such an aggressive education agenda. In the past, such dramatic changes have taken several legislative sessions – and compromises along the way. But, if Gov. Brown succeeds, she’s pledged to see implementation of “a full 180-day school year,” another change that could affect space in Central District schools.
SIDEBAR:
What the Tell Report Tells
It’s called the survey for Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning, or just TELL for short, and it is now taken every two years by educators across the state. The TELL report for Ash Creek Elementary this year lives up to its name: It tells quite a bit about the school. (For an explanation of how the TELL report is conducted see The Bulletin Board on back page.) In the 2018 TELL Report for Ash Creek Elementary, school administrators and teachers who took the survey – and a majority of them did – generally agreed with statements supportive of district leadership. The same was true when asked about whether they received adequate materials and supplies and well-functioning, technology. Conversely, there was very low agreement with the statement “class sizes are reasonable such that teachers have the time available to meet the needs of all students” and “teachers have sufficient instructional time to meet the needs of all students.” Access to reliable technology and office equipment drew responses of nearly 97% in agreement. One hundred percent of those who responded felt that “the reliability and speed of internet connections in this school are sufficient to support instructional practices,” a service provided by the locally-founded municipal broadband, MINET.
The BULLETIN BOARD: Telling Data from the TELL Report
The TELL survey gathers and analyzes the perceptions reported by educators in every public school possible across the state so that school districts -- and state leaders – have a record of the impressions of the strength and weaknesses at each school by the very people who work there. The aim is to help school leaders use the results to plan improvements. Using the example of Ash Creek Elementary, the school comes across in the TELL survey results as perceived by most as a well-maintained and problem-solving school. Teachers largely feel supported and encouraged to participate in school leadership. However, consistent with results across the state, the issue of managing student conduct got scores that indicate this may be an increasing challenge. In Oregon, 19,556 teachers and administrators participated in the 2018 TELL study.
The INDY HOP: Adventures in Roth’s Grocery Shopping
Preferences for Plastic or Paper Predict Purchasers Use?
At Roth's, buyers of groceries are still being asked the existential question: Paper or plastic? But with so many towns, including Corvallis, now expecting customers to have their own totes, it might not be long before that inquiry goes the way of local land-line phones. So it seemed appropriate to ask those friendly checkout clerks what can be learned from purchasers of food who opt for one or the other. As it turns out, most of those at the store's cash registers have unofficial anthropological observations about shopper references. Plastic points to a dog owner. Canine companions favor plastic to make the kind of doggy bags that serve as a receptacle for digested food, which is one reason why fluttering green plastic may be seen tied to the pooper-scoopers of some of the city's dog walkers. Plastic also is requested by those who have small waste-baskets in the home -- just the perfect size for those trash-can liners. Who uses paper? Generally, the more environmentally conscious. In fact, a few of these people often say so, striking up a brief conversation on how paper can be recycled and bio-degraded, etc. However, on days when heavy items in glass containers are bought, even some committed paper-bag users go the plastic route. It turns out more than one customer has had the bottom of a paper bag collapse. Of course, in those cases, employees of Roth's have a routine preventive step: Just ask to "double-bag" it next time.
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