Community Support

Dr. John Stanger, one of the few physicians at Peace Harbor Medical Center with children in the Siuslaw School District, made a powerful public comment at the School Board Budget Meeting Wednesday night (4/22/26) ending at the 37-minute mark of the youtube feed: "I continue to read either in local news, social media, or from past statements made to this board, that the medical providers don't want to be here because our district is failing students in one way or another. Ironically none of these individuals making these claims have ever bothered to ask me or any of my colleagues why we're here or more importantly, why we stay, or how any of us feel about this district. I don't believe this district is failing our study body. My three children have soared here. As an outsider looking in it appears more that this community fails to support this district, and for that I apologize...This district overwhelmingly does right by the student body and community... When physicians look for hospital employment they tend to look heavily for unique opportunities for their children. Whether that be excellent performance in sports, access to early college credit, creative arts and theater, or just sound investment from the community into the school system. Since I arrived here three years ago this community has lost at least seven primary care physicians and at least two surgeons for various reasons. We've been unable to replace the majority of those vacancies despite considerable efforts. I'm the only surgeon not planning to retire in the next five to ten years. That should scare you. I'm one of only three physicians [at Peace Harbor Medical Center] who have children in the district. Most because they live outside the district and commute in or they no longer have school-age children because they're nearing retirement. That should scare you." "As part of the hospital recruitment, there's a community tour that drives right down past all the schools, which starts off great at the elementary and ends in one of the most abysmal buildings in the city. Whether true or not, the current dilapidated high school screams that this community does not invest in its youth. Repeated bond measure failures of the past only cement that prospect to inquiring physicians questioning if they should accept a job here. It certainly was high on my mind. To the stringent opponents of the current bond measure listening today, I would strongly caution you that failure to pass the current bond measure and build a new high school will most certainly make it impossible to bring new medical providers to the area. I would encourage the naysayers to start taking this matter seriously. A third bond measure failure will be impossible to explain during interviews with new medical providers. Construction of a new high school will be a huge selling point in physician recruitment...Please note these opinions expressed today are that of my own and do not represent an official statement from Peace Health or Peace Harbor Medical Center."

"The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second-best time is now" This verse is so fitting in regards to the current state of the Siuslaw Schools. Our community simply cannot afford to let another opportunity pass by. Investing in the schools not only supports our children, it supports our entire community and keeps Florence a desirable place to live. Allowing the schools to remain in a state of disrepair is shameful and not conducive to being a "City in Motion" as Florence is often referred to. Please help keep Florence moving forward by supporting the Siuslaw School bond. The time is indeed now.

As a retired educator, I wholeheartedly endorse the passage of Measure 379 to build a new High School in Florence. The current facility, over 50 years old, can not keep pace with the changing tides of the 21st century. This bond is an investment in our students, in our community and in our country's future. Please join me in voting yes.

“Building a community is an act of gratitude and foresight. No matter where we've lived throughout our lives, we stand on the shoulders of prior generations whose support gave us the schools we and our children grew up in, and now it is our turn to pay that legacy forward. By modernizing our schools, we aren't just constructing buildings; we are ensuring Florence remains a vibrant, competitive home for the next generation of leaders and workers.”

“I know first-hand the benefit of having quality schools to attract a solid workforce. Folks will gladly relocate here if they feel their kiddos are being taken care of in safe educational environments that are conducive to learning and thriving. A new high school and renovated elementary school are essential in our endeavor to keep Florence a 'City in Motion'. It's time!”

“A modern facility would attract and retain educators and other professionals to serve our community. It would demonstrate to our children and families that we are investing in our future. We have a responsibility to those who preceded us to ensure we are carrying forward their legacy by supporting this measure.”

“In order for young professional families like my own to remain in Florence, we need modern school facilities that reflect the academic excellence, athletic achievements, and irreplaceable Viking pride happening inside the schools. We're at a point where we can't afford not to improve our facilities.”

