Thursday, April 7th Milton-Freewater held a bond rally at The Gathering Place in front of McLoughlin High School, at which the community could ask questions and find out why they should vote yes for the school bond. There was a huge turnout of teachers, students, and parents from the M-F school district and surrounding school districts to show their support for the bond. It has become so important to the community that seniors of Mac-Hi are urging the community to vote yes for the bond. High school senior and moderator for the rally, Jenny Field stated, “Being a part of the softball team for 4 years, I know how important it is to make sure the athletics programs are supported.”
Milton-Freewater City Manager, Linda Hall urged students to spread the word about the bond. “People moving to a new city look for schools, infrastructure, and recreation. We have the infrastructure and recreation, and this will help make our schools great.” She urged students interested in helping to talk to their families, neighbors, and people at church. “You are the future. Don’t throw away $19 million. That’s pretty easy math,” Hall said. This is an opportunity that doesn’t just happen every day and to let it go to waste is a shame.
The $12.5 million school bond will help make a huge difference in the Milton-Freewater community. If the community votes yes on passing the bond, it would qualify the district for the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation Grant of $15 million and $4 million from the state of Oregon.
If passed, the district plans to build a new K-3 elementary school to be named Gib Olinger Elementary School, after a former civic stalwart of the Milton-Freewater community. They plan to build the school on the old cannery lot and will be demolishing the old warehouse located on the lot. The building will take energy efficiency into account to keep it environmentally friendly. A gymnasium will be built that will include a full size wood floor, sparse seating, and locker rooms. Outside, there will be playing fields, restrooms, and a concession building.
Both the Freewater and Grove campuses will be vacated. Grove will be developed into a sports complex. It will include two regulation soccer fields, measured walking/jogging path, parking, seating, concessions, and restrooms. It is still unclear what will be done with the Freewater Campus.
Ferndale is set to become a grade 4-5 facility and money will be allocated to upgrade technology and make repairs to the building. Money will also be allocated to Mac-Hi and Central to upgrade the HVAC system.
If you will be 18 by May 17, don’t forget to register to vote before April 26, so you can vote yes on the May 17 ballot for Milton-Freewater schools. Help make a difference in the community before the chance is gone.
