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Walker Village gets promised upgrades just in time for school start By Kevin Opsahl Sep 05, 2022 12:30 AM A A Ashland School District pledged upgrades by Sept. 1 after parents complained The Ashland School District made significant upgrades to Walker Elementary School’s temporary off-site space, which at least one parent complained was lacking in amenities. The enhancements, coinciding with the Sept. 1 start of the school year, included improved perimeter fencing, a larger indoor area for meals and physical education classes, additional outdoor seating, increased shelving and storage for teachers’ possessions and activities equipment, as well as upgrades to the staff room. Sunshades will be installed mid-September, when the vendor will distribute them. “We think the district is headed in the right direction here as far as paying some attention to the situation and recognizing it’s more of an interim situation as opposed to being temporary,” said Gabriel Howe, whose two children attend Walker Elementary School. Howe was referring to the fact that the school’s students are being housed at Walker Village — next to the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum — while the school, located at 364 Walker Ave., gets a multi-million dollar renovation that is expected to be complete in April 2023. Howe’s family saw Walker Village’s enhancements being made, because they live close to the complex. Howe also heard personally about the upgrades from Superintendent Samuel Bogdanove as well as Principal Tiffany Burns, who distributed a newsletter to parents ahead of the start of school Sept. 1. During a school board meeting last month, Howe said he had considered pulling his kids out of the district over the sterile conditions at Walker Village. “As long as they stay on this trajectory, yeah, we intend to keep our kids in the district,” Howe said. “We think it’s a great school district — that’s why we live in Ashland.” Howe, who dropped off and picked his kids up from school on the first day, said it’s “reassuring” to know a concerned parent going to their school board has an impact on decisions made. “This process works when people get engaged with their elected bodies,” Howe said. “Sometimes, some perspective needs to be shared for them to kick some stuff into gear.” After the first day of school, Howe got the impression his kids liked the cafeteria the most. “They both mentioned that — it was great. They had a room they could go into, sit down and eat comfortably,” Howe said. “(Before) they were sitting on the asphalt and hiding under hot stairs looking for shade when it was time to eat.” The improvements also make parents “feel more welcomed on campus again,” according to Howe. “We’re definitely feeling that,” he said. “It goes a long way.” When it comes to future improvements to Walker Village, Howe wondered whether younger kids might need more than what is currently offered. But, he added, there are plans underway to make other amenities available. That is true, according to the “Walker Howler” newsletter he received from Burns, who wrote that Walker Village is accepting donations to “help foster play, connection, belonging, and the best learning environment possible during this transition.” The donations could help the school purchase wish-list items such as potted plants, planters and a variety of art materials. If you’re interested in making a donation, email Walker Elementary School teacher Ryan Jackson at [email protected]. To donate, log onto https://or-ashland-lite.intouchreceipting.com/walkervillage . Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno.