While I have many beloved teacher friends, have enjoyed fund raising, and working with coaches, etc., I'm still disappointed in our local school system. Beyond that... I'm disappointed in the turns our educational system has been taking for almost 40 years! It is my opinion that the Bay Area of Oregon would have FAR less difficulty attracting decent doctors and businesses if we had even SOME schools not considered "at risk". Ask around and see how many docs out of the area would be enticed by a title 1 funded school for THEIR children. Considering the limitations in options for education around here... it's plain to see why people are seemingly far more anxious to leave than to relocate here. Less administration and more good teachers. I was outraged after a lengthy exchange with our former Superintendent. Could not believe his compensation package and perks... in a district so broke. I say start the cutting from the top down, and give children a chance at a decent education. Keep our good and dedicated teachers happy. Children need them, and just ONE can totally impact a child's life forever. I know this because one journalism teacher from what seems like a hundred years ago changed my life course. She cared... and apparently was well cared for by her district. It takes money, and some common sense. We've breezed through money, but at times... decisions seem painfully lacking common sense. And then... tax payers get to anti up for those choices. Where are the children in all these politics? Rearranging locations AGAIN so they can be jammed in even larger classrooms. read more

Praying the Bond passes so that the schools in this district are updated, the facilities are the only thing that kept us from wanting to have our children in schools here. I have since begun working for the district and love what I see and hear on a daily basis from teachers and staff. My children are adjusting to their new environment and we are loving living in Coos Bay. read more