“It may look good from the road, but inside the crowded classrooms, the mechanical system shortcomings, and the toll of time cannot be ignored. Clearly, now is the time to replace our high school building with a safer, more functional, and efficient facility. I fully support the school bond.”

“My name is Gina Castro Brandt, and I am an alumni, a parent, and previous educator who walked the halls of SHS for 3 decades. After teaching science for 26 years, I can tell you firsthand that the facilities that we expect our students to learn science in to keep up with the educational science standards are completely inadequate. We had exhaust fans unusable for years. We didn't have propane available for Bunsen burners necessary for labs. The pipes were corroding and we lacked hot water. These are the same walls that if they experienced a moderate sized earthquake are most likely to fall inward — on students if during school hours. It is the adult's responsibility to keep our youth safe, engaged, and provide the best possible educational opportunity we can. Vote yes.”

“The time is now. The reasons are clear. For the past decade, as someone with a strong background in construction and facilities management, I have served on multiple versions of the Siuslaw Facilities Advisory Committee. I strongly believe the data demonstrates that since 2016, it has made fiscal sense to replace the high school and renovate portions of the elementary school. The plan maximizes use of District properties, dramatically reduces issues with parking, enhances bus service, vastly improves security at all three schools, and increases public access to fields and tracks. Strong and attractive schools make for a vibrant and growing community. Vote yes for our schools and our community.”

“It is time for our School District to deal with the replacement of our current High School. Our current High School has Structural Issues, Safety and Security Issues, Failing HVAC System, Outdated Electrical System and Inadequate Class Room Spaces. The School District has long studied all of the options to address these issues, and has decided that the best solution for the long term is to replace the existing High School with a New High School. It is time for all of us, within the Siuslaw School District, to show our support for our Children and the upcoming School Bond Measure. I will be voting “YES” in support of the New High School and I hope you will too.”

“A “YES” vote for the Siuslaw School District Bond Proposal is not only an investment in our young people—it is an investment in the future of our entire community. Safe, functional, and modern schools are essential for Florence to grow and thrive. I had the privilege of teaching in our district for 32 years. It is time to replace the high school. Our students and staff deserve better than trying to learn and work in a building that struggles with basic needs like reliable heat, adequate security, and the infrastructure required for modern technology. I urge you to vote “YES” for the future of Siuslaw Schools and the future of Florence.”

“Supporting the Siuslaw School Bond is about more than a building. This bond is about creating a safe, modern place for students to learn and grow. It's also about strengthening our community. Strong schools attract families, support our local workforce, and help people put down roots here. Florence has been home to our family for the past 33 years. We built our family and a business here. We also come from a family of public school teachers, so we believe strongly in public education. We believe in this community. We believe in our students and our educators. And we believe in the future of Florence. Please join us in voting YES for Siuslaw Schools and YES for the future of Florence.”

“As grandparents of current Siuslaw students, parents of Siuslaw educators, and retired Siuslaw teachers ourselves, we wholeheartedly endorse the Siuslaw School Bond. A safe and secure learning environment for our children is the responsibility of all who live and work in this community. We believe that nothing is more important than our children and demonstrating our commitment to them through the facilities we provide for their education will be an enduring legacy for us all. Having lived in Florence for over 47 years, we see daily how fortunate we are to have former students settled in Florence working in a variety of fields. This generational investment of skills and resources deserves a vote for the common good.”

“My husband and I are both proud Siuslaw graduates, and this community has always held a special place in our hearts. The schools here played an important role in shaping our lives, and now, as parents of daughters who will grow up in this district, supporting our schools feels deeply personal. We want our girls — and every child in Siuslaw — to have safe, secure, and modern places to learn and grow. Our family will be voting Yes on the Siuslaw School Bond because we believe investing in safe schools is investing in our children and in the future of our community.”

“It's time for our community to build a new high school and renovate the elementary school. It's time to invest in attracting and retaining professionals and families to our beautiful part of the coast, strengthening our communities. It's time to take advantage of a $6 million grant awarded for school construction. It's time to support the bond measure. It's time!”

