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SUNNY Temp: 67 °F Wind: N at 4 mph Sunday, June 15, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 12, 2003 Eagle Point transfers anger parents By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune EAGLE POINT — Despite pleas from parents and arguments from two members, the school board on Wednesday approved a boundary change that will transfer nearly 100 students out of Eagle Point and into White City schools. "I’m angry. I’m really angry," said Eagle Point resident and parent Peggy Peters, whose daughter will be impacted by the switch. "They really have no idea what this is going to do. I’m mad as hell." According to Superintendent Bill Jones, the change will effect 99 elementary and middle school students living along East Antelope Creek and Dry Creek roads. Those students — who currently attend Glenn D. Hale Elementary, Little Butte Intermediate or Eagle Point Middle School — would be transferred to an elementary school or middle school being built in White City. Advertisement The school board also approved a grandfather clause that allows all 99 impacted students to finish their education at Eagle Point schools if parents provide transportation. "The district needs some closure to this boundary issue," Jones, who noted that the change will prevent overcrowding in Eagle Point schools. The district has held a series of public meetings to discuss the issue, and community members have vocally protested the change at every turn. Some parents voiced concerns about the impact on their children, while others argued that the change would decrease property values. During a regular meeting on Wednesday, some board members disagreed with the switch including chairwoman Yvonne Fletes. She noted that White City was growing by leaps and bounds and asked why the district would transfer students to schools that will most likely face overcrowding issues in five years. "I don’t know if this is necessary. I’m a little confused," Fletes added. "I’m not sure what impact this is going to have." "Personally, I think there’s got to be some other way to solve the problem," said member John Blanchard. "We’ve also got the issue of property values. I don’t think this is the right thing to do." Jones said the change was needed to streamline transportation within the district. "This is an attitude issue that we’re up against," said Jones when debate grew heated. "We’re not going to settle this with facts." Eagle Point resident Jeri Marlia said she and a number of parents were ready to pull their children out of the district if the board didn’t include the grandfather clause. "I’m glad that Yvonne (Fletes) brought up the fact that White City is growing so much quicker than we are," said Marlia. "I just wish they would have waited a year ... this isn’t good for anybody." In other business, the school board agreed to investigate a proposal by high school teacher Jim Mannenbach that the district stop selling soda drinks to students. The district has a contract to place vending machines at the high school that must be renewed this summer. Board members asked for information about policies adopted by other Jackson County school districts regarding soda on campuses. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times