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[For Immediate Release:]

For Immediate Release:
Corbett Community Rallies Around the Flag
Corbett Fire District: Corbett, Oregon-July 20, 2020

Each year the Corbett Fire District annually places approximately 90 flags along the Scenic Highway to celebrate the 4th of July. This year the flags were put up in early spring to bolster community spirits to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.

In the pre-dawn darkness of July 4th, vandals tore down approximately 30 flags and damaged 4th of July decorations at the Historic Springdale Pub. Within hours a group of citizens, armed with “elbow grease”, pressure washers, and paint arrived and quickly cleaned up the damage and graffiti. Additionally, they “passed the boot” to collect money, in order to pay for the damage and replace the flags.

Currently, the Corbett Fire District has accepted approximately $850.00 in donations to replace the flags. Dave Flood, Chief of the Department, has indicated that the money will be used to purchase flags, poles, and mounting hardware. The money that is not used will be placed in a “flag fund” to maintain the flags in the future. The notorious Corbett East wind can be tough on flags and having a replacement fund will be helpful.

Thanks to the initiative and the help from the community, the damage was repaired, and even better, the flags will continue to be funded in the future. If people would like to help they can contact the Corbett Fire District at PO Box #1-Corbett, Oregon 97019…. Attn. Flag Fund
Contact: Fire Chief, Dave Flood phone 503-803-5244

[Safety Meeting Notes]

THANK YOU TO VICTORIA PURVINE AND NEMCCA FOR PROVIDING THESE NOTES!



Safety Meeting Notes
July 1, 2020

MultCo Roads and Transportation:
On 29 June 2020, DCS Transportation will return to a more normal level of operations.
A small contingent will be reporting to the D1 office in response to the still mandatory social distancing instruction, from the governor.
Larch Mtn Road  work was scheduled and due to our work restrictions, was postponed. We expect to be resuming our plans to work on culverts that are within our ability to repair. The asphalt work there will be covered under the FLAP funding.  But it will be sorted out by contract.
All information is subject to change. I will be available to update you, if it does.

Follow up with the striping going on
The strange contradiction with the striping can be attributed to the stern requirement to stripe against limitations we have getting to immediate pavement repairs.  
Also, we are into the next phase of returning to work (enhanced operations), so that we can catch up on the maintenance we backed off of in the early spring.  We will be engaged in a lot of mowing and the scheduled culvert work on Larch Mountain in support of the FLAP project.
Follow up on opening of the Larch Mountain Rec area based on the snow gate opening 7/10/20.
We are still evaluating ideal culverts, so if they are off the thoroughfare access is probably fine. At worst, access will be intermittent for that portion.
I should know what culverts are selected-- when they have completed their evaluation next week. But at a minimum the FLAP work will occupy that range (I think it was 7 to 10 or 12) and yes--likely, keep it closed until they are done.  Multco is doing the culvert work at this point, but the pavement work will be covered by the contractor.
I'm sorry, this delay has set this work back.

Oregon Parks:
We are planning to reopen the HCRH from Larch Mountain to Bridal Veil. With campgrounds open and warmer weather, we cannot afford to staff five people fixed at the closure sites. We really need park staff in parks for July, August and beyond.
Vista House building will remain closed and GEM barrier will prevent parking around the building. Latourell Falls vault toilet will remain closed, and Angel’s Rest Trailhead and Trail will remain closed.
Bridal Veil park will reopen, trails and restroom. And Latourell Falls parking lot and trails will reopen but the vault toilet will remain closed.  Guy Talbot picnic area and restroom is open.
GEM barriers are expected to remain at Lewis & Clark park for now.
Benson and Historic Columbia River Highway State trail will not be opening at this time to support their partnering agencies.
The septic for the Vista House was delayed by the Covid shutdown.  The water line and meter replacement have been done.

ODOT:
The Historic Columbia River Highway “Waterfall Corridor” (the section of Historic Highway between Larch Mountain Road to Ainsworth State Park) has been closed since the end of March. During that time, our maintenance crews have been hard at work catching up on annual and deferred maintenance activities without travelers on the highway.