“Please join me in supporting the school bond this May for replacing our high school and much needed facility updates. I consider this an investment in the future not only for our schools but the community at large. We have an opportunity to receive a state grant that will go directly towards this project if the bond is approved. The current condition of our high school speaks for itself, and unfortunately attempting to improve upon the existing building would not be economically effective. It's time to move forward on improving our school facilities. Thank you for your support.”

“I am writing to share my strong support for Bond Measure 20-379, which will fund the construction of a new high school and provide much-needed upgrades to an existing elementary school in our district. As a longtime Florence resident, I have seen the challenges our schools face—aging buildings, outdated infrastructure, and limited capacity to support modern learning needs. The bond will provide the resources needed to build a safe, functional, and future-ready high school. Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways we can support the vitality and success of Florence. I encourage my fellow community members to join me in voting YES on Measure 20-379.”

“It's clear to me after nearly 4 years in high school that we need a new building. One reason is so that we can attract and keep medical providers in this area. I'm grateful for the doctors and nurses we have here, but I've had 3 different primary care providers since I moved here when I was 11. Good modern school facilities are a major factor for any community to be strong, healthy, and thriving. Although I will be graduating soon, I want future students - and our community - to have better facilities. Please vote yes for the school bond.”

“During our 35 years living in Florence, we have loved watching our community come together for causes that make us better. Over those years, Florence has cheered on, supported, and contributed to a new hospital, events center, fire station, police station and courthouse, library, city hall, senior center, humane society, clubs and organizations, new businesses and restaurants, a new middle school, and countless youth sports teams and productions. Each of these investments has helped our community stay vital and thriving. They bring energy and momentum to our area, attract new families, and draw in the professionals and services that keep Florence vibrant and healthy. I look forward to seeing our community do it again. Let’s come together, and this time for our aspiring youth. A school bond that includes a new high school will strengthen Florence for decades to come and give our youth the motivating, well-equipped learning environment they need and deserve. Although our own children are grown, we will be supporting the upcoming Siuslaw School Bond. We believe that a quality education—supported by safe, modern spaces and essential resources—benefits every one of us and ensures a bright future for the next generation. Join us in voting yes on the Siuslaw School Bond.”

“Investing in a new school and updated school buildings through a bond is an investment in our community’s future, giving students a safe, modern space to learn and grow!”

“Our community’s future depends on the opportunities we create for our students today. This bond would not only build a new high school but also address much-needed repairs at our elementary school—ensuring younger students learn in a secure and well-maintained environment. It’s not just an investment in buildings—it’s an investment in student success, workforce readiness, and the long-term strength of our community. Supporting this bond means giving all of our kids, from their earliest years through graduation, the tools they need to thrive close to home.”

“I’m writing in support of the proposed upgrades in the Siuslaw School Bond. I am a local physician, currently working in Florence, and planning to move my family from Eugene to Florence in the coming year. My wife and I were recently blessed with the birth of our first child, as such, the quality of local schools has now become the number one factor in deciding where we will live and work, and I have significant concerns and reservations about the condition of schools in Florence, particularly the high school. Investing in our children and the quality of their education, including the physical learning space, should be an easy decision to make. Now, more than ever, our children deserve a safe and comfortable space to learn and grow together. We are all proud of our children and this community, we should equally be proud of providing them with a quality learning experience. I hope this letter helps encourage necessary change and puts an emphasis on how crucial this matter is, not only to our children, but to those who may be considering moving to Florence to contribute to the greater benefit of the community.”

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as chair of the Siuslaw School District Facilities Advisory Committee, and the Siuslaw school bond political action committee, whenever either committee has been active over the past 7+ years.

I have been an educator for most of the past 55 years, working in both public and independent schools for grade levels ranging from kindergarten through 12. In my career, I have seen how great education can be under the best of circumstances, with excellent teachers and facilities. I have also seen how fine educational institutions can benefit communities and people of all ages within those communities.

