Kelly Mason – Position 5 I was born and raised in Springfield and it is because of my experiences growing up and attending public schools here that I understand the importance of a quality education and a community that looks out for one another.  I was raised by a hard-working[Read More…]

As the May 18 Special Election nears, several area school boards have seats up for election, including Springfield, South Lane and Creswell boards, as well as Lane Community College.  All seats in the SLSD are contested, as are most in Springfield, and no seats are contested in Creswell and Pleasant[Read More…]

SPRINGFIELD – The public schools district board approved security system upgrades at Riverbend and Mt. Vernon elementary schools to address the limitations of current technology in assisting with identifying people in unlawful behavior and improve student safety. The proposal was submitted by chief operations officer Brett Yancey, who wrote, “Many[Read More…]

SPRINGFIELD – As school reopening continues and spring break approaches, Willamalane has expanded childcare and youth programming options for families. Beginning March 29, Willamalane Kids Club after-school programs will return to Thurston, Douglas Gardens and Yolanda elementary schools. Kids Club programs will run 2:30-6 p.m. on school days. Full-day Wednesday care[Read More…]

SPRINGFIELD – Two freshmen from Thurston High School were asked to speak with the board about their comprehensive distance learning experiences during the SPS zoom meeting on Monday. Unfortunately nearly anytime class president Jaelyn Dunlap or vice president Savannah Efseaff spoke, the audio would cut out, raising student technology concerns among[Read More…]

High school students graduating in 2021 or 2022 can take one tuition-free course this spring or summer from Lane Community College to jump-start their college education. That’s a $480 savings for one four-credit course.  Courses will be held remotely from March 29 to June 12 for spring term, and June[Read More…]

State health officials’ decision to designate Lane County as “high risk” instead of “extreme” pandemic conditions was a much-needed morale boost for Creswell High’s girls volleyball program, its legendary coach said Tuesday afternoon.  “The kids are excited to play, and excited to wear our brand-new uniforms,” said Anna Baltrusch, the[Read More…]

CRESWELL – It was just a small line item in the Creswell School District Board Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10, listing the recent installation of 250 air filters for schools across the district. It’s something that happens every year. Except this year, the timing was especially important. Joel Higdon, the[Read More…]

SPRINGFIELD – Last year, the Springfield Board of Education approved the rule that students can move in and out of the school district at the convenience of the family, provided that the schools are not at capacity. The results of that decision were incalculable because of the pandemic, and superintendent[Read More…]

SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS PHOTO Parents and children renewed the time-honored tradition of school drop-offs across the southern Willamette Valley this week. Guy Lee Elementary students and parents alike prepared for the return of in-person schooling on Feb. 4. Only kindergarten and first graders entered their classrooms today, with other grades[Read More…]