Our crews have completed many maintenance activities during the closure, including:
Our bridge crew completed their regular inspection of a number of bridges on the Historic Highway, including Latourell and Bridal Veil Bridges.
We repaired the sections of damaged railing on the I-84 overpass on exit 28 (Bridal Veil).
We repaired damaged concrete railings and walls on the viaducts on either side of Multnomah Falls, and crews were careful to match the color of the concrete to reduce visual impacts of the work (shown to right).
Crews rebuilt a section of masonry wall at Shepperd’s Dell that was damaged by hazard tree removal earlier in the spring (shown above) and replaced the decorative spindles on the Highway bridge at Shepperd’s Dell.
We completed regular brush removal and mowing.
Crews replaced and enlarged a culvert near the location where we closed the Historic Highway last winter for a mudslide. The existing culvert was undersized and damaged, and the new culvert will help reduce future incidents.
We installed speed limit signs and length limit restriction signs between Corbett to Ainsworth, and the slower speeds and length restrictions are now enforceable. Speeds starting east of Corbett are now 40 mph, and the length limit for all vehicles has been reduced from 50 feet to 35 feet between Larch Mountain Road and Ainsworth State Park.
We added guardrail to reduce illegal parking and camping along the Historic Highway south of the Troutdale Bridge over the Sandy River and at exit 18 off I-84 near the Sandy River Delta.

We are working with the Forest Service and Oregon Parks on a plan to open Multnomah Falls.  
The Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory meeting will be a Zoom meeting on July 13, 2020 from 1pm to 3pm.  The link information is: https://tinyurl.com/HCRHAC-July2020 Meeting ID: 919 6914 9668 Password: 313600
(Follow up on placement of speed and length signs)
Engineers and work crew had determined the best locations and spacing, will send information on exact spots.
(Question on one way Waterfall bike corridor)
We still have the idea thought through on the one-way concept, but right now there is no funding identified for implementation, nor any immediate plans to make it happen.

Forest Service:
There is no firm date to get the Sandy River Delta open, its getting close but there is an issue with human and dog feces.
There will be a meeting with the Friends of the Sandy River Delta on the eighth to get the volunteers re-engaged.
Forest Service will be present a little more but due to Covid have not been able to do the Protection training and are limited to two LEOs at this time.  
Looking at Sani-Cans in place of opening brick and mortar bathrooms. These can be sprayed down two to three times a week depending on the final contract.
Multnomah Falls water line repair is moving along, started digging this past week.
The wooden benches have been refurbished and look very nice.
May be looking at only opening I-84 parking lot to help limit occupancy.  
The Rec Tech GS5 position has been filled.
Colton Rentworth will be filling in as interim for 120 days for Rachael Pawlitz position.
Larch Mountain Rec area is expected to be opened in the next one to two weeks.

District 4
I just wanted to loop back with you about the county budget. I suspect you’ve heard, but we were unable to save the county portion of the SRO position. I wish we could have done more but MCSO confirms that portion of the position will remain assigned in East County

MCSO: Deputies have been busy with regular duties and working at the Justice Center.  The fires and attacks on the Center jeopardize those persons in custody at the Center.  
The Crime Log for June is available: https://files.constantcontact.com/08dc399a001/a6b88f3c-f8f1-46aa-a410-eb6d50c49ef9.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2TELBVN40mLOwupYlntu66nphH8uTnHVUhH75y_CNFLXRfJBDDFwGyxx8

[Corbett Fire District: 4th of July Safety Tips]

For Immediate Release:                                                                                           

Corbett Fire District: 4th of July Safety Tips                                                                

The Corbett Fire District wishes everyone a happy 4th of July. Please keep in mind the “3Cs” for firework safety on the 4th.           
                                                                   
   (1) Be very CAUTIOUS and closely supervise children. Sparklers can burn at 1,200 degrees and can easily catch hair and clothes on fire; as well as burn the eyes and skin. According to the National Fire Protection Association, during the 4th of July sparklers cause over 25% of emergency room visits. Additionally, kids under five years of age account for 50% of those visits.

