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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 2008)
The INDEPENDENT, December 18, 2008 47J Board discusses possible budget shortfall and solutions The Vernonia School Board spent the first part of their De- cember 4 meeting discussing what appears to be a budget shortfall that could amount to $130,000 by the end of the school year. The budget figure is based on lower than antici- pated tax revenues, lower en- rollment, and a reduction in the School Improvement Fund. The district instituted a spend- ing freeze two months ago and tightened it further last month, without seeing much savings. Superintendent Ken Cox suggested to the board a num- ber of approaches, including “wait and see if it comes out that way,” make staff cuts, use flood insurance money to shore up the budget, use proceeds from the previous sale of Lin- coln School, or cut school days. Snow days might be used as unpaid staff days and only five would be needed to make up the potential shortfall. After lengthy discussion, the board was leaning toward an approach that would combine some insurance funds, some sale proceeds, and some un- paid snow days. The board and Cox agreed to wait until the January board meeting for a fi- nal decision, they will than have budget numbers through December on which to base their decision. The Oregon Solutions team should have site information by the January meeting, Cox told the board. The next step is the selection of an architect for the schools. This process will be started now so work can begin as soon as the final site selec- tion is completed. Cox told the board that a five-foot high engineered flood wall around the middle school might be possible with FEMA covering three quarters (or about $300,000) of the cost. Board member Ernie Smith said he would like a determina- tion of whether such a wall would displace more water in any future flood events. “We need to make sure a wall does- n’t negatively affect our neigh- bors,” said Smith. Cox said that the wall would be kept very close to the building to reduce negative impact, but allow the building to continue to be used for some purpose. The board approved an engineering study and request for FEMA approval of such a wall. The board accepted, with much regret, the resignation of Cathy Ward. Though the resig- nation is effective December 1, 2008, Ward will stay through the school year to complete her contract. The next board meeting will be held January 8, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the District office. Buy roses and help VHS students Because a number of Ver- nonia students are planning significant trips – either with a class to Washington, D.C, or with the high school band to Disneyland – Creatures & Ver- nonia Florist are planning a fund raiser to help them. Creatures & Vernonia Florist are taking orders for 12 long- stemmed red roses displayed in a gift box, for $20. If you would like to place an order, students will be taking orders for the next couple of months. The plan is to have orders processed and available for pick-up at Creatures & Vernon- ia Florist, starting Saturday, De- cember 20, then every two weeks, until funds are raised to send the kids on these memo- rable trips. Orders may be placed at Creatures & Vernonia Florist, 736 Bridge St., Vernonia. Page 13 Lego Team competes in robotics, plus Left to right; Rock’em, Sock’em Robots team members Jacob Eyrrick, Bridger Steward, Bill Organ, Brad Ely, Megan Ely, Kaitlyn Eyrrick, Anthony Pelster, and Coach Susan Ely, after demonstrating their project and presentation at the Senior Center on December 9. Remember Lego Bricks, • build an autonomous robot Jacob Eyrrick, Bridger Stew- named that in 1953? If you that will, in two minutes and 30 ard, Bill Organ, Brad Ely, have kids or grandkids, you seconds, complete pre-de- Megan Ely, Kaitlyn Eyrrick, and know that Legos aren’t just signed missions, Anthony Pelster, along with Ely, brick-shaped plastic building • analyze, research, and in- made up the team. pieces anymore. Nowadays, vent a solution for a given as- This year’s project was Lego is so much more. signment, and called Climate Connections. For instance, First Lego • create a clever presenta- The team had to research how League (FLL) is a program tion about their solution to per- climate affects their community, aimed at getting children aged form in front of a panel of and identify a problem caused 9 to 14 excited about science judges. by climate. Not surprisingly, and technology. FLL sets up Winning teams earn awards Rock’em, Sock’em Robots yearly theme-based challenges and trophies. chose flooding. Then they had that incorporate research, Vernonian Susan Ely took to find another community problem solving and engineer- on the role of FLL coach for a somewhere in the world affect- ing, utilizing Lego robotics Vernonia team with a goal of ed by the same issue. Next units. competing on December 14 in was to create innovative solu- Each team of up to 10 kids, Hillsboro at one of the FLL tions, program Lego robots, with at least one adult coach, events. Rock’em, Sock’em Ro- and share their research and has about 10 weeks to: bots was the team name and Please see page 24 Affordable Tuition for an Excellent Education Now Enrolling for 2008 - 2009 Banks Christian Academy Established since 1983 Challenging academics, Christian values and small class sizes. • Preschool thru 12th Grade • Before & After School Care • Languages, Music, Art & Computers • 3 or 5 Full Day Kindergarten • Many Educational Field Trips • Transportation Vernonia/Banks 22785 NW Fisher Rd. Buxton 97109 503-324-4500 www.bankschristianacademy.org