Charter School Sets Cirriculum
Siuslaw Valley Charter School’s Board of Directors has voted to adopt the curriculum for Whitmore Classical Academy following an extensive review process. School officials say more than 500 hours were spent developing curriculum crosswalk documents to show how Oregon Common Core State Standards are addressed in lessons and materials. The review included input from charter schools, education professionals, Oregon Department of Education curriculum specialists, and an independent local educator. Executive Director Jennifer Waggoner says the school now has strong curriculum, leadership, and teachers in place as Whitmore prepares to welcome students into classrooms.
City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at City Hall with several presentations and action items on the agenda. The evening will begin with awards for the 2026 “If I Were Mayor” contest, recognition of local first responders by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and presentation of a Lane Council of Governments award for Outstanding Economic Enhancement. Councilors will also consider creating an ad-hoc advisory committee for the Florence Mobility Hub Feasibility Study and Project Development. Other items include a resolution to enter into the Managing Oregon Resources Efficiently intergovernmental agreement and discussion of the recruitment process for 2026 city committee vacancies. The consent agenda includes a recommendation to approve a new full on-premise liquor license for Happy Taco on Laurel Street. Public comment will also be taken.
New Pilot Program -Lane Transit District
Lane Transit District has launched a new rural shuttle pilot serving parts of Lane County, including Mapleton and Deadwood along the Highway 36 corridor. The program began March 2nd and is designed to expand transit service to rural areas that currently have limited or no public transportation options. LTD officials say the service will help connect residents with essential needs such as medical care, prescriptions, groceries, education, and work. The pilot is funded through Oregon’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund and will run through June of 2027. Under the schedule, the Highway 36 corridor service operates Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional service also runs in South Lane and the Mohawk Valley on select days. LTD says the program is being coordinated with regional partners and local nonprofits.