   (2) Be CAREFUL and have a five gallon water filled bucket and a hose easily available. After waiting 15-20 minutes put used fireworks in the bucket, this will avoid the embers starting a fire hours later.

   (3) Be COURTEOUS to your neighbors and use legal fireworks. Remember the embers from aerial fireworks can drift and cause a fire on your neighbor’s property or house. Even this spring, with a great deal of rain, we have had brush fires in the Portland metro area that have ignited fences. These fires were started by fireworks. The igniting of aerial fireworks in windy weather is very dangerous.  According to the National Fire Protection Association each year there are over 19,500 house fires that are caused by fireworks. Often these are caused by aerial fireworks. You can best protect your home by cleaning the roof and gutters.
   
Finally, in the spirit of the 4th of July, how many of our Founding Fathers were volunteer firefighters?
At least ten (accounts vary), but Jefferson and Washington were Presidents. Additionally Benjamin Franklin created the first volunteer fire department. Others were Sam Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, John Barry, and Aaron Burr.

Contact: Chief- Dave Flood   503-803-5244

[The Corbett Crime Log has been in existence since 2008]

Depending on the Pandemic situation, the monthly Corbett Crime Log may be delayed or temporarily suspended depending on sickness or call load. We're all in this together- Deputy Joe "Rocky" G.

See the crime reports below attached in blue and next to the small green paperclip icon.

* If you have problems opening the Crime Log, Adobe Reader may not be installed on your computer.  To download Adobe Reader, go to http://get.adobe.com/reader/ and click "download".


The Corbett Crime Log has been in existence since 2008 when the Corbett Community Resource Officer position was created. The Crime Log only listed incidents in which a police report was written. The vast majority of "lesser" incidents, however, have never been listed. Beginning with this Crime Log, we'll now begin listing all of the incidents, excluding traffic stops (there were 79 traffic stops conducted in our area in January).   This will give a more accurate portrayal of all law enforcement related activity in the Corbett community.

An "incident" may list anything from a severe crime to a deputy getting "flagged down" regarding a loose horse on the roadway. Due to space constraints, some information such as the assigned deputy on the call and the column that indicated if a report was written are not included.
A serious assault incident occurred on Chamberlain Rd by an adult son to his elderly parents. The parents both sustained injuries requiring hospitalization. Deputies had arrived to arrest the resistive suspect just as he was trying to leave.

The Sheriff's Office Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement Team (HOPE) contact is: hope@mcso.us or 503-988-0386.  Here are some links to information about the HOPE Team: https://www.mcso.us/site/hope.php

https://es-la.facebook.com/MultCo/videos/meet-mcsos-homeless-outreach-and-programs-engagement-hope-team/10160073649595514/
 
Please visit www.mcsocp.com to learn how to sign up for the new Integrated Public Alerts (IPAWS) warning system for cell phones.  The information is listed under 9/17/18.  


Corbett Community Resource Officer- Deputy Joe Graziano
Email- joseph.graziano@mcso.us       Cell: 503-849-1206, M-TH
Emergencies- 911                                24-Hour Non-Emergency Dispatch- 503-823-3333

Corbett School Resource Officer- Deputy Joe Kaiser
 Email- Joe.kaiser@mcso.us               School: 503-261-4200/ 4226

Corbett Community Website: www.corbettoregon.com


Citizen Patrol Volunteer Program
Citizen Patrol volunteers patrol the Columbia River Gorge and the Corbett community.  They work with a partner and act as extra "eyes and ears" for deputies.  Citizen Patrollers also provide support during community events, disasters and other emergencies.   Visit www.mcsocp.com for further information.  

[COVID-19 cases are surging in Oregon. How can we all work together to bend the curve back downward?]

