Charter School Contract Approved
Directors of the Siuslaw School District ratified a contract last night with the Whitmore Classical Academy charter school. The vote came after several weeks of meetings between board representatives of both 97J and the Whitmore Academy. It was not a unanimous vote however as board vice chair, Maureen Miltenberger said she would be voting no because she was – quote – “very concerned” about the charter school being able to meet the timelines for two major provisions in the contract. Miltenberger was one of three directors who served on that committee along with Chair Brian Lacouture and Director Kady Sneddon. During Wednesday’s discussion Miltenberger asked Whitmore vice chair Jodi O’Mara if they would be able to meet an October 1 deadline to provide a list of students intending to attend the charter school and if they were on track to select and hire a “Head of School”. O’Mara assured Miltenberger they would meet the October 1 deadline for the student list, but that they were still in the interview process for the school head and they did not have a definitive timeline laid out for that right now. Ultimately the board ratified the contract on a six to one vote. Whitmore Academy Board President Kay King said they would be issuing a press release regarding the decision and with what will come next for the board. In other business, the board heard a presentation from Bud Nelson with Siuslaw Youth Soccer Association about a possible partnership to develop fields for physical education, athletics, and community soccer use.
Florence Festival of Books
The Florence Festival of Books is on the calendar for later in the month. The popular event will be at the Florence Events Center on September 28th. it will feature Keynote speaker Dr. Scott Donaldson who has penned the book, Urological Surgery and Lite Haulin. Stories of everyday people. Donaldson has been compiling stories told by his patients for over 25 years and has been retelling them in book and audio form for more that a decade. There is a basic $2 admission and a $5 cost for admission to speakers and exhibits. A $10 all access pass includes speakers, exhibits, workshops and the keynote address. The event begins at 9:30 with Dr. Donaldson.
Winter Music Festival Update
The Florence Winter Music Festival has announced its lineup for the 2025 festival. The popular Henhouse Prowlers return for Friday night as the headliners. Opening for them will be Kristen Grainger and True North. Saturday evening will be an all woman Grammy nominate string band Della Mae. Opening for them will be the Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band. The event will be January 23-25th tickets and information is available at wintermusicfestival.org.
Trailblazers Come to Florence
Next Tuesday the 17th the Portland Trailblazers will be in town to promote their upcoming NBA Season. Several members of the team will be on hand along with the voice of the trailblazers Travis Demers and the trailblazer mascot. The team will head first to the Siuslaw Middle school and High School to participate in a PE takeover and then set up at the boardwalk for community interaction.
