School Board to Ask for Disavow Statement
The Siuslaw School Board spent several hours last night in communication with their legal counsel over the contract and subsequent correspondence with the Siuslaw Valley Charter School. An issue was raised after SVCS updated an application for a charter school that removed an affiliation intent with Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian Liberal Arts College in Michigan. Richard Cohn-Lee the school district’s counsel repeatedly warned the board of the potential ramifications if they were to move forward as it is now presented.
“Under the Regulations your district can lose its entire operational budget, it can be forfeit by the department of education.”
According to the Cohn-Lee the district would take the full responsibility of its actions if it decides to move forward as it now stands were there to be any pushback from any member of the community. In a following discussion the board went over the possible ways that they can still approve the Charter School Application. Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak.
“This is where we are at, you submitted something to us on December first and said this is our stance on affiliation with this group and our response is going to be, ‘thank you for that, but no’ If we’re going ahead within the concepts of Oregon law, and you want a classical education model then you have to disavow that letter.”
In the end the board directed Superintendent Grzeskowiak to write a letter asking the SVCS to remove affiliation and association references to Hillsdale College, but they can still choose to use the college’s curriculum.
Winter Weather
This weekend there is a potential for some winter weather as the National Weather Service has put a Winter Storm Watch into effect for the area. Snow levels are predicted to be at 2600 feet overnight Friday, but the potential for some snow is in the forecast. Mountainous areas could see up to four inches of snow and some ice accumulation. Along with the storm winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph.
Whitmore Classical Academy Readies
Prior to last night’s school board meeting the Whitmore Classical Academy issued a press release from its founding board chair Aric Sneddon affirming its intent to provide a comprehensive and rigorous liberal arts curriculum with an emphasis on math, literature, history and the fine arts. Sneddon says the school is looking forward to working with the Siuslaw School District as they continue through the approval process.
C.R.O.W Bingo Fundraiser
It is still a few weeks away but the Childrens Repertory of Oregon Workshop is holding a Bingo Fundraiser for Kids in the Arts. The event will be hosted by Three Rivers Casino on February 17th from 5-9 pm. CROW Director Melanie Heard touted the hours of work by volunteers to pull off such and event that has positive consequences for the children in the Florence Community. Heard says they would like to see participants in costume, but it is not required. Tickets are $50 per person with discounts for larger reserved tables. Information can be found at crowkids.com/bingofundraiser.