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/erd/pages/covid-19-news.aspx

June 26, 2020

COVID-19 cases are surging in Oregon. How can we all work together to bend the curve back downward?
Today OHA released new modeling that shows a considerable rise in COVID-19 in Oregon. The latest model by OHA and the Institute for Disease Modeling is based on data through June 18. It offers three projections – optimistic, moderate and pessimistic – predicting that daily case levels could rise as much as 20 percentage points. The entire report can be found here.

What we’re learning
Oregonians are at greater risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 than they have been since before Governor Kate Brown issued the first stay-at-home orders. Our latest projections show we are most likely heading toward the worst-case scenario we projected last week – approximately 900 new infections per day by the end of July.

COVID-19 cases have increased each week for four straight weeks statewide, and it is spreading faster in the community. While large workplace outbreaks have driven increased cases in recent weeks, sporadic cases (those with no clear link to another case) account for a growing percentage of new cases.

The severity of illness among new cases of COVID-19 is lower than it was early in the outbreak. Despite the increase in cases in the past four weeks, the number of hospitalizations and deaths remain well below their peaks. Emergency department visits due to symptoms of the disease are still below 1 percent.

More younger people are contracting COVID-19. The median age of people with newly diagnosed COVID-19 infection is declining as more cases are being diagnosed in people younger than 50 years of age.

Oregon’s health care system has not been overtaxed by COVID-19 cases – yet. However, hospital capacity could be overwhelmed this summer if cases continue to surge.

Each of us can take action to slow the spread of COVID-19
Cases will slow – and Oregon will remain open – if we take the safe, simple steps to prevent the virus from spreading. Cases will continue to surge if we ignore health and safety precautions.

Steps you can take:

Avoid gatherings – and rethink your Fourth of July plans: Think hard about getting together with people outside your household. In Oregon, cases accelerated after Memorial Day. We don’t want the same thing to happen over the coming holiday.
Stay 6 feet apart: If you do host or attend a gathering – or go to your local restaurant or bar – stay 6 feet apart. We’ve all been cooped up for a long time. We want to see friends and family again. If you do socialize, do it safely – maintain physical distancing.
Limit the number of people at the barbecue or picnic.
Make sure people can stay far enough apart.
Interact outside as much as possible.
Wear a mask or face covering: Cover your face when you are in public. Masks and face coverings protect the people around you. You may feel great, but we know that people who are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic can spread coronavirus. Don’t put the people you know and love at risk.
Stay home if you’re sick: If you develop a fever, have a cough, start to experience shortness of breath or any other symptoms, stay home. Don’t expose other people.
Answer the call: If you get a call from a contact tracer to let you know that you may have been exposed, take their advice and stay home for the entire time they recommend. This is a tried and true way to halt the spread, and we need people to answer these calls.
The bottom line is that COVID-19 is circulating more widely in Oregon. Oregon can stay safe if we all do our part to keep COVID-19 under control. If we don’t, our latest projections tell us we risk letting the virus spread fast across our state.

#MyORHealth horizontal rule
OHA updates face covering guidance for specific counties
In order to clarify face covering use requirements, OHA has updated its guidance document for residents of Clackamas, Hood River, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk and Washington counties.

In these counties, face covering use is required in all businesses and for the general public when visiting these businesses and for the general public when visiting indoor spaces open to the public.

The Governor also released general guidance for the use of face coverings in counties beyond the specified counties.

In the guidelines, indoor spaces are defined as spaces, whether publicly owned or privately owned, “where the public has access by right or invitation, express or implied, whether by payment of money or not.” In addition to the public areas of the businesses those spaces include building lobbies or common spaces, elevators, and buildings or meeting rooms outside of private homes where people gather for social, civic, cultural or religious purposes.

#MyORHealth horizontal rule
Oregon reports 250 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths
COVID-19 has claimed five more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 202, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 250 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 7,818.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (4), Clackamas (17), Columbia (1), Deschutes (4), Douglas (4), Jackson (5), Jefferson (6), Josephine (2), Lake (3), Lane (10), Lincoln (4), Linn (4), Malheur (13), Marion (18), Morrow (12), Multnomah (61), Umatilla (22), Union (12), Wasco (3), Washington (39), and Yamhill (6).

