Ocean Avenue Elementary School
The Facts!
In these challenging economic times, Portland has the unique opportunity to build a new school on the former Baxter School site – and this project Will be funded entirely by the State. However, the State Board of Education requires Portlanders to demonstrate broad community support for the building of this new school as a final step to secure state funding - Don’t let this opportunity pass us by - We Need Your Participation!!!
Why?
- 21st Century Design! The new school will be designed using the very best building techniques to create a cutting edge place for learning and preparing our children for the future.
- Strengthen Community! The new school will not only serve the children of the Baxter and Clifford neighborhoods, but will also improve community recreational opportunities on the site.
- No Taxpayer burden! Total costs for this school will be state funded. Portland taxpayers will not be further burdened while freeing up funds to maintain other aging buildings in the district.
- Dire need! With only one new elementary school built in the last 30 years, Portland has a very urgent need.
- Energy efficient! The new school will be built using the most innovative technologies and techniques, including LEED design standards to lower energy costs resulting in further savings for Portland taxpayers.
- The time is now! State funding to cover the costs of construction is not open ended. We have a tight deadline to demonstrate our support as the State Board of Education will make a final decision on March 12th. If Portland does not win funding in this round it could be many years before we address this critical need.
2 responses so far ↓
Martha Sheils // February 27, 2008 at 6:51 pm
There was a correction that came from the school department on Feb. 25., regarding the straw poll. The correction states that “most” of the new school will be paid for by the state, but even the school department, at this late time, does not know what the city will have to pay for.
The city will need to pay for things like relocation of the current population at Baxter, all additional bussing costs (every kid from the Clifford neighborhood will need to bussed to the new school — that is currently 280 kids. Half that population now walks to school). Other costs are air conditioning, and any other costs beyond a strict formula based on percentages for equipment. There are unknown costs that may not be covered by the contingencies, etc., needless to say the city does not know what those additional costs will be. In my opinion, the school department should not be marketing this project. It should be approved, or not, on its own strengths and merits. It is also inaccurate to say that the state money will be lost if this project is not approved. Clifford was the number 1 school in the ENTIRE STATE to receive construction funding, and it is highly likely that it will make the next round, if this project falls through. If not Clifford then look around our city — Reiche and Hall and Lyseth are in dire need of renovation or replacement. One of those buildings will be on the list, without a doubt.
grantd // February 29, 2008 at 6:53 am
Hi Nori,
I just checked the blog for the first time in weeks and saw this addition, but only because I poked around. Makes me think we might want to change the way this works so that the front page shows the latest stuff, like this new school entry, not the static opening page. What do you think?
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