District Acquires Property

With the future needs of our students as primary motivation and concern, Fern Ridge School District has purchased a small piece of property which lies between Elmira Elementary School and Elmira High School. Acquisition of this property follows the Capital Improvement Plan developed by the Fern Ridge School District Long Range Facility Planning Committee and DLR Group.

According to the plan, The Fern Ridge School District was to complete ten steps; one of which was to “Acquire strategic properties adjacent to Elmira ES and Veneta ES for future expansion and flexibility.” In part, the plan stated: Acquire strategic properties adjacent to Elmira ES and Veneta ES for future expansion and flexibility: The first phase of this plan does not require the acquisition of neighboring properties, but solutions toward future phases and potential growth that include neighboring properties would provide the District with greater flexibility.  The Committee recommends land banking these properties if they become available at a cost within the prevailing market and within the constraints of the available budget.

This property could potentially be used for upgrading water systems, adding athletic fields, providing better access to and from the schools, or providing room for expansion of educational facilities.

The property is 10.79 acres and the purchase price was $335,000.  The future sale of several other district properties will provide most of the revenue for this purchase.  The transaction closed on Augsut 13, 2014.  We are thrilled to be able to acquire this property for our students.  – Dr. Sally J. Storm, Superintendent