Our St. Paul schools are nearing the end of the first quarter of another outstanding year for academics, athletics, and activities. Attendance in our schools is strong with 95% of our K-12 population attending school regularly while the state average is below 80%. This strong attendance rating indicates that our students enjoy being at school and that they feel safe in their educational environment. I would also like to extend appreciation to our parents for the important role that you play in getting your children to school. The fall sports programs are continuing their tradition of success with our volleyball and football teams both undefeated in league play thus far and our cross country athletes who have had a strong showing at multiple meets.
I would like to thank those of you who were able to attend one of the informational sessions held at the elementary open house, the MS/HS parent meeting, or the community informational meeting held this fall.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the St. Paul community to vote in the upcoming November 7th election. As I mentioned in my last letter, the facility study completed by our district and Mckinstry Industries highlighted key projects that needed attention. Among the highest priorities identified is the need to upgrade our aging CTE/Agricultural building which houses one of the premier programs in our district. A second priority is the renovation of our food service facility which was built in the 1960’s. This facility serves over 20,000 meals per year to the students at our elementary, middle high, and parochial schools.
The State of Oregon has provided a much needed matching grant opportunity to districts in Oregon. Districts who pass a general obligation bond are eligible to receive matching funds to help facilitate needed renovations to facilities and other capital expenses. Following the last bond election, we were happy to report to the community that we were able to complete 100% of the work outlined in the district's bond proposal at that time. The bond on the November ballot is for $3 million dollars and the matching grant from the state would allow the district to invest $6 million dollars in infrastructure improvements to the agricultural science program and food services for the district. Please go to our district website to learn more about costs and goals for the bond proposal.
Sincerely,
Joseph Wehrli
St. Paul School District Superintendent/Elementary Principal