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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 15, 2017)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Dunes City happy about having this from 1A shoved down our throats, in our city. But we have been advised by counsel that we do not have the authority to say no to the applicants that have applied at this point. But I do feel there are many issues that we do need to explore.” Councilor Tom Mallen agreed and said, “I am not MARK BRENNAN/SIUSLAW NEWS District from 1A When asked about the crowd and the unexpected interest in what normally would be a routine meeting, Siuslaw Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak said, “There is a lot of confusion about what schools could or could not do with regards to law enforce- ment and/or immigration offi- cials in the general public. That led to my opening state- ment in hopes to clarify the legal issues and quell the rumors that may have been fueled by incorrect assumption and speculation.” Grzeskowiak went on to explain that many of the issues raised have to do with either state or federal level issues, far beyond the reach of a school district. The issue of “Sanctuary” status, and the ramifications of a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Florence, had also been the subject of heated exchanges at a recent Florence City Council meeting. The majority of spectators were affiliated with two local social service groups, one being the Band of Brothers, and the second was the recent- ly formed group Florence ORganizers. These groups have very dif- ferent perspectives on the issue. The Band of Brothers is a local group of veterans that helps fund and organizes action on volunteer projects at the School District, and other nonprofits in town. The Florence ORganizers formed after the local Women’s March and the inau- guration of President Donald Trump last January. The residual feelings of the latest election cycle were clearly the underlying motiva- tor for the interest in the topic of “sanctuary,” as “Make America Great Again,” hats and “Protect our Children” stickers were prominently dis- played. After the introduction of the district’s Student of the Month, Jacob Foskett, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting began. The entire audience stood together to say the pledge. Grzeskowiak read from a Dunes City Mayor Rebecca Ruede issued a proclamation declar- ing May as Health and Fitness Awareness month. lengthy prepared statement which detailed the legal and moral responsibilities of the educators and administrative staff of the district. The message to the assem- blage was clear: there would be no new policy regarding the district’s position on the issue of sanctuary status as the pro- tocols regarding the issue were long standing, court tested, higher in authority and moral in nature. Across the room, the sign-in sheet for the opportunity to participate in the public dis- cussion time at the meeting required two full pages to accommodate those wanting to speak. “It was very interesting to hear the comments from the public. People on both sides of the issue had some strong feel- ings on the issue, and most stayed on topic and addressed the Board of Directors,” Grzeskowiak said. “A few veered off track and seemed to be addressing the persons holding the opposite view in the gallery. With that, there was some back and forth in the gallery, but it was hard to dis- cern the exact exchanges up at legally, and I am pretty dis- appointed by this whole thing.” These sentiments were echoed by other councilors, although Ruede emphasized the need to move forward positively, working with neighbors to insure good communication. She also encouraged all involved to try to understand that state law allows for this enterprise. The council then heard reports from staff, accepted them, and the meeting was adjourned. the front table.” However, the board had a full agenda of other items to consider. The district’s pending budg- et for the next fiscal year was the primary reason for the spe- cial session that preceded the evening’s regular meeting. Two new Budget committee members, Margie Nemcik- Cruz and John Stead, were appointed. Then, District Business Manager Kari Blake presented the proposed budget to the Budget Committee and the board. After a brief discussion, the budget was accepted and the first part of the meeting was adjourned. When asked what message Grzeskowiak would like the community to take away from the meeting, he said, “Current law and policy will be our guidelines to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for students in our district. We will continue to reaffirm those informational pieces for the public and continue the training efforts to clarify pol- icy and operations for staff that was started back in February.” Last Resort Players announces cast for ‘Master Class’ Let Paul show you a new car or truck. Stop by today! 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 Last Resort Players (LRP) is proud to announce the cast for the upcoming production of “Master Class.” The show opens June 9 with additional performances on June 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at the Florence Event Center’s flat floor. The cast is as follows: Annie Schmidt as Maria Callas; Sheena Moore as Sharon Graham; Joanie Schmidt as Sophie De Palma; Patrick Rawley as Tony Candolino; Mary Conley as stage manager and Jennifer Weier as accom- panist. “Master Class” is a 1995 play by American playwright Terrence McNally, presented as a fictional master class by opera singer Maria Callas near the end of her life, in the 1970s. Opera diva Callas is holding a voice master class at the Juilliard School. Alternately dismayed and impressed by the students who parade before her, she retreats into recollections about the glories of her own life and career. Included in her musings are her younger years as an ugly duckling, her fierce hatred of her rivals, the unforgiving press that savaged her early performances, her triumphs at La Scala, and her affair with Aristotle Onassis. It culminates in a monologue about sacrifice taken in the name of art. The play opened on Broadway in 1995. “Master Class” will be directed by Leah Goodwin with musical direction by Jennifer Weier Pirates of Penzance. The directors will be reunit- ed with assistant director/stage manager Mary Conley, who is also playing the role of the “stage manager” during the performances. For ticket information, con- tact the Florence Events Center at 541-997-1994 or visit www.eventcenter.org. Introducing Siuslaw High School Senior P rincess Chehalis Sponsored by: & Jeff Metzler Plumbing CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK www.TheSiuslawNews.com 11 A
