Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2010)
2010 News 3 Major budget cutbacks leave programs intact E mily R eed _________________ It doesn't take a lot of observation to notice that there have been many changes at WLHS since June. The State revenue fell by $3.3 million for this school year and the effects are being seen throughout the school. "We lost 12 people from our building last year. Eleven either found another job in the district, retired or resigned. Only one was out of a job," Lou Bailey, principal, said. Class sizes are another aspect that changed from last year. "We went from classes ranging from 24 to 30 students last year to classes ranging from 29-37 this year," Bailey said. Select Spanish classes now range from 35-38 students, a rather substantial jump from where they were last year. In addition to this, social studies and math classes now average about 35 students. When faced with the problem of which classes with their department on how to divide up the kids and the forecasting numbers and where to have higher class sizes. In some cases, due to the budget, there weren’t many choices to be made. We would prefer to have lower class sizes in freshman and sophomore courses," Bailey said. Although the budget was tight, the district didn't have to make too many sacrifices, according to Bailey. "We didn't have to cut any programs this year," Bailey said. The district did not have to cut was the supply budget this year. "We have kept the Photo by Hannah Zaayer supply budget pretty Adam Betzelberger, social studies teacher, flat over the last is one of the 12 staff members who is no five years, it hasn't longer working in the building due to budget cuts. In addition to staff reductions, changed much," the school faces program reductions in the Roger Woehl, district superintendent, said. next few years. would have more students and which would remain the same, administrators had a system. "Department chairs work According to Woehl, the budget picture will not improve much in the next few years. "We will have to make the same cut next year," Woehl said. Back in September, there was speculation about the School Board's proposal to cut 15 days off of the school year. According to Woehl, it was unrealistic to have all of the 15 days be student days. "We will cut a mixture of holidays, teacher work days and then a few student days," Woehl said. The final decision cut nine student days throughout the year, approximately one per month, and six staff development or work days. Staff members are working 15 unpaid days throughout the remainder of the year. Figuring out when to take these days off was perplexing. "We can't take them all from the end of the year, because then teachers could apply for unemployment and the benefits come out of the district's money," Woehl said. During the summer, the school underwent refurbishing in the main gym and old commons area. This was funded by a capital grant. "What people don't understand is that we have two sources of money, the Capital Construction money and the Operation money. We can't use one to fund another," Woehl said. Both Bailey and Woehl agree it will require the reorganization and redesign of classes. In the near future, there could be more online classes like the culinary arts class started last year. There has also been talk of giving students the option of increasing and changing their school day. "Some students prefer to have a different schedule either coming in later and staying later, and in the future we could give students options," Bailey said. District moves closer to offering Recurring rumors falsify regulations heathy lunch options for students E mily A rt _________________ Some rumors never die. Year after year, the same buzz about lengthening the six month probation period "Ten years ago, they made the six months rule for people under the age of 18, but no other laws extending the six months has been possible Congress will not collect enough votes and will have to re-vote on it in the future. If Congress chooses to pass it, Oregon b efo re teen s c a n d riv e o th e rs h a s w o rrie d teen d riv e rs . It d isc u s se d o r is in p r o c e s s ,” H o u s e sa id . "N o la w s, s u c h w ill h a v e a m in im u m o f th re e y e a rs to d e cid e to a c c e p t th e as the extended one year wait, will take effect this year or the next. The DMV would not be able to establish those kinds of laws anyway. They take many years to develop and pass." The only restriction on driving with others is already in effect in Oregon. But there is a proposed law in Congress that could possibly change driving laws for all states. In Congress, there is a legislation called the STANDUP Act (Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection) which would alter Photo by Rachael Woolley driving Kevin H olm es, sophom ore, concentrates w hile for teens behind the wheel during his Driver's Ed lesson. If drastically, students continue to drive safely and responsibly, The the possibility of putting the STANDUP Act into STANDUP action is decreased. Act is a proposed "I haven't even heard federal law, which means about this new one year all states would have to wait plan, but it is not a individually accept the law. law," David House, DMV For states that do not adopt spokesman, said. the modifications, they House was unsure how would receive substantial this rumor began and why cuts to their highway it continues to resurface funding. every year, even though no Congress is currently new regulations have been voting on the law. It is very implemented in Oregon. has become an urban myth among younger generations This additional six month chatter affects all people born in 1995 and thereafter. They would be required to wait one year after earning their license before driving with others in their car. Countless people are unsure if and when this law will apply, while others are concerned that the one-year-wait law is already in effect. STANDUP Act. Oregon may settle on not accepting the law, but certain consequences will come along with that decision. The STANDUP Act will change driving for young drivers more than what most teens expect. The Act would allow drivers to earn their learners permit at age 16 and license at age 18. If driving at night, there must be supervision by an adult and a maximum of one person would be allowed to ride in the car. There are those who believe the extended six month concept is a well thought out idea and could prevent reckless teen drivers from possible accidents. "Teens driving with other teens tend to drive with no purpose, with no destination in mind. It is this kind of driving that tends to create risky creativity and activities that seem fun, but the result can be disastrous," Damon Millican, driver's ed instructor, said. Young drivers can sit back and relax because the one year extension plan is currently not a law in Oregon, but could possibly become one in a few years. There are several directions this law may go. All young drivers should keep their mind focused on the road. No one wants to come to a dead end. A lex S isca The school district has set goals for school food such as the food should have 30% or less of total calories from fat. "All food items served are very healthy in general and follow these goals, especially when served with milk, fruits and vegetables," Cynthia Abel, District Nutrition Ser The meals served average about 210 calories per serving, but can vary with food made to order. The school does serve fruit and vegetables. Currently the school charg es students $3.25 for a combo meal which might include an entree, drink and side such as salad or curly fries. With the juice bar elimi nated, students are now Photo by Eta Santoro Cheeseburger and curly fries are a typical meal served at lunch in the cafeteria, with a side choice of fries, small drink and sauce for $3.25. The district has made many attempts to better the school meals, however, some students believe the portions should be bigger. vice Manager, said. Beverages should be 100% real fruit juice and portion controlled.. The district is also serving lower sugar beverages, which would not include any kind of carbon ated drinks. The district is willing to consider offering more entrees that the students would want, as long as it fits in the district’s budget. "We are very challenged financially. We are trying to use more fresh, local and organic food items and these cost much more than the conventional food materials," Abel said. handed small juice cartons to ensure fruit serving, which is the recommended amount of fruit sugar for a high school student. The school is no longer allowed to give open topped cups to students that they can fill themselves due to new federal government regulations. Some students, though, believe that school lunches are a disappointment. Out of ten students ques tioned, only one thought that the meals were adequate. "It’s good, I don’t think that they need to improve on any thing" Monique Gheorghe, sophomore, said.
