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  • Demo Underway At Cascade

    The oldest school building in Bethel School District is coming down. Cascade Middle School, built in 1955, is being demolished. In its place will be green space and the parking lot and driveway for the new Cascade, which is ready to open in September. Crews are carefully removing asbestos located in floor tiles, pipe elbows and parts of the ceiling. Demo teams are following by taking down the building. An impressive amount of the old building is being reused with numerous organizations salvaging items including old cabinetry and well-used school furniture. Literally tons of metal was also removed and recycled.

    Tuesday, Jul 09 2024

  • New websites coming to Bethel this summer

    Hello, Bethel families! As we wrap up the school year, I wanted to share some exciting news with you. Over the summer break, we’ll be launching brand-new websites for each school in our district, as well as the district office and departments.  These new websites, powered by ParentSquare, are designed to be easy to use and manage. They’ll give each school more control over the information shared, making it simpler for you to stay informed and connected. Here’s what you need to know: Most of the setup work will happen over the summer, so everything will be ready when students return in the fall. Office coordinators, principals, and other key staff will receive training on how to use the new sites. We’ll provide handy guides and FAQs to help everyone get familiar with the changes. Our goal is to make the websites easier to navigate for both families and staff. We believe this upgrade will improve communication and make it easier for schools to share important info with you. If you have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you! Your input is important to us as we make these changes. Thanks for your support, and we can’t wait to show you the new websites! Alisha Dodds  Communications Director  Bethel School District

    Thursday, Jun 13 2024

  • Summer meals, resources and activities in Bethel!

