4J

The Eugene 4J School District is offering three options for students in the fall in compliance with state education and health requirements. The board met Wednesday night to develop a plan for the upcoming school year.

The Eugene 4J School District is close to finalizing a schedule that will begin during 2018-2019 academic year. It’s holding a community forum Wednesday  from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the 4J Education Center.

Eugene School District 4J is offering parents and students ways to help choose which school to attend next year.

4J has a long-standing system of allowing families to apply for enrollment in schools outside their neighborhood. Spokeswoman Kerry Delf explains.

Solar powered cars? There may be problems driving at night, but during a perfectly sunny day in Eugene Saturday, middle school-ers tried their models out during the annual Solar Challenge.

The competition held at Cal Young Middle School, is sponsored by the Eugene Water and Electric Board and featured about 250 students. Cars were entered into four categories: Speed racing, a hill climb, and art and science concept cars. Tim Whitley is EWEB's grant coordinator. He says the project increases awareness of alternative energy and gives kids a hands-on opportunity.

Residents of the Eugene 4J School District will decide this November whether to continue tax support for local schools.  Wednesday night, the School Board voted to put a local option levy on the ballot that would fund the district to the tune of $8 million per year.

Board member Jim Torrey said the district was already stretched, and losing the funds would have major consequences.

Eugene’s Depression-era stadium has a new chance for life.  Wednesday night, the Eugene 4J School Board voted to accept the City of Eugene’s bid for Civic Stadium.  The City offered $4.5 million for the Civic Stadium properties in South Eugene, but is requiring the community to raise significant additional funds to renovate the neglected all-wood grandstand and manage the facility.  4J Board Member Jim Torrey put it bluntly.

Wednesday night the Eugene 4j School Board will decide if they will accept the City of Eugene’s offer to purchase historic Civic Stadium. 

The district received three bids for the properties in South Eugene – one each from Fred Meyer, the YMCA, and the City of Eugene.  Superintendent Sheldon Berman has recommended the district accept the City’s offer. At a 4J School Board Meeting in early February, board members seemed tired of the issue, which they have been dealing with for the past decade.  

Board Chair Mary Walston:

Earlier this week, 4J Schools Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommended the sale of the Civic Stadium properties to the City of Eugene, over competing bids from Fred Meyer and the YMCA.  A final decision by the 4J Board is still two weeks away.  Wednesday night, Board members heard community response to the recommendation.

Berman: “This has been a long process…”

Superintendent Sheldon Berman is recommending the 4J School Board select The City of Eugene's