13 August 2014
Back to school soon!
Three weeks from today will be the first full day of classes at Siuslaw High School. When students begin arriving the day before that, Principal Kerri Tatum will be ready to greet them.
Kerri Tatum – “I am really excited.”
After coming to Florence last year to be vice-principal, Tatum moves into the principal’s office for the 2014-15 school year. In addition to Tatum, the rest of the administrators at the high school are new to the district. There’s a new number-two in vice-principal Corky Franklin and Jeromy Graybill is the Athletic Director. But, says Tatum…
Kerri Tatum – “Every single one of our teachers is back. It’s pretty much the same staff. It’s wonderful for me as an admin, everybody is here, we’re going to be able to flow really well.”
Most of the classified employees are seasoned as well. That means an easier transition.
Administrators and support staff are already back at work; teachers return next week. They’ll be joined by students after Labor Day. Freshmen report Tuesday, September 2nd, with upper classmen hitting the hallways Wednesday, September 3rd.
Florence Voters Facing Choices
It looks as if Florence voters will have choices to make for all of the open positions at City Hall in November. With just under two weeks remaining in the filing period, candidates are lining up for all four spots.
The race for two four-year terms has drawn at least three prospective candidates. George Lyddon (LID-den) has completed the paperwork needed to get on the ballot; Mildred Rowley and Susie Lacer have each filed preliminary paperwork, but have not yet finalized.
Ronald Preisler (PRICE-ler) and Clarence Lysdale are vying for the two-year council seat.
Incumbent Mayor Nola Xavier and sitting councilor Joe Henry have already submitted their final nominating petitions for the Mayor’s spot; former Mayor and Council Member Alan Burns has done the preliminary paperwork, but has not yet completed it.
The final date to file is Tuesday, August 26th. The election is the first Tuesday in November.
Gas Prices Steady Despite Falling Production
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Florence continues to edge downward. It slipped three cents a gallon this week to $3.85.
Oregon’s average price remains at $3.90. Triple-A spokesperson Marie Dodds says the national average price went down just over a penny this week and is at $3.47.
Prices across the country are either holding steady or inching downwards despite, says Dodds, declining domestic refinery production and conflicts in high volume oil-producing countries.
Mapleton Students Returning to the Hallways
Students at Mapleton Schools will be headed back to class after Labor Day. Superintendent Jodi O’Mara says all new and incoming students in grades K through 5 will need to have proof of immunization and birth certificates unless they have already provided that.
All Middle and High School students must register next week, she says, as well as pay student body fees. Students who plan to drive or park on campus will also be required to bring proof of insurance and a copy of their drivers’ license.
Registration for all grades will be next Monday and Tuesday from eight AM to noon; then from one to four PM.