    Summer Resources & Opportunities Summer break is just around the corner! We hope that everyone gets the opportunity to rest and relax a little over the summer months. We recognize that a break from school can sometimes mean a break from routine, regular meals and time with peers. Included below is a list of resources and opportunities for Bethel families to take advantage of over the summer months, including free food, youth sports camps, local summer camps and more. Enrollment reminder! Just a reminder to all Bethel families to please fill out your registration paperwork as soon as possible. This helps us plan for the upcoming school year. New and returning families can register here .  Free Summer Meals in Bethel! Free breakfast and lunch meals will again be available to all Bethel students throughout the summer months! Children ages 0-18 have access to both breakfast and lunch at three Bethel schools – Prairie Mountain School, Meadow View School and Willamette High School. Details are included below. Summer Meal Schedules Willamette High School – 1801 Echo Hollow Road Dates: June 24 - Aug. 9  Breakfast: 9:00-9:30 a.m. Monday – Friday  Lunch : 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Monday – Friday   Prairie Mountain – 5305 Royal Ave. Dates : June 24 - Aug. 9 Breakfast 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Monday – Friday  Lunch: 12:00-12:30 p.m. Monday – Friday   Meadow View – 1855 Legacy Street Dates : June 24 - Aug. 9 Breakfast 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Monday – Friday  Lunch: 12:00-12:30 p.m. Monday – Friday Changes to summer meal distribution No grab-and-go meals : All summer meals will be provided for on-site consumption. Children will be welcome to eat their meals in our school courtyard-areas.   Children accessing the meals must be present to receive them. Parents, guardians, and others are not able to take food home with them. Summer meal programs may have to make last-minute changes to the menu, based on availability. Additional Summer Food Resources Produce Plus Families throughout the community are welcome to visit the first-come, first-served drive through produce pick-up from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Wednesday at the Bethel Farm located behind Prairie Mountain School, access via Patriot Way. Be sure to park in the Farm’s gravel parking area. Learn more about the program here. Cascade Family Resource Center The Cascade Family Resource Center will be available to Bethel families throughout the summer months. The center will be open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the following dates:  June 20, July 11, July 25th, Aug. 1st, Aug. 15.   Families are invited  to come in and “shop” for food and essentials, including fresh food, dairy products, breads, canned products, clothes, toiletries and more.  Have questions? Contact Shannon Witty at Shannon.Witty@bethel.k12.or.us or call 541-689-0641 ext 3024. Summer 2024 - new location and times! What: Cascade Family Resource Center When: 4-6 p.m. June 20, July 11, July 25th, Aug. 1st, Aug. 15.   Where: Fairfield old gym, next to Fairfield Elementary at 3455 Royal Ave. Food for Lane County Youth Meals in Bethel Parks All children and youth age 18 and younger are invited to eat lunch for free during the summer months. Each summer, FFLC serves thousands of lunches and breakfasts to children through the Summer Food Program at parks and community centers located throughout Lane County. In Bethel, those locations are: Petersen Barn Park, Jacob's Lane Home Goods, State Street Park and Emerald Park (River Road).  Dates : June 24-August 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Click here for a complete list of sites .  Click here for a complete menu in Spanish and English More summer meals program resources Food for Lane County Oregon Summer Food Program Find a Meal site Low Income Relief FreeFood.org Summer EBT Food Benefits for families Oregon is launching the Summer EBT program to help families buy food for school-aged children during summer break. Starting in late June 2024, each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 for groceries. The program aims to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets. Who Qualifies: Children on SNAP, TANF, or the Oregon Health Plan. Children in foster care. Kids attending schools with free or reduced-price meal programs, including those in migrant programs, experiencing houselessness, or in Head Start. How to Get Benefits: Most families will be automatically enrolled and receive benefits on their EBT card. Some families need to apply. Sign up at sebt.oregon.gov  to be notified when to apply. Use benefits at stores and farmers markets accepting EBT. For more info, visit this page  or contact 2-1-1. Want to contact someone directly at the Bethel School District? Call 541-689-3280 and ask to talk with Molly Lucas.  Youth Sports Opportunities Girls Basketball Camp The Willamette High School Girls Basketball Program will be hosting a Girls Youth Camp June 18-20 in main gym at Willamette High School - 1801 Echo Hollow Road. Fundamental Skill Development – Shooting, Passing, Transition, Ball Handling Speed, Agility & Quickness – Be Stronger & Faster than the Your Opponent! Our goal is to help introduce the game of basketball to girls in the Bethel area and, of course, to have some fun! Please have your child wear athletic gear (preferably shorts and t-shirt), basketball or athletic shoes, and bring a water bottle.  Dates, times and age groups:  Incoming 1st-8th graders : 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. June 18-20 Registration can take place at the door! Cost is $60.  Email  WHS Girls Basketball Coach Chad Carpenter to reserve a spot: coachcarp.willamettehoops@gmail.com Willamette High School Volleyball Camps - for middle school students!  Dates & Times 9-11 a.m.   June 26th-28th  9-11 a.m. July 10-12  Grades 6-8  Cost: $50/camp Registration:  willamettehighschoolathletics.org   For inquiries: email janelcoburn@hotmail.com or text (949) 357-6993 Willamette Youth Football Camp Dates: August 12th-15th 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Location: Willamette High School  Grades 3rd-8th Details: Camp will include position specific instruction from WHS Coaches & Players, group drills, team drills & a camp t-shirt.  All campers need to bring/wear athletics shoes or cleats, t-shirt, shorts & socks.  Also, make sure to bring a water bottle so we can stay hydrated.  Camp cost is $40.00 (no scholarships available). Camp is open to all genders and gender identities.  Sign-up: forms.gle/bedrDC2BZy4h5Bkg9 Willamette Unified Football Camp We are also thrilled to host the first annual Willamette Unified Football Camp August 16th from 9:00-11:00 am.  The camp is intended to serve students from the area who have special needs. The camp will run from 9:00-10:30 am and after camp concludes we will host a post camp BBQ from 10:30-11:00 am that is open to campers and their families.  Camp includes a variety of football drills w/WHS Varsity football players and coaches supporting and interacting with campers making sure they have fun and are safe.  All campers will have the opportunity to take pictures w/WHS Varsity Football Players & a Team Picture.  Campers should dress to MOVE as best they can and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Camp is free.   Willamette Unified Football Camp registration: forms.gle/zrLc6XPdTNw5fki29 Bethel Calendar for 2024-25 Want to start planning for next school year? Check out the 2024-25 Bethel School District calendar here . 

