Approach

The Vernonia School District and the City of Vernonia worked with Oregon Solutions—a governor-appointed task force representing federal, state and local government, private industry, civic organizations, and philanthropies—to find an appropriate and “high and dry” location for the Vernonia school system. The school will be built above the city’s floodplain in a central location that is walkable and accessible from other parts of Vernonia. The new site, at Spencer Park, is partially city-owned and far removed from sewage facilities and other potential infrastructure dangers.

The team leveraged hundreds of thousands of dollars for the project and developed a master plan for the new campus. The $38 million project hinged on the community providing the “down payment,” with state, federal and philanthropic sources funding the balance. In November 2009, the community overwhelmingly approved a $13 million bond to replace the three schools. At an estimated $1.90/thousand of assessed value, the bond adds an additional burden to a community that is already grappling with so many challenges.

Community leaders from Vernonia and across the Northwest have come together, committed to restoring the success of the schools in Vernonia. The campaign’s leadership includes the school district, local, state and federal elected leaders, local and statewide business and philanthropic leaders and the continued involvement of the Governor-appointed Oregon Solutions task force. These leaders are seeking significant public funding including stimulus funds, direct appropriations, education, energy, economic development and other public sector grants. The campaign is also engaging Oregon and national foundations, businesses, associations and individuals to make significant philanthropic grants and gifts.