By Ron Brown
March 25, 2009
WOLF CREEK, Ore. - The decision by the Three Rivers School Board to close Wolf Creek Elementary School is sending shock waves through the small Josephine County town.
Many parents are still holding out hope that the school board will reverse its decision.
"I think it's a major impact to the community. They've pretty much ripped the heart out of the community and probably the economic situation," says Karen Schilberg with Select Design.
"I don't think anybody's gonna wanna move in here if they don't have their children in a school to go to... I wouldn't," says Resident Dean Aaron.
"It's just gonna be like a ghost town here. The school is a huge part of Wolf Creek. It has been for several years," says Resident Julie Wolfe.
"The town is gonna be completely dead. That's like pretty much what's keeping the whole town together," says Former Student Westley Wolfe.
"I don't think the parents have given up in this community. But I think they're greatly concerned about 'em being bussed over to Merlin," says Postmaster Debbie Roberts.
The closure means students will either go South to Manzanita Elementary in Merlin, or five miles north to Glendale in Douglas County. Snowy mountain passes are some of the biggest concerns for parents. Sexton Mountain and Smith Hill have to be crossed to get students to Merlin. However, only Stage Road Pass stands between Wolf Creek and Glendale.
Parents are also concerned about the loss of free or low-cost lunches for students in a community that is already economically challenged.
Some parents are continuing to explore the possibility of turning the soon-to-be-vacant school into a charter school.
Comments
Please don't close
I just can't believe that they want too close this school down. It is a great school, I went there when I was a child well over 30 years ago, why now. They should be trying too keep this open, it will hurt this community terribly, right along with having to bus all these kids soo far to get too shool, they will have too get up so early to catch the bus, plus how safe will it be for our childern. I have a grand child that just started there this year, and the small class has been great I feel she gets just what she needs there.. I hope they keep it open, if not I really hope the charter school goes through. This community is already stuggling let alone too take the shool away..It just isn't right...To think I had 2 childern that went and now a grand child and now it's going too close..Besides the fact that the new school they will go to will be way over filled now, what kind of education will they get, what ever happen to never leaving a child behind? Over crowded school won't give those childern that are alittle shy, slow, a chance...I am truley sad, and hope they will see the light and not close...This Just Isn't Fair....