    Wednesday, Jun 12 2024

  • Bethel Newsletter: May 2024

    Important Dates Monday, May 27 : No school  K-12 - Memorial Day Upcoming events in Bethel!    Willamette High School Theatre proudly presents a timeless classic that has captured hearts for generations – The Wizard of Oz!   Join us on a captivating journey with Dorothy Gale, a spirited young girl whisked away by a tornado to the enchanting land of Oz.  Alongside her endearing companions – the brain-seeking Scarecrow, the heart-desiring Tinman, and the courage-aspiring Cowardly Lion – Dorothy sets out on an epic quest to find the Wizard, defeat the Wicked Witch, and uncover the true meaning of friendship and bravery.  Don't miss this magical production filled with unforgettable music, dazzling costumes, and a story that reminds us that there's no place like home.   Dates: May 2-4, 2024  Time: 7 p.m.  Venue: Powers Auditorium, Willamette High School  Ticket Prices: Students/Staff: $7 General Admission: $10 Children 6 and under: FREE! Purchase your tickets online at willamettehs.booktix.com or at the door on show nights. ¡Día de los niños/Día de los libros! Día de los niños/Día de los libros! Venga a una celebración bilingüe gratis de la lectura, la familia y la comunidad de Bethel el sábado 4 de mayo, a cualquier hora, de 10 a. m. al mediodía, en la cafetería de Willamette High School. Niños ocho años y menores y sus familias están invitados a unirse a la diversión con acto musical por Piel De Canela y Joshua Caraco, una demostración de trabajo del cuero y actividades prácticas que incluyen arte de globos, tatuajes  temporales, artesanía de flores de papel y más. ¡También un libro gratis para cada niño!    Children's Day / Book Day! Come to a free bilingual celebration of reading, family, and community at Bethel on Saturday, May 4, anytime from 10 a.m. at noon, in the Willamette High School cafeteria. Children eight and under and their families are invited to join in the fun with musical act by Piel De Canela and Joshua Caraco, a leatherwork demonstration and hands-on activities including balloon art, temporary tattoos, paper flower crafts and more. Also a free book for each child!   Kalapuya Plant Sale! It's that time of year again! The annual Kalapuya plant sale is back.  Join us from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Kalapuya High School for a plant sale jubilee and get a jumpstart on your summer garden! There will be an abundance (and variety) of ready-to-plant vegetable, herb, fruit and flower starts, as well as hanging flower baskets, as grown by Kalapuya High School students.  The plant sale will take place at Kalapuya High School at 1200 N. Terry Street. Hope to see you there! Learn to Ride a Bike - A Free, All Ages, Drop-In Event For Not-Yet-Riders!  When : Saturday, May 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m.  Where : Meadow View School (1855 Legacy St. Eugene) Do you or your child want to learn how to ride a bike? Join Bethel, 4J and Springfield Safe Routes to School programs, the City of Eugene, the City of Springfield, and Shift Community Cycles for this fun event with pedal-powered smoothies, bike checks, information about bike share, and workshops for families and individuals of all ages on biking for transportation.  We’ll start with balancing and gliding without pedals or training wheels. Some will learn to pedal in one session, while others may need more practice to reach that final goal. You don’t need your own bike to participate, but please bring a helmet and bike if you have one. Contact Safe Routes to School at Rachel.Tochen@bethel.k12.or.us or albee_b@4j.lane.edu with questions or to volunteer. Clear Lake Closure + Next Steps  Bethel recently announced that it will be closing Clear Lake Elementary in the 2025-26 school year due to persistent declining enrollment across the district. The closure of Clear Lake also means that our district will have several new school boundaries beginning in the 25-26 school year.  We want to make sure that all Bethel families have access to information about next steps, new boundaries, potential transfers and transportation. Head to www.bethel.k12.or.us/future-planning for additional information. Superintendent Kraig Sproles explains more in this short video clip:                      Profile of a Bethel Learner Earlier this school year, we asked students, staff, families and Bethel community members to help us define what it means to be a Bethel learner by identifying traits and skills that will empower our students to be successful in adult life!  Overall, those who responded to the survey said that personality traits/characteristics that students should develop before graduating from Bethel schools included perseverance , responsibility and kindness ! This, of course, is in addition to important academic skills such as reading, writing, and math. These traits, woven into the fabric of the educational journey, will prepare students to thrive in school and beyond - AND many of our schools are in many ways already focused on fostering these characteristics. Next, the district will be looking at how to ensure that our students are adequately equipped with these skills (and others) and are prepared for life after their K-12 career when they leave our system.  Farewell tour of Cascade Middle School Join us for a tour and opening of a time capsule to celebrate and say goodbye to the current Cascade Middle School. This summer, the school will be torn down to make room the beautiful NEW, bond-funded Cascade Middle School! We hope to see you there. Thank you, Bethel voters!  What: Farewell tour of Cascade Middle School Where : Cascade Middle School, 1525 Echo Hollow Road When : 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 May 1, 2024