Having worked as a volunteer and later as a staff member for Siuslaw schools since 2016, I have witnessed the tremendous caring and dedication of our Siuslaw teachers and staff members. I have also worked with hundreds of students in this school district who truly want an excellent education. To the extent possible, given the limitations of our aging facilities, we offer fine educational opportunities in academics, career and technical arts, athletics and much more.

Now, it's time for us to address our educational facilities needs. When I began my career as an educator, I might have said that facilities play a minor role in the educational process. That is no longer true. With new research in education, we know that flexible classrooms, hands-on learning, natural light, assembly space with decent acoustics, and basic human comforts in temperature and air quality, play oversized roles in the teaching and learning processes. Our facilities at the high school and elementary school are lacking in all of those categories. Furthermore, in this age of electronics, infrastructure has become a significant factor in primary and secondary education - and our electrical systems in the Siuslaw school district are seriously in need of increased capacity and modernization.

Student and teacher safety and security are also key factors in schools. Our high school building, and portions of our elementary school, are unsafe and unsecured: unsafe because they were built before modern earthquake codes, and unsecured because of the many entrances to the high school and the open corridors at the elementary school.

Schools also hold a pivotal role in most communities. Good schools - fueled by excellent teachers and attractive, well-functioning facilities - are vital to a thriving community. We are all aware of the shortage of health professionals in the Florence area, and we have heard from families who do not wish to move to this area because of our aging school facilities. Good schools, of which facilities are a critical component, will attract new professionals, new businesses, and new investment in our community. This will increase our tax base, lowering individual property taxes for all of us and bringing new medical, cultural, business, and service opportunities to this area. Good school facilities will also give us a competitive edge in continuing to attract the best teachers available.

A committee of outstanding local community members, consisting of 12 from the community-at-large and 6 from the school district (including both employees and school board members) spent nearly 2 years examining Siuslaw School District facilities - including both remodeling and rebuilding options - and developing a recommendation that was presented to the members of the Siuslaw School Board last December. Based on that recommendation, the school board has approved a school bond measure to be placed on the May 19 ballot. Please take a few minutes to look at the frequently asked questions and responses, testimonials, short videos, photos, bond costs and other factual information on this website.

The May 19 school bond measure presents one of the most important decisions for local voters in the history of the Siuslaw region. Its passage will help to set the stage for the health, strength and prosperity of our children, our community, and our future. Thank you for taking the time to consider it.

As a parent to a kid that attends our amazing public schools I want them to have the best academic career possible. I know that our district is filled with dedicated and talented teachers and administrators who are actively working to give kids the skills they need to be successful inside the classroom and beyond but there is one thing that they cannot provide: modern, safe, and welcoming facilities that kids, parents and community members alike are proud of. Facilities that meet all the needs and standards of current teaching methodology and student well-being and safety. Only us, as a community of caring adults and dedicated stewards of our public schools can do that.

I want to know that when my kid is at school that the building they’re in is one that supports their learning and ensures their safety. I want an elementary school that is seismically sound, an elementary school that can incorporate our youngest students inside the building and a high school that will serve as a reminder that the people in our district care about the kids who go to school here and want them to reach the highest levels of success each is capable of. We deserve it. My kid and your kids and grandkids deserve it. That’s why I am voting YES on Measure 379.

As a parent of Siuslaw graduates and a volunteer within the school district for the past 20 years, I would like to express my support for the upcoming bond to address many critical facility needs within the school district. The Siuslaw School District Facilities Advisory Committee spent hundreds of hours over a three year period working with engineers, architects and educational consultants studying the needs and looking at every viable option to address those needs in a thoughtful, efficient and cost effective way. Many do not realize that there are Oregon laws governing how school districts can address facility needs. Some of those needs can only be addressed through bond measures such as this one. The Facility Advisory Committee working with the Siuslaw Board has not only come up with a plan that is the most cost effective way to address the needs of the students, but has prepared for anticipated future educational needs and provided resource opportunities for the community at large never before imagined.

