By Kirk Flatter
 
June 16, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - New fence work being done at all Medford elementary schools has some neighbors upset.
 
The Medford School District says the fences are a response to the near drowning of Luke Baehne, an autistic boy who wandered away from Jacksonville Elementary last year. Some neighbors say the fences are unnecessary.
 
Some neighbors who regularly use the path near Abraham Lincoln Elementary are afraid they will be locked out. They also are concerned about taking alternate paths to get to the school. Some just don't like their appearance. However, the district argues they are important to the safety and security of the schools.
 
The district is using bond money to install and repair the fences.
 
"We have our general funds which we pay teachers, we operate our buildings, and the day to day work. A few years ago the voters passed the bond measure that has allowed us to renovate our schools and to build new schools, in the case of Lone Pine, Jackson, and Roosevelt."
 
School district officials say they've spent about $120,000 so far on the project, and the rest of the schools should cost significantly less.