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Monday, May 20, 2013
Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868
January 22, 2013
DALLAS -- The last time the Dallas School District finalized a long-range facilities plan was December 2007.
Much has changed in the five years since.
The economy fell into recession, which negatively affected enrollment, and a voter-approved maintenance bond paid for millions in repairs and upgrades to school buildings. In addition, a new census was taken in 2010 and new educational requirements are coming -- some, like full-day kindergarten, that will need more classroom space.
Christy Perry
"It's time for an update," said Dallas Superintendent Christy Perry. "We need to reassess where we are. We have to take a step back and position ourselves for things that could be coming in the future."
The task will involve compiling data, assessing the maintenance needs in school buildings, and finally creating an updated long-range plan and recommendation for the Dallas School Board.
The district is looking for volunteers to commit to the undertaking, which will take a year to complete. That time will be spent examining demographic and enrollment data, future educational requirements and continuing maintenance needs in school buildings.
"I think to do it right and do it well, we really do need a year," Perry said. "Those components will need a fairly significant look."
The committee is scheduled to begin meeting in February and will meet, at least in the beginning, on a monthly basis. The committee's recommendation, due in March 2014, will be incorporated into the district's facilities plan.
Applicants must be residents of the district to serve. Applications are available on the district website, www.dallas.k12.or.us, or can be obtained by contacting Debbie Green at 503-623-5594 or via email to debbie.green@dsd2.org. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Feb. 1.
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