As a professional addressing housing needs in the community, I understand the fears and concerns. Those critical needs facing our schools will not go away unless this bond passes. Some of those needs can not be addressed through means other than a bond measure. I get the economic fears. If the time is not now, then when? The cost of those needs will only go up. The longer we delay we more likely we run the risk of never addressing those needs. Then what? This is the time to come together and step up for our students and for the future of our community. The time is now.

Join me in VOTING YES on Measure 379. Together we can make a difference for our community and the future of our city. To attract and maintain working families we need modern and safe school facilities. As a grandmother of two children currently attending elementary and middle school, I recognize the urgency to act now. As a resident of Florence, I also see how we could easily fall behind in attracting the next generation of professionals, become a smaller and less vibrant place to live. It’s Time. Vote YES for our schools, our community and our future!

When we arrived in Florence just over nine years ago for Jeff to start his position as a Physician Assistant for Peace Health, it was common to hear frustrations regarding the lack of medical providers in the area. We heard the complaints of many being put on a provider panel waitlist for years. These frustrations were coming from new friends with children at home and retirees alike! Not having a provider for every community member was an absurd thought back then, but it continues to be a problem to this day!

Throughout our time here, we have been involved in many interviews with potential providers and specialists. A common first question for Liz has been, “What are the schools like here?” We’ve watched many providers with young families accept positions only to see them leave within a few short years and move to areas with more to offer their children. We have also watched many highly qualified providers decline a position in Florence when selecting what is best for their families. It is our opinion that the decline of the current high school and elementary school buildings has played and will continue to play a role in attracting qualified medical providers to Florence.

Our four children will have graduated by the time the new building and renovations are complete, but one reason we will be voting YES for the new school and the essential improvements is the impact it has on Jeff’s practice. Having numerous providers leave has added to Jeff’s workload and the overall quality of care he and his fellow providers are able to provide. Florence needs to attract more medical providers who will stay! The quality of schools is a top priority for providers with families. Modern amenities, versus dilapidated and overcrowded facilities, will give us a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining medical staff, and this is good for the whole community.

And to answer “What are the schools like here?” That really is not just about the buildings. We know that! The teachers and staff of the Siuslaw schools are incredible! They are part of why we choose to stay in Florence. It matters to us that they get to work in buildings that foster learning and inspire these children who are the future providers and the essential workers of our community. As a comparison, none of us as patients could walk in a clinic that was falling apart like our schools and receive safe, quality, top of the line care no matter how amazing the provider is. No patient or provider would tolerate those conditions. Why then are we asking this of our students, teachers, and staff? Take a tour of the building. You’ll agree! A YES vote for Siuslaw Schools is a YES for the health, safety, and embetterment of our community!

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the upcoming school bond proposal for Siuslaw Public Schools. As a retired educator, I know that investing in our local schools means investing in the future of our community and our children. The funding provided by this bond will help ensure students across the Siuslaw district have access to safe, modern learning environments and updated tools that are essential for quality education.

Over the last two years I have watched administrators, educators, facilities staff, school building experts and parents as they discussed and reviewed several options for repair or replacement. This current plan is the most cost-effective way to get the high school built, the elementary school upgraded, and sports and meeting areas enhanced. By supporting this bond, we can equip our teachers and students with what they need to thrive, from enhanced technology to improved classrooms and facilities. This investment will not only benefit current students, but also those who follow in the years to come, as well as the whole community!

I urge you to join me in voting “Yes” for the Siuslaw Public Schools bond. Together, we can have a lasting, positive impact on our schools and our entire community.

I work locally in our hospital, and over the years I have seen far too many physicians and other professionals leave our area due to concerns about the quality of our schools and the lack of priority placed on families and children.

Our children deserve a strong education, and investing in our schools is essential. We must also recognize the broader impact this has on our community. When we fail to support our schools, families and professionals choose to move elsewhere, making it increasingly difficult to attract and retain the skilled individuals our town depends on.

By investing in education, we are investing in Florence’s future—helping to build the kind of thriving, vibrant community we all want to live and work in.

Please consider supporting our schools. We need your vote.