    Wednesday, May 01 2024

  • Join us for a Bethel community listening session!

    Good evening, Bethel families and staff! Last week we shared proposed boundary changes that will be in place in the 2025-26 school year and how students across the district will be affected. Additional information about the new boundaries is included below. We wanted to make sure you knew about an opportunity to learn more about these changes, and to get your questions answered. Community listening session  Your voice matters to us, and we want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and questions. Please join us for our community listening session beginning at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 15 in the Willamette High School cafeteria where we'll provide an overview of the boundary process and offer opportunities for discussion. Free childcare and dinner will be available. If you're unable to attend the session, you can still share your feedback by emailing communications@bethel.k12.or.us or by filling out this brief survey . Your insights are invaluable as we strive to make informed decisions for our community.   New boundaries for 2025-26 school year While most schools—Fairfield, Irving, and Meadow View—will remain mostly unaffected by these changes, Danebo, Malabon and Prairie Mountain will see some adjustments.  To evenly distribute students across our schools, and to cause the least amount of disruption possible, the following boundary changes are being proposed: Malabon : All students who are in the “ Winco Triangle ” area will become part of the Malabon boundary. Currently, students who live in this area are split between Malabon and Clear Lake. Prairie Mountain : The proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary has a new North-South border. Addresses located West of S. Danebo and N. Danebo, west of Welcome Way, west of Candlelight (but not actual Candlelight addresses), to Avalon, along the PM border, west of Port St, and west of W. Irwin (not including W. Irwin addresses) will become the new Prairie Mountain boundary.  Danebo : The proposed new Danebo boundary will include the remainder of the current Clear Lake boundary, east of W. Irwin (including W. Irwin addresses) and Candlelight addresses, east of N. Danebo, and the rest of the Danebo attendance area Maps All new proposed boundaries are highlighted in yellow.  Proposed new Danebo boundary map   Proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary map  WinCo triangle Current Bethel School District boundary map   Transfers and transportation We want this to be a smooth transition for all families involved. For families impacted by these changes, we're offering early transfers for the 2024-25 school year, along with transportation assistance. Additionally, we're committed to ensuring continuity for our middle school students, allowing them to start and finish at the same school. Additional information about this decision and Bethel future planning can be found at:   bethel.k12.or.us/future-planning/ Thank you for your feedback, thoughtful questions and participation to help navigate this process so far.  Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns that come up.  Thank you, Kraig Sproles Superintendent

    Friday, Apr 12 2024

  • Join us this Thursday! Danebo Community Listening Se...

    Good afternoon, Danebo families! Last week we shared proposed boundary changes that will be in place in the 2025-26 school year and how Danebo students will be affected. Additional information about the new boundaries is included below – but we wanted to make sure you knew about an opportunity to learn more about these changes, and to get your questions answered. Community listening session  Your voice matters to us, and we want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and questions. Please join us for our community listening session from  4-5:30 p.m. this Thursday  in the Danebo Media Center where we'll provide an overview of the boundary process and offer opportunities for discussion. Free childcare will be available. If you're unable to attend the session, you can still contribute by sharing your feedback by emailing communications@bethel.k12.or.us or by filling out this brief survey . Your insights are invaluable as we strive to make informed decisions for our community.   New boundaries for 2025-26 school year While most schools—Fairfield, Irving, and Meadow View—will remain mostly unaffected by these changes, Danebo, Malabon and Prairie Mountain will see some adjustments.  To evenly distribute students across our schools, and to cause the least amount of disruption possible, the following boundary changes are being proposed: Malabon : All students who are in the “ Winco Triangle ” area will become part of the Malabon boundary. Currently, students who live in this area are split between Malabon and Clear Lake. Prairie Mountain : The proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary has a new North-South border. Addresses located West of S. Danebo and N. Danebo, west of Welcome Way, west of Candlelight (but not actual Candlelight addresses), to Avalon, along the PM border, west of Port St, and west of W. Irwin (not including W. Irwin addresses) will become the new Prairie Mountain boundary.  Danebo : The proposed new Danebo boundary will include the remainder of the current Clear Lake boundary, east of W. Irwin (including W. Irwin addresses) and Candlelight addresses, east of N. Danebo, and the rest of the Danebo attendance area Maps All new proposed boundaries are highlighted in yellow.  Proposed new Danebo boundary map   Proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary map  WinCo triangle Current Bethel School District boundary map   Transfers and transportation We want this to be a smooth transition for all families involved. For families impacted by these changes, we're offering early transfers for the 2024-25 school year, along with transportation assistance. Additionally, we're committed to ensuring continuity for our middle school students, allowing them to start and finish at the same school. Additional information about this decision and Bethel future planning can be found at:   bethel.k12.or.us/future-planning/ Thank you for your feedback, thoughtful questions and participation to help navigate this process so far.  Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns that come up.  Thank you, Kraig Sproles Superintendent    

    Monday, Apr 08 2024

  • Join us this Wednesday! Clear Lake Community Listeni...

    Good afternoon, Clear Lake families! Last week we shared proposed boundary changes that will be in place in the 2025-26 school year and how Clear Lake students will be affected. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, most Clear Lake students will either be zoned to attend Malabon or Danebo. Additional information about the new boundaries is included below - but we wanted to make sure that you were aware of an opportunity to learn more about these changes and to get your questions answered.  Community listening session  Your voice matters to us, and we want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and questions. Please join us for our community listening session from 5:30-6:30 this Wednesday in the Clear Lake cafeteria where we'll provide an overview of the boundary process and offer opportunities for discussion. Free childcare will be available. If you're unable to attend the session, you can still contribute by sharing your feedback by emailing communications@bethel.k12.or.us or by filling out this brief survey . Your insights are invaluable as we strive to make informed decisions for our community.   New boundaries for 2025-26 school year While most schools—Fairfield, Irving, and Meadow View—will remain mostly unaffected by these changes, Danebo, Malabon and Prairie Mountain will see some adjustments.  To evenly distribute students across our schools, and to cause the least amount of disruption possible, the following boundary changes are being proposed: Malabon : All students who are in the “ Winco Triangle ” area will become part of the Malabon boundary. Currently, students who live in this area are split between Malabon and Clear Lake. Prairie Mountain : The proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary has a new North-South border. Addresses located West of S. Danebo and N. Danebo, west of Welcome Way, west of Candlelight (but not actual Candlelight addresses), to Avalon, along the PM border, west of Port St, and west of W. Irwin (not including W. Irwin addresses) will become the new Prairie Mountain boundary.  Danebo : The proposed new Danebo boundary will include the remainder of the current Clear Lake boundary, east of W. Irwin (including W. Irwin addresses) and Candlelight addresses, east of N. Danebo, and the rest of the Danebo attendance area Maps All new proposed boundaries are highlighted in yellow.  Proposed new Danebo boundary map   Proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary map  WinCo triangle Current Bethel School District boundary map   Transfers and transportation We want this to be a smooth transition for all families involved. For families impacted by these changes, we're offering early transfers for the 2024-25 school year, along with transportation assistance. Additionally, we're committed to ensuring continuity for our middle school students, allowing them to start and finish at the same school. Additional information about this decision and Bethel future planning can be found at:   bethel.k12.or.us/future-planning/ Thank you for your feedback, thoughtful questions and participation to help navigate this process so far.  Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns that come up.  Thank you,  Kraig Sproles Superintendent 

    Monday, Apr 08 2024

  • Proposed Bethel boundary changes for the 2025-26 sch...

    Good afternoon, Bethel families! I’m reaching out with an update about school boundary changes following the announcement of the closure of Clear Lake in the 2025-26 school year.  A small committee of board members and Bethel staff have established  proposed  boundary changes for the 2025-26 school year. We are sharing this information with staff and families now so they have ample time to make decisions about enrollment for the upcoming school year and the future. Our goal is to have the boundaries solidified for the April 22 nd  board meeting. New boundaries for 2025-26 school year To evenly distribute students across our schools, and to cause the least amount of disruption possible, the following boundary changes are being proposed Fairfield : No boundary changes. Irving : No boundary changes. Meadow View : No boundary changes. Malabon : All students who are in the “ Winco Triangle ” area will become part of the Malabon boundary. Currently, students who live in this area are split between Malabon and Clear Lake. Prairie Mountain :  The proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary  has a new North-South border. Addresses located West of S. Danebo and N. Danebo, west of Welcome Way, west of Candlelight (but not actual Candlelight addresses), to Avalon, along the PM border, west of Port St, and west of W. Irwin (not including W. Irwin addresses) will become the new Prairie Mountain boundary.  Danebo : The proposed new Danebo boundary will include the remainder of the current Clear Lake boundary, east of W. Irwin (including W. Irwin addresses) and Candlelight addresses, east of N. Danebo, and the rest of the Danebo attendance area. Maps All new proposed boundaries are highlighted in yellow.  Proposed new Danebo boundary map   Proposed new Prairie Mountain boundary map  WinCo triangle Current Bethel School District boundary map   Transfers and Transportation Families whose home school will be changing due to boundary changes - all current Clear Lake students and many Danebo students - will be given priority to transfer to their new home school in the 2024-25 school year. While transferring a year early allows students to get a jump start at their new home school, it does not allow students to transfer at the same time as the majority of their current group of classmates. Bethel will provide bus transportation for all qualified families who decide to transfer early as well as provide transportation for students who stay at their current schools.  Families who would like to transfer to their new home school a year early, can submit a transfer request BEFORE May 24 th .   These transfers will be approved and the district will provide transportation in the 2024-25 school year for those families.   Beyond that timeframe, families will need to submit transfer requests via our regular process. After May 24th, transfer requests will be granted based on availability at the requested school. Additional information about our regular transfer process can be found  here . Middle school students Current 5th-grade students at Danebo and Clear Lake will be able to start and finish at one middle school and will not be forced to transfer during their middle school career. For example, if a student enrolls as a sixth grader at Shasta next year, they will be allowed to continue at Shasta even if the boundaries change. Current 4th grade students will attend their “home” middle schools.  Danebo and Clear Lake  listening sessions We will be holding a Danebo community listening session from  4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th  and a Clear Lake community listening session from  5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10th . Please join us for an overview of the process so far, and an opportunity to share thoughts, concerns and questions. Danebo students, staff and families are welcome. Free childcare will be provided.  Feedback and community meetings  In an effort to gather feedback from the Bethel community, the Bethel School Board will hold another community engagement session at Willamette High School cafeteria from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Willamette High School is located at 1801 Echo Hollow Road.  Survey and email feedback We are seeking feedback from staff, families and community members. Please share your thoughts or concerns by emailing  communications@bethel.k12.or.us . We have also created a brief survey where families can share feedback or ask questions. Survey :  https://forms.gle/ATZDQq7W3Beb7QD57   Additional information about this decision and Bethel future planning can be found at:   bethel.k12.or.us/future-planning/ Thank you for your feedback, thoughtful questions and participation to help navigate this process so far.  Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns that come up.  Thank you,  Kraig Sproles  Superintendent, Bethel School District   Overview of the process Bethel has been grappling with a persistent budget deficit over the past few years and will need to make about $2.6 million in cuts and reserve spending for the upcoming 24-25 school year and each year after. To address this, Bethel will implement a combination of cost-saving methods, including spending down district reserves, slightly increasing the student to teacher ratio and reducing spending. Due to a 10-year declining enrollment resulting in under-utilized classroom spaces in most of our elementary schools, the Board decided at its March 18 work session to close Clear Lake Elementary School in the 2025-26 school year. A driving factor in this decision was the desire to offer strong programming at all schools moving forward. Superintendent Kraig Sproles explains more in this short video clip:       

    Thursday, Apr 04 2024

  • Community Engagement Meeting: Clear Lake Closure + N...

    We want to hear from and collaborate with our Bethel community following the announcement that we will be closing Clear Lake Elementary in the 2025-26 school year. Please join us from 6-8 p.m. this Thursday, March 21, for an overview of the process so far, and an opportunity to share thoughts, concerns and questions. The meeting will be interpreted in Spanish. All Bethel students, staff and families are welcome.  Additional listening and information sessions will be held in both Spanish and English this spring. Additional information about this decision can be found at:   bethel.k12.or.us/future-planning/

    Wednesday, Mar 20 2024

  • Important update from Superintendent Sproles: Budget...

    Good evening, Bethel Families. I am reaching out to share some important news following tonight’s Bethel School Board work session. At this meeting, board members were tasked with discussing our district's budget deficit and the measures being considered to address them. Our district has been facing  a persistent budget deficit in recent years . Despite our efforts to minimize its impact on our students, staff, and families, the deficit remains a pressing issue that requires action. The Board has identified a need for approximately $2.6 million in cuts and reserve spending for the upcoming 24-25 school year. The Board tackled two important decisions at this meeting:  The first topic of discussion was how to address a $2.6 million shortfall for the 2024-25 school year. The Board decided to do this by spending down part of the district reserves, slightly increasing the student to teacher ratio and reducing spending in all departments.  The second decision the board made was in regards to a school consolidation. Due to a 10-year declining enrollment resulting in under-utilized classroom spaces in most of our elementary schools, the Board decided to move forward with consolidation. A driving factor in this decision was the desire to offer strong programming at all schools moving forward. Clear Lake Elementary was selected as the school that will be closed and we will need to redraw boundaries for most of the elementary schools in the district.  Please know that this decision was not made lightly. The board arrived at this decision after a  months-long process of evaluating various data sets and considerations  with our long-range facilities planning team. Even still, I recognize the significant impact that this decision will have on the students, staff and families in our Bethel community - especially at Clear Lake. I also know that this decision will be an emotional one for many in our community. We are committed to a thoughtful and transparent process as we work together to move forward and make decisions that are in the best interest of our entire community. Closure timelines and boundaries It's important to note that Clear Lake will remain open next school year (2024-25) and will not close until the 2025-2026 school year.  This decision will change school boundaries across the district. We will work to determine these new boundaries and share information as soon as possible.  Details about how the school will be utilized in the future and other next steps have not yet been determined.  We will soon have information about how this will impact kindergarten enrollment and possible student transfers.  Why Clear Lake ? The decision to close this school was made by the Bethel School Board after carefully reviewing various factors such as the  school's age, its current condition, enrollment numbers, and anticipated future maintenance needs . Following thorough consideration, the school board concluded that closing this particular school was the most practical course of action. At tonight’s work session, the Board was particularly concerned about how this decision would impact students in our Life Skills program at Clear Lake. Board members charged the district with working to ensure that impact to those students is minimal.  Next steps - Community Engagement Session  We will be holding a community engagement session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,  Thursday, March 21 at Willamette High School.  Your input is crucial and welcomed as we navigate this next phase.  Families and staff will receive regular updates on this process.  In addition to community listening sessions, families and staff will also have the opportunity to submit questions and concerns electronically via email and surveys and participate in the decision-making process. I realize that this is an incredibly difficult decision that will have many impacts. We are committed to making the process as transparent and supportive as possible. As we move forward, we will provide regular updates and offer opportunities for you to participate in the decision-making process. Kraig Sproles (he/him) Superintendent Bethel School District (541) 689-3280 4640 Barger Drive Eugene, OR 97402   Creating relevant, responsive, and joyful school communities where all students thriv

    Tuesday, Mar 19 2024