Oregon’s 198th COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died June 25, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 199th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 19 and died June 25, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 200th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died June 24, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 201st COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman in Union County who tested positive on June 13 and died June 25, at Grande Ronde Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 202nd COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old woman in Morrow County who tested positive on June 22. Additional information about this COVID-19 related death is still pending. An update will be provided when we have additional information.

NEWS RELEASE

Release:          June 24, 2020

Contact:          Mike Pullen, Communications Office, mike.j.pullen@multco.us, 503-209-4111


The Stark Street Bridge over the Sandy River will be closed for a structural inspection and repairs on Monday and Tuesday, June 29-30 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The bridge will reopen each day after work hours. When the bridge is closed, the alternate route is the Troutdale Bridge on the Historic Columbia River Highway to the north.

The inspection and repairs will require the use of a manlift on the bridge. Weight limits prevent other traffic from using the bridge when the manlift is in use. Crews will repair potholes, curb damage and a structural member below the bridge deck. The work is not weather-dependent.

Multnomah County maintains the Stark Street Bridge and more than 270 miles of roads in rural and urban areas.

From: Tessie Adams <paintednighthorse@yahoo.com>
Date: June 22, 2020 at 4:36:31 PM PDT
To: "tmickalson@corbett.k12.or.us" <tmickalson@corbett.k12.or.us>, "bbuttke@corbett.k12.or.us" <bbuttke@corbett.k12.or.us>, "dgorman@corbett.k12.or.us" <dgorman@corbett.k12.or.us>, "kkinnear@corbett.k12.or.us" <kkinnear@corbett.k12.or.us>, "tredfern@corbett.k12.or.us" <tredfern@corbett.k12.or.us>, "mvo@corbett.k12.or.us" <mvo@corbett.k12.or.us>, "cwoodward@corbett.k12.or.us" <cwoodward@corbett.k12.or.us>
Subject: Thoughts for tomorrow night
Reply-To: "paintednighthorse@yahoo.com" <paintednighthorse@yahoo.com>

Dear board members,
I will try to be Brief as I realize your time is valuable. I have several topics I feel I need to touch on a  regarding the school. 
First, I want Todd to know that only the extreme few who have chosen to further their misguided agenda by trying to assign a decade old incident to you is a cheap shot and that many many community members recognize it for what it is, a desperate attempt to jump on a political bandwagon twisting it to fit their own needs.
I also want to commend Todd for staying calm and professional as Hope badgered you and showed her true colors. 

A Bond
I was heartened when the Saxton report came out and we had a clear direction to reduce student population and try to undo some of the damage that Randi has caused during his tenure.  Alienating the community and going against their wishes being one of the biggest.  I believe that out of district parents should never have any say in our school size.  This is our community, they are visitors for only a time, we the community will be paying for any bond to build a new school for years after they are gone not them.  If we hold true to the plan continuing to reduce size and increase learning options a bond will pass.

The new Sup
I would respectfully ask that Hopes attempt to turn a job search for a new superintendent into a black political agenda be refused.  This is not the time, place or forum for her politics to be forced permanently onto our school district. 
I would like to see a clean break from the Randy dynasty considering most of the leadership is moving on as well.  Hire an outside interm and permanent superintendent.  One who is fully aware of the communities wishes to stay small.

Bringing 85 new students into the district. 
I am saddened to hear that this is even being considered.  The Saxton plan is a manageable and sustainable plan to lower our student population.  We cannot even provide adequate educational space for the students we currently have.  Students are going to be forced to be online again to maintain the distancing requirements.  Unless these students will be required to be online ONLY students then I feel it is irresponsible and against the wishes of the community to allow them in.  The 10 siblings is where it should stop.   This will cause attrition of teachers and students overtime but sometime you have to trim the old branches away to allow the plant to flourish.

The budget
Is there not a surplus we can use right now since the money from the state is delayed due to COVID?  Also,  wouldn't there be a carryover surplus from this year as there was no transportation costs or wages, no food/nutrition costs (except for free or reduced lunch families), no water or electrical costs, etc due to all he campuses being closed for the last 11weeks? 
I have heard that one of the cuts on the table is the SRO position.  Deputy Kaiser had made amazing in roads with students even though he has only been there one year.  Cuttings this vital position that supports our school staff and students in so many more ways that just enforcing laws and keeping us safe is I believe short-sighted and again politically motivated.  Our 2 neighboring districts east and west namely Gresham and Good River have made it clear that they will not be cutting any SRO positions.  I hope that as board members you can weigh the value of an SRO against the small savings in the budget.

Changing of the guard
I am really hopeful for change with the changing of the leadership.  Namely NO more AP for all.  This would also save a large budget line item if the school did not pay for all those wasted exams.
 Sadly my children have to enter the failed experiment of the 8-9 academy this fall.  The school was able to spring this idea not only on the community but the board as well with no warning or input.  Since it's stated purpose seems to be to get an AP pass rate up for 9th graders can we PLEASE get rid of this waste of education.  From the many parents I have talked to the academy is a complete disappointment failing the students and their education.  The teachers were able to put this academy together seemingly overnight I'm sure they can go back to the model that worked even quicker.  This would relieve overcrowding in the high school somewhat as well.  There are several months to put things back to what worked before.
I apologise for the long email but there are so many issues right now that will have far reaching consequences for good or for ill.
Thank you for your time and service to our community and our schools.  I hope we can all come together and use this opportunity to make lasting positive changes to our district.
Tessie Adams

    -------Original Message-------
From: Mindy Schmidt <mindy@mindyschmidt.com>
To: tmickalson@corbett.k12.or.us <tmickalson@corbett.k12.or.us>, bbuttke@corbett.k12.or.us <bbuttke@corbett.k12.or.us>, dgorman@corbett.k12.or.us <dgorman@corbett.k12.or.us>, kkinnear@corbett.k12.or.us <kkinnear@corbett.k12.or.us>, tredfern@corbett.k12.or.us <tredfern@corbett.k12.or.us>, mvo@corbett.k12.or.us <mvo@corbett.k12.or.us>, cwoodward@corbett.k12.or.us <cwoodward@corbett.k12.or.us>
Cc: rlindeen@corbett.k12.or.us <rlindeen@corbett.k12.or.us>
Sent: 21 Jun '20 11:31am



Dear Corbett School Board of Directors,

When many of us cast our ballots for new board members during the last election, we did so because we hoped to change
the status quo. We felt hopeful that Rob Saxton's work, on behalf of our school district, would return some civility to the
discussions and return our schools to the community. However, it appears the status quo is not going down without a
fight.

What is the "status quo"? I think it looks like this:

> Adding kids from out of the area to fill budget holes and/or allow for expansion.
> Replacing local kids with out of area kids - without exit interviews.
> Bypassing the County and required public hearings with the original charter creation.
> Running out of space because of adding too many students.
> Hiring practices that benefit supporters (and friends/family) of current staff or leadership.
> Forcing bond amounts that will triple (or more) campus instructional space and then failing to gain the votes to pass
bonds.
> Taking out loans (since the community won’t pass a bond) to add more classroom spaces, buildings, real estate and
ultimately debt.
> Blaming a “small vocal group” in the community for opposing these choices and issues created by CSD leadership.
> Creating groups (“Corbett Community Advocates”, “Unity in Corbett”, “Together for Corbett” etc.) to protect the status
quo/CSD leadership.
> Marginalizing and spreading rumors about those that stand in opposition to the status quo and ultimately causing
divisions.

"Together for Corbett?"

If the school board is going to use the number of signatures on petitions and comments from a newly formed group,
“Together for Corbett”, as justification to sway other board members into agreeing to additional out of area students next
year, then please consider this:

1. The whole of the community does not even know about these petitions, so it is far from democratic.
2. There are "dozens and dozens" of CSD employees who signed this petition.
3. This new group is comprised of and organized by the status quo.
4. If the school board was truly interested in what voters wanted, then you would allow the new board members (who
were elected to fulfill their duties for their constituents based on the platform they ran on) to cast their votes as they feel
is best and without harassment.

The Board Meeting of June 17, 2020 was described by more than one person as a "train wreck". I can not disagree after
listening to the audio. The most obvious examples of bad behavior at that meeting came from the CEA (CSD's teacher's
union) president (this person is also a past school board chair and a past budget committee member so should know
better) as well as a current CSD budget committee member and key organizer for the "Together for Corbett" petition.
Here is a link with audio of that section to illustrate this point. https://bit.ly/2YXX9vQ.

Board members (and our chair) should be able to do their work without having to navigate organized "stacked deck"
comment periods, formal complaints, weaponized social media posts from years prior, interruptions, disrespect/bullying,
and shaming because their opinion goes against the grain of the status quo or current leadership/staff.

Whatever the final decision is about adding more students next year, or what you personally feel is the best way forward,
I would really hope we could all agree that there is a clear need to learn to behave better than this when our opinions
differ. Many people are watching (listening) and this behavior only deepens the existing divisions when it comes to CSD.


Thank you for your time,



Mindy Schmidt
P.O. Box 5
Corbett OR 97019



The below was not part of this letter. This is to explain the above audio link.
That clip was from this discussion at the meeting on June 17th:
http://corbettpost.com/csd/interim-superintendent-search/

There are two sections of the school board meeting this last Wednesday that I really think people (who were not watching) should hear. I think it could be titled "How not to behave as an employee or budget committee member of CSD at a board meeting" or just simply "How not to behave?".

This first section (Thanks to Karina for providing the transcription and audio.) Includes public comment about the list of qualities and qualifications the district would be looking for in an interim superintendent.

Before you listen to this audio clip (if you do) remember two things:

1. The reason the meeting went so late (and this section was almost at midnight) was in large part due to the additional time, comments and discussion that took place with the budget committee and because of the "Together for Corbett" group.

Some of our newer school board members want to hold the line and work at compromising on the numbers of out of area kids so we can try and follow the recommendations of Rob Saxton. This is not what all the CSD staff, current superintendent or his followers "Together for Corbett" want.

2. The information that Hope and Sis felt was being sprung on them, was in the board packet days prior to the meeting. In addition it would ONLY be for the interim Superintendent advertisement.

As Sarah (from the OSBA) stated, in a permanent search it is very different and there’s multiple opportunities for input and feedback from the community.

Buy Nothing. Give Freely. Share creatively. Local Page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/300290321002029/

We offer members a way to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude through a worldwide network of micro-local gift economies in which the true wealth is the web of connections formed between people who are real-life neighbors. Post anything you'd like to give away, lend, or share in this Buy Nothing community group. Ask for anything you'd like to receive for free or borrow. Keep it legal. Keep it civil.

Buy Nothing Corbett/Springdale/Latourell, OR is for neighbors in Corbett, Springdale and Latourell areas of the Columbia River Gorge.

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From: Brad Garrett <garrett.brad@gmail.com>
Date: June 14, 2020 at 6:31:29 PM PDT
To: bbuttke@corbett.k12.or.us, kkinnear@corbett.k12.or.us, tmickalson@corbett.k12.or.us, tredfern@corbett.k12.or.us, mvo@corbett.k12.or.us, cwoodward@corbett.k12.or.us, dgorman@corbett.k12.or.us
Cc: way0807@pacificu.edu, jaho1660@gmail.com
Subject: IC3S Final Thoughts ..


Board Members –

First and foremost, we appreciate your public service and commitment to finding common ground as you make decisions that will have a direct impact on how Corbett Schools will function moving forward.

There has been a lot of conversation over the last ten days related to the budget and that is not a bad thing.  The more citizens involved in a discussion about school funding issues only increases the odds of a more informed electorate. An informed electorate is an essential component of democracy.

Your options have not changed in the last ten days – you can add students, you can make cuts, or you use a combination of these methods to offset next year’s deficit. It is our hope that any debate related to which method to use includes a discussion related to sustainability for the near term and years to come.

Adding students is the easy option.  It solves the immediate deficit problem and retains the current level of service.   This option does not take a whole lot of imagination – we have been doing this for the last twenty years and we continue to come up short in our budget regardless of state school funding cuts. We have been dependent on welcoming more students into the District to pay for the current level of service. No doubt there are amazing, educated students graduating from Corbett High School at high rates. No doubt the entire District staff have been and continue to work extremely hard to care for and educate the student body with limited resources. Leadership within the District has explained that many teachers and staff feel maxed out at their current level of operations. Bottom line is we have not solved the repeated budget shortfalls by continuing to increase enrollment in our schools.

Making budget cuts is hard.   Having fixed costs as most of your budget is going to require cuts to FTE if you choose this option.   This option allows the Board to remain committed to reducing K-12 population, but we can anticipate that a restructuring of the current level of service will occur and class sizes will increase.  There is $660,000 in the budget to cut but it will not come without some shared pain across the various budget categories.

Add some and cut some:  Finding a middle ground can solve the problem – combining cuts to fixed cost with revenue generated from adding students gives you any number of options.   It is a simple inverse relationship – to decrease cuts to fix costs you add more students and vice versa.

Other considerations:

·        Resist the practice of basing any budgeting decision on money we may get.   Bond, Levy, Rainy Day Fund, or Governor Brown have been mentioned at various times as revenue sources and currently they cumulatively stand at $0.  Deal with the money we have – or don’t have in this case.

·        Your decision will most likely impact any future ask from the voters.  Bond or levy -  it will not matter to those individuals who support reducing the size of the district.  Increasing the size of the district after making the commitment to reduce it will have consequences at the ballot box.  It is important that you factor that into your final decision.

·        While you will approve a budget for this coming school year your decision will have a direct impact on future years.  1,300 students is the maximum number of slots available within the Corbett School District – adding 85 students will take us up to that point.  Revenue is maximized at this point – where is your revenue source now?

·        All Districts across the state, across the country, are facing cuts to funding. Yes, other schools may be starting with more in their coffers than Corbett. However, at what point does the Board stop to consider the impact on neighboring districts of Corbett School District increasing the number of charter slots available in your lottery? In a time when we are all called upon to examine, dig into and change systemic inequalities and disparities in our systems, it seems this is a moment to understand the impact of our actions on our neighboring districts.

·        The current situation may provide a silver lining that was unexpected.  We can anticipate the school is going to look a lot different as we move into the Fall with combinations of in-person, online, and hybrid students.  Any chance we can modify what and how we do things to save a buck? – knowing that might have to happen starting next year anyway?

·        Facilities safety and maintenance have been clearly identified by the board and District as high priority. Adding students to facilities that are already in need of replacement only adds Increased risk. Any students that are brought in below MS level are at risk of needing to be housed in the current middle school facility until funds have been secured to improve the Natural resource property purchased earlier this year to house the middle school until a new building can be built on campus. 

 

We do believe that everyone involved in this discussion wants to do the right things for teachers and students of the Corbett School District.  It has also become obvious that what that means depends on which side of the argument you are on in this case. 

Unfortunately, circumstances have essentially turned our students into “revenue pawns”.   In these discussions they've been reduced to a $7,773 check that walks through the door. Of course, these students and their families are tremendous assets to the District far beyond the dollar amount of state school funding which comes with each student. Yet, we must be honest with ourselves that at the core of the budget conversation, students have been reduced to "budget pawns". This is somewhat a function of the state school funding formula. However, we all look forward to the day when conversations about adding students evolve because we are interested in adding something to our program instead of adding kids to prevent us from cutting something.   This is called being “right side up” the opposite of where we are at this point.

Respectively Submitted.

Mikaila, Jeff, and Brad

IC3S