Sincerely,

My name is Tom Posegate I’ve worked and volunteered in the schools, my kids go to the schools, and I have the honor to serve on the School Board.

Florence is the only home my children have ever known.

This May, the citizens of our district have the opportunity to invest in our schools and students by passing a bond to fund the building of a new high school and address seismic and safety issues at our elementary school.

I have attended many meetings, reviewed plans and I am confident this investment is not only needed, it’s an incredible opportunity.

If you have questions, don’t go to social media, go to the schools themselves. Take a tour. Ask a student or school staff member. If you’re listening to someone who hasn’t been inside the schools in 20 years, be skeptical of what they’re saying.

I don’t want extravagant, but that’s not what this bond is. I’ve put in hours studying this and I am confident the district has done everything possible to be good stewards of our money. The district won a lottery for the only state grant for school construction, which is cutting $6M off the price. No, they haven’t budgeted a pool or a ball room or underwater basket weaving.

What do parents want? We want our kids to be safe. We want our kids to be able to learn without freezing. We want to send our kids to school and not worry about earthquakes or school shooters. We need to take care of this. We can’t miss this opportunity. It’s time.

“I am writing to implore the city of Florence to pass the bond measure affording reconstruction of our local schools. I am a physician in the community and Chief of Staff at the Peace Harbor Hospital, while also being the father of 5 children that either are enrolled in our local public school system or will be enrolled in the next few years. Their education and continued development are paramount for me to feel comfortable remaining in the community long term. I very much desire to remain in Florence long-term, but without improving our existing school infrastructure, I fear that I will need to move to another community who has better prioritized these educational resources. I love this community that has fully embraced me professionally, but I desire that same sense of commitment to our children.”

Investing in schools is an investment in the future of the entire community. Strong schools help attract families, support local businesses, and ensure that communities continue to grow and thrive.

Florence already faces a shortage of medical providers and other professionals. Quality schools are one of the most important factors families consider when deciding where to live. The facilities committee says some young professionals have chosen not to move to the Florence area—have left—in part because of the condition of the school facilities. Supporters note that construction costs are expected to continue rising over time, which they believe makes addressing these needs sooner more cost-effective.

The $139 million in general obligation bonds, combined with a $6,126,000 state grant, would be used to:

• Build a new Siuslaw High School and improve the surrounding grounds
• Bring the kindergarten classrooms at Siuslaw Elementary School inside the regular school building from their present location in the northernmost elementary parking lot
• Create new bus drop-off zones to increase the general safety for all students as well as expand the area where parents may drop-off or pickup students at the elementary school
• Ensure the safety and security of modern, seismically sound infrastructure, including fire systems

General obligation bonds would be issued for sale. Bonds would be paid off over time by a special property tax assessment. Because such bonds are financed by an increase in property taxes, they are subject to approval of a ballot measure by voters. Property taxes for property owners within the school district service area would increase by $2.75 per $1000 of assessed value.

The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes the condition of elementary and secondary education school facilities is important to the efficiency and effectiveness of the educational program, the quality of the students’ experience, and the security of students, staff and teachers.

“As a retired educator, I wholeheartedly endorse the passage of Measure 379 to build a new High School in Florence. The current facility, over 50 years old, can not keep pace with the changing tides of the 21st century. This bond is an investment in our students, in our community and in our country's future. Please join me in voting yes.”

I support the Florence school bond because strong schools build a strong community.

Investing in our students helps attract and keep the healthcare providers and professionals our aging community relies on. Good schools matter-not just for kids, but for Florence's future.

This bond means safe, warm, modern classrooms where students can thrive.

For me, it's less than $45 a month. Packing one lunch at home each week easily covers it. You can calculate your monthly cost here: https://siuslawschoolbond.com/cost-calculator.html

A small investment. A lasting impact. I'm voting YES for Florence's future.

“Schools are arguably the best measure of a community, reflecting the importance a community places on its collective future. Paula and I believe education is the foundation of any community and requires periodic re-investment. If you toured the high school, you know it's long past time to be replaced - and a new school is at least two years away. Back in 1968, when the Florence population was 2,000, voters approved a bond issue to construct a school that today serves a community of over 9,000. Plain and simple, that was a commitment to the future. Now it's our turn. Paula and I urge a YES vote.”

