Why doesn’t the state pay for the construction? Why would Petersen Elementary be rebuilt and not the Middle School? When the new elementary school is built, what happens to the ball / soccer fields? Why have I heard this will only cost another $1 when the bond is $1.71 per $1,000 assessed value? When the new elementary school is built, what happens to the bus traffic patterns?

In addition to these top 5 questions, more questions are answered the District's Frequently Asked Questions 1 and Frequently Asked Questions 2 documents

Why doesn’t the state pay for the construction?
In Oregon the money a school district receives from the state can only be used for yearly operating costs, not for large maintenance and building projects. Local school districts are on their own and bond measures are the only way to repair and build facilities.

Why would Petersen Elementary be rebuilt and not the Middle School?
In Sept 2007 a Facility Assessment on the Middle School was performed by architects from DLR Group and it was concluded “At nearly 80 years old, the original building shows its wear but also its durability.” Also in the report, “The main building is mostly concrete, and therefore incredibly durable.” After conducting air quality tests in April, 2008, PBS Engineering & Environmental concluded that, “Given the age of the building, the building appeared to be in a clean and good condition.” Full reports are available at the District Office. Petersen, on the other hand, is a different story. The DLR Group discovered Petersen School is 2.5 times over the recommended target for energy efficiency. For more information about the Petersen school building please contact Paul Peterson at the District office at (503) 543-6374.

When the new elementary school is built, what happens to the ball / soccer fields?
Construction of a new elementary school as the result of voter approval for Measure 5-188 would impact the Admin Site which currently provides 4 ball fields and a large soccer area. Cooperation between Little League, Scappoose Soccer Club, and the School District has resulted in a plan to provide continuous access to ball fields during construction and after building projects are completed. Although the Bond Measure does not ask voters to pay for the construction of ball fields, the School District and leaders of youth sports are committed to working together for the benefit of all youth sports.

After construction is completed: all 4 ball fields from the Admin site would be replaced on the old Petersen School site, with 4 to 5 new ball fields plus a new large soccer field. The city park on JP West is expected to be completed as well, providing 2 additional ball fields.

During construction: 2 ball fields will be temporarily located at the High School, and 2 ball fields will be temporarily located at Warren Elementary. Additionally, 2 new ball fields are being constructed and will be available at the city park on JP West. A temporary soccer field will be lined and located East of the High School JV Baseball field. Smaller soccer fields for youth soccer will be lined as needed during the youth soccer season, on the football practice field, and baseball outfields. The School District and leaders of community youth sports are committed to providing continuous access to ball fields and soccer fields for all youth sports.

NOTE: the images provided in these links are concept images intended to demonstrate feasibility and approximate locations. These plans were developed in conjunction with leaders from Scappoose Soccer Club and Scappoose Little League. Final plans with more detail will be developed by professional architects and engineers after the election.

For more information about the playing fields please contact Paul Peterson at the District office at (503) 543-6374.

Why have I heard this will only cost another $1 when the bond is $1.71 per $1,000 assessed value?
Property owners would begin paying on this bond in Nov 2009 at $1.71 per $1,000 of assessed (not market) property value. At that time the remaining debt from the Petersen gym project will be retiring, and property owners will no longer pay for it in their taxes (currently .32 cents per $1,000 assessed value). If the bond passes, the overall tax change to property owner would be less than $1 more per $1,000 than they paid in 2007. See your 2007 property tax statement to calculate the initial cost. The bond will last for 21 years. As new residents move to the community the cost to individuals could decrease.

When the new elementary school is built, what happens to the bus traffic patterns?
The initial design includes a drop-off and bus lane between Grant Watts and the new Petersen school. This one-way lane would start at 3rd by Grant Watts, go between the schools and exit onto High School Way. This will reduce buses in the parking lot and improve student safety at Grant Watts. Please see this image [link to image] for the proposed traffic pattern.