Medford charter school seeks West Side

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April 29, 2007

By Paris Achen

Mail Tribune

With enrollment nearly complete and no place to call home, organizers of the city's first charter school will ask the Medford School Board on Tuesday to lease the former West Side School for next school year.

The Madrone Trail Public Charter School is scheduled to debut with grades kindergarten through 2.

Since the inception of their charter, organizers have expressed a desire to set up their Waldorf-methods classes at the West Side School, 3070 Ross Lane.

School board members were reluctant to make a decision until each had toured the West Side building, which hasn't been used as a school since the 1980s. The naval reserve center leased the structure until last October. The board tours happened last month.

"I don't think the building is going to be adequate for their use without a lot of work, and we are not in the position to do it," said board Chairman Larry Nicholson. "The overall condition of the school would have to be improved to make it safe for students."

District officials are also considering using the former school for storage during the next four years of construction on school bond projects at 18 campuses. The West Side School was not included in the $189 million bond package voters approved in November.

"The Navy did some maintenance and improvements on the building, but there are still areas that need repair," said Medford schools Superintendent Phil Long. "There are areas with asbestos tile, and we don't have money in the budget to improve the site."

The exact cost of repairing and upgrading the West Side School has not been determined, and Madrone Trail organizers declined to disclose how much money they have earmarked for building improvements.

Madrone Trail is still recruiting students to fill up the second grade. Kindergarten and the first grade have waiting lists.

As a charter school, it is sponsored by the district, charges no tuition and is open to anyone in the state, as space allows. District pupils are given priority for admission.

The charter school has two other options for locations, but they would likely be short-term because of lack of space to grow with the school, organizers said. Madrone Trail plans call for adding a grade each year through the eighth grade.

"The main attraction at the West Side School is room for growth, and the site is very attractive as far as location and outdoor space," said Daniele Anderson, Madrone Trail board member.

Reach reporter Paris Achen at 541-776-4459 or pachen@mailtribune.com.

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