As a lifelong member of this community, a Siuslaw graduate, and a mother of both recent graduates and a current middle school student, I care deeply about the future of our schools. I am also the owner of Wildflower Montessori School, where we serve children ages 3 to 6 and prepare them with a strong foundation for learning. Each year, we send about 20 students on to the Siuslaw School District, and we do so with the hope that they will continue to grow, thrive, and feel inspired in the next stage of their education.

Our current high school does not reflect that hope. It is outdated, unsafe, and does not provide an environment where students or educators can truly do their best work. From both a parent's perspective and an educator's, it is difficult to feel confident sending our children into a space that does not meet their basic needs for safety, engagement, and pride.

In Montessori education, we understand that the environment is not just a backdrop for learning but rather a critical part of it. We put a great deal of thought into creating our learning environment to properly meet the needs of our students. A well-prepared environment nurtures curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. When a space is thoughtfully designed, children are empowered to explore, take ownership of their education, and reach their full potential. When it is not, it becomes a barrier to success.

From a Montessori perspective, our current high school environment is failing to support the very outcomes we all want for our children.

Supporting Measure 379 is about more than a new building. It is about investing in an environment that reflects the value we place on our students, our educators, and our community. It is about creating a space where children feel safe, inspired, and capable and where they can grow into confident, successful members of society. For my own children, for the students I serve, and for the future of our community, I strongly support Measure 379.

The Siuslaw School District Facilities Committee formed over two years ago with the task of deciding exactly what our district needs regarding building improvements or replacements. The Committee was made up of concerned people in the community.

I learned the following as a committee member:

Communities that passed bonds for new school buildings had an immense amount of pride, not only because their students had new, improved and safer places to learn, but also because the communities had schools that would attract newcomers to their district.

Districts that remodeled an existing school sometimes had regrets including: costs beyond their budget, longer build times than constructing a new building, and student unrest and discomfort from the constant noise, dust and disruption.

Problems at Siuslaw High School include: not being up to seismic code; 17 entrances which, despite substantial measures to protect students, still present the chance of entry by a dangerous intruder; the boiler periodically breaks down, leaving the building without heat; some rooms are too hot, some rooms are too cool; making necessary changes to the athletic locker rooms would require extensive work; any significant changes to the building would trigger expensive asbestos removal and building code upgrades; there is not enough room in the lunch area for all students, resulting in many students leaving campus at lunchtime; some classrooms are too small for modern teaching methods; and some do not have adequate natural light.

The modular classrooms used by the kindergarteners are nearing the end of their expected use and the committee members were unsure where they would go if the bond is not passed. If you have been close to the elementary school around 3 o'clock on weekdays you will have seen the line of cars on Oak Street, sometimes past the middle school, with parents picking up their children. The bond will allow buses to drop off and pick up students at the south end of the school on school property. The buses will then continue on behind the elementary school to the middle and high schools. This change allows parents to wait in the area in front of the school, off of Oak Street.

I urge you to vote yes for our school bond measure 379. Thank you.

As a Siuslaw alumna and a mother of two graduates, I've seen firsthand how much this beautiful area has to offer. Throughout my 15 years in local Human Resources and recruitment, I have seen a consistent reality: to retain the essential professionals our town depends on-particularly in healthcare-we must demonstrate a commitment to our students. High-quality schools are a primary factor for families relocating here; strong educational infrastructure attracts the very people who provide our community's most vital services.

Right now, our facilities are at their limit. From administrators in modular units to kindergarteners in aging buildings, our infrastructure no longer matches the excellence of our people. Investing in a modern, safe, and adequate high school and updates to our elementary school isn't just about buildings-it's about securing the healthcare, services, and taking care of our neighbors today...and into the future.

It's time to invest in our students. It's time to put Florence first! Please join me in voting YES!