A shuttered school in South Eugene will begin anew as a temporary site for students, during some construction projects.
The Willard School closed decades ago. Much of it is now covered in graffiti and plywood, and homeless people have used it for shelter. But it’ll be spruced up beginning this fall, to house local students displaced by the construction of two new schools.

Kerry Delf is spokesperson for Eugene School District 4J. She says Edison Elementary students will be at the Willard site for two years, starting in 2020. Then Camas Ridge students will be there for two years, starting in 2022.
“That’s going to be starting with removal of the old classroom wings over the next couple of months," she tells KLCC.
"The gym will be renovated this winter, then over the course of the spring, the new classroom facilities will be installed.”

The developments are funded by a voter-approved bond measure for 4J capital improvements, which raised over $319 million. Delf says after students relocate to their new buildings, the Willard School may still be used for other needs.
Copyright 2019, KLCC.