A report detailing school facility needs over the next decade points to protecting the community’s investment in schools and accommodating growth.

The report to the Newberg School Board by the Facilities Task Force Community Task Force laid out a series of recommendations that addresses those needs. Topping the list is a proposed new middle school to alleviate crowded conditions in Chehalem Valley and Mountain View and accommodate growing enrollment. Major maintenance items such as roof, boiler and flooring replacements, electrical upgrades and modifications for greater energy efficiencies are also recommended by the Facilities Task Force.

The task force was approved by the Board of Directors in February 2010 to examine the district’s current and future facility needs for the next ten years. Committee members examined anticipated educational, activity and athletic program needs, the present condition of district schools and anticipated enrollment growth.

Paul Frankenburger, Task Force Chairman and former school district facilities director, told board members that the committee is aware that the current economy is not optimal for passing a bond to fund facility needs. “The committee would like the board to give serious consideration to funding the recommendations for a number of reasons,” said Frankenburger, including:

• Address safety issues and protect the community’s investment in schools
• Build evenly to avoid having to fund a 20 year accumulation of building needs
• Take advantage of current low interest rates
• Increase energy efficiency to reduce utility costs
• Redevelop the NHS track and performance field to withstand the pressure of additional use as enrollment grows
• Accommodate community growth and increased enrollment in the next decade

Read the complete Facilities Task Force report attached below