schools
november16
2017
13
Schools Update: Bond Projects Getting Started
By Aaron Miller
The Vernonia School District
continues to make progress in its efforts
to implement capital improvement proj-
ects to be completed with the passing of
last May’s Bond.
In addition to bringing Heery In-
ternational onboard as the overall Proj-
ect Manager, the School Board recently
approved the recommendation to hire
Oh Planning and Design, Architecture as
the architect for the major construction
projects within the scope of the Bond
work.
Now that the Project Manager
and Architect are both onboard the Dis-
trict will work with them to develop firm
timelines for each project on the list.
They will also put together a much clear-
er estimate of what each project will cost
given the scope of work, as well as the
changing market conditions due to the
booming construction industry.
Throughout this process we will
work to include the public in our discus-
sions, asking for input and feedback on
projects to be implemented, as well as
providing timely updates on the progress
of those projects that have already been
started.
While this process is necessary
as the preparatory work to complete
these projects effectively, on budget and
on time, there are some Bond projects
that the District will undertake on its
own.
Currently we are working with
the Project Manager to address the
roofing and gutter needs at Mist Grade
School. This project will not be one that
the architects are involved in, and will
likely go out to bid very soon to take ad-
vantage of construction schedules and to
avoid projected pricing increases.
In addition to the building work
at Mist Grade School, new playground
equipment will be selected by the staff,
students and parents at Mist with in-
stallation projected over the 2018 sum-
mer. A similar selection process for
playground equipment at the Vernonia
Schools building will be put in place by
our Sprouts parent group, with installa-
tion of this equipment also projected for
the summer of 2018.
Some items that have already
been ordered are the new trophy cases
that will allow the District to display
its many awards that have been in stor-
age since the flood. These cases will be
placed in the blue hallway, and will pave
the way for our historical class pictures
to once again be hung and displayed in
the halls.
If you have any questions or
concerns regarding the Bond, or any
other School District happenings, please
call at (503) 429-5891.
Also, the next Superinten-
dent/Community Chat is scheduled for
Wednesday, January 24 from noon to
1:00 pm at Subway. Stop by to talk with
me, and share any questions or concerns
you have for the Vernonia School Dis-
trict.
for teachers throughout the rest of the
school year. Safier told the Board that
she likes the flexibility the schedule pro-
vides which allows staff to address spe-
cific needs as they arise and noted poten-
tial topics: Drug and Alcohol Awareness,
Trauma Informed Care, and Positive Be-
havior Interventions and Supports. She
said teachers would be discussing Sui-
cide Awareness in December and Janu-
ary. Safier told the Board that she would
like to see more time for Professional
Development built into the schedule in
the future.
Superintendent Report – Superinten-
dent Aaron Miller updated the Board on
his ongoing Community Chats, the fix
for a home adjacent to the school cam-
pus that was having water run off issues
perpetrated by the campus construction,
and attempts to reschedule the “Paper
Tiger” film showing and discussion.
Miller told the Board hours have
been added to staff time in the cafeteria
and maintenance staff time at the Mist
School, freeing up time for the Mainte-
nance Supervisor and other maintenance
staff.
Miller updated the Board on the
potential start-up of a virtual academy
system that would allow home school
School Board Report
At the November 9, 2017 School Board
Meeting:
Bond Expenditure Process – District
Superintendent Aaron Miller requested
that the Board raise the limit for ex-
penditures that need to be approved
by the Board. Current policy requires
Board approval for any expenditure over
$10,000. In order to move projects ap-
proved under the May 2017 General Ob-
ligation Bond in a timely manner, Miller
requested the limit be raised to $150,000.
Miller said this amount was consistent
with other Districts he had spoken with
that were working on Bond capital im-
provement projects. Miller said the
Board would be informed monthly on
planning, implementing, and paying for
capital improvements, and only Bond
approved projects would be subject to
the increased limit on spending. The
Board approved an increase to $100,000
and will require that the Board be noti-
fied with an informational email prior to
the expenditure.
Miller later informed the audi-
ence that the District has hired Oh Ar-
chitecture for bond related projects and
said the firm was the first choice of each
member of the selection committee and
has experience with small school district
projects. (See full story on this page.)
Board Approves Supervisory Agree-
ment – The Board approved the 2017-
18 Confidential/Supervisory Contract
for the following positions: Business
Manager, Administrative Assistant, Fis-
cal Assistant, Special Education Com-
pliance Officer, Maintenance Supervi-
sor, and Food Service Director. The only
significant change in the contract was to
provide a 3% step raise, which is consis-
tent with other employee salary sched-
ules this year.
Enrollment Report – The Board re-
ceived an enrollment report which
showed an increase of three students
from October 1 to November 1. Total
enrollment is 537, with 18 students at
the Mist School, 220 in the Elementary
School in grades K-5, 112 students in the
Middle School in grades 6-8, and 187
students in the High School in grades
9-12 including 13 exchange students.
Transportation Report – Shelley
Hennessy from Curl’s School Bus Ser-
vice provided the annual transportation
report. Hennessy told the Board there
are five large bus routes, five small bus
routes and two van routes; there is also
a run to Mist School and vans go to
Beaverton, special needs homes, and
to Head Start for Early Intervention
students. There are 10 assigned driv-
ers and two substitutes. Hennessy re-
ported there have been 0 accidents, one
breakdown, and two late buses during
the past year.
Teacher Professional Development –
High School instructor Juliette Safier
provided the Board with an update
on ongoing professional development
for teachers. She said teachers have
worked successfully on Evidence-
Based Behavioral Support with Ben
Smith on two occasions and provided
the dates for four more work sessions
continued on page 14
Vernonia Students of the Month
October 2017
Elementary School
Alicia Wack
Back Row, left to right:
Koa Leininger (Grade 3),
Marissa Naeve (4), Joshua
Meglen-Robledo (2), Lucian
Cutright (4), Rebecca Nelson
(5). Front Row, left to right:
Alexander Sever (K), Sapphire
Herndon (3), Myles Milstien
(K), Hayden Kofstad (1)
Grade 6
Alicia is known for being diligent, doing her work,
and putting forth 100% effort. She is also known
for her great sense of humor and attitude. Alicia
ran cross country this year and plans to run track
in the spring. She also hopes to participate in
choir. At home she does chores and helps take
care of the animals on their family farm. She
hopes to do 4-H this year and also likes to hike.
Brook Naron
Grade 12
Brook is the Public Relations representative for the
Student Body, is part of the leadership class, and
recently attended the state leadership conference
for students. She helps plan school activities like
Homecoming and Prom. She is starting to tudor
young students and outside of school she helps
teach art classes to young students. She works at
the Black Iron Grill, enjoys riding horses, and
spending time with her dog Jasper. Next year she
hopes to attend Pacific University and study to
become a veterinarian.
Sponsored by Senator Betsy Johnson