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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 19, 2006 Possible bond measure garners support EDITOR’S NOTE: A previously published story on the North Medford High School bond forum inadvertently ran in Tuesday’s paper. The following is the correct story: By PARIS ACHEN Mail Tribune Parents and community members expressed support Monday for a Medford schoolhouse bond option that calls for replacing North Medford High School but suggested that district officials need to be shrewd in selling the idea to the public. In a series of public forums that have spanned March and April, a Medford School District facilities planning committee has presented three options for a possible bond referendum in November. Advertisement The options, which range from $99.5 million to $222.4 million, would make repairs or renovations to all 18 schools in the district. About 35 people attended the forum Monday at North Medford. The least expensive bond option would make basic repairs to North Medford, including replacing roofing and walkways, heating and air-conditioning systems and windows. That amount would also add security equipment, remove and replace asbestos flooring, add lighting and make seismic repairs. The most costly option would replace North Medford and four other schools: South Medford High School and Jackson, Lone Pine and Roosevelt elementary schools. The second most costly proposal would replace just North and South Medford high schools. Building a new high school to replace North Medford would cost about $42.7 million. "To remodel North is a total waste of time," said parent Kristi Bennion. For district officials to keep that option on the table is "throwing away money," she said. Built in 1967, North is one of Medford’s newest schools. Yet committee members say it is in the worst condition of all the campuses in the district. Dry rot infests the entire 12-building complex. The school’s cedar shake roofing is falling to pieces and has persistent leaks. Clogged and missing storm drains prompt shallow flooding on walkways. Among the campus’ most serious problems is its pressurized underground heating system. Leaks in the rusted pipes over the years have caused pressure in the system to decrease to the minimum amount necessary to generate heat. On a couple of occasions this winter, the buildings became so cold that school officials considered sending students home. The campus is not conducive to the sense of connection school officials say they are trying to foster among students and teachers. Parent Laura Hodnett said school officials should market the idea of building a new high school by pointing out how the campus’ existing layout hinders security and supervision rather than the subjective, emotional idea of student-teacher connections. The committee plans to use public input from the forums to help craft its final recommendation for a bond package. The committee is slated to present its recommendation May 2 to the Medford School Board. Reach reporter Paris Achen at 776-4459 or e-mail Possible bond measure garners support ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement