4J School Board to make a decision soon whether to retrofit the current North Eugene High building or tear it down

From our friends at the River Road Community Organization:

During the February 13^th RRCO General Meeting several neighbors expressed concern the lack of information about the upcoming 4J School Board decision on the future of the existing North Eugene High School Building and lack of information about how they can provide feedback. The RRCO Board sent a letter on February 28^th to the 4J Board Chair Maya Rabasa and Superintendent Andy Dey requesting that they provide an information/feedback session for area parents and neighbors.

We asked for information from district staff about the pros and cons of rehabilitating the building along with projected costs. We also asked to know what options are available for both siting and program development of Yugin Gankeun Japanese Immersion School and Kelly Middle School. We asked to have the session in the North Eugene attendance area and that they provide information on how people can provide feedback to the decision makers.

When we had no response to our request by March 15^th, we resent the same request to the entire School Board. Board Members promised at that evening’s School Board meeting that the session that we requested would take place. However, it appears that this session will not come to pass so here is the information we can provide you from 4J’s website (https://www.4j.lane.edu/2023/02/4j-weighs-options-for-original-north-eugene-building/).

“The estimated cost to retrofit the old building for a new program is $30 million. That estimate includes expenses for deferred maintenance, upgrades to meet current district standards for school buildings, and required city system development charges. Added to this estimate would be any renovations of the building to accommodate a new program. Retaining the old building also leaves the new North Eugene High School with about half of the field space of other district high schools, leaving less green space in the region for sports and community recreational uses.”

“Demolishing the original building and installing fields on its footprint is estimated to cost $12 million. This option would provide substantial credit toward the system development charges for the new building. It would add two grass soccer-sized fields side by side, bringing the new North Eugene High School’s field area in alignment with other district high schools.

4J is accepting questions through its Let’s Talk page to help inform the board’s discussion and final decision. District staff will answer those questions, as well as post the questions and responses on the district website. Staff also will forward the questions to the board for their consideration. Submit a question: https://www.k12insight.com/Lets-Talk/Dialogue.aspx?k=PB8F29D3F5TLT@WY3D8Z1LT@DY7R6FXLT”

Here is information on upcoming meetings:
North Region Board Subcommittee
 DATE: Friday, April 7, 2023 TIME: 2:45 p.m. 
LOCATION: Hybrid: Virtual and In-Person at Kelly / Yujin Gakuen building, 850 Howard Ave., Eugene, OR 97404
TOPICS: The North Region Board Subcommittee will meet to discuss Kelly/Yujin Gakuen building related business
Meeting URL: https://4J-lane-edu.zoom.us/j/96368647690

4J School Board
DATE: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 TIME: 7:00 p.m. TOPICS: Decision of future of NEHS Building anticipated.
LOCATION: Hybrid: Virtual and In-Person at 4J administration building, 200 North Monroe Street.
Virtual Meeting URL:https://4j-lane-edu.zoom.us/j/91225128314
Streaming Meeting URL:
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/www.4j.lane.edu/stream