An upcoming community forum kicks off the planning process for new school attendance area boundaries in South Salem. School attendance area boundaries must be adjusted to relieve overcrowding in existing schools and define attendance areas for the new elementary school being constructed near Madras Street in South Salem. The new school will be open in fall of 2012.

The community forum is Wednesday, November 9 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Crossler Middle School.  Parents, staff, and interested community members are invited to attend.

At the forum, community members will learn about the boundary change work plan, the School Board’s criteria for making boundary changes, review maps and share input and ideas for new and adjusted attendance area boundaries. Another community forum will be held early next year to share proposals developed by a neighborhood work team and gather reactions and input from those attending.  New boundaries would be adopted by March 2012 for the 2012-13 school year.

Nominations for the name of the new school are being accepted through November 30, 2011. To access nomination information and forms, please visit www.salemkeizer.org/content/bond-updates, or contact your school office.

Two new elementary schools are currently under construction in Salem-Keizer with funds provided by the $242.1 million construction bond approved by voters in November 2008. Thanks to the community’s support of the bond, our schools will provide safer, healthier, and less crowded learning environments for students. For more information, contact any East Salem school principal, or project coordinator Mike Bednarek at (503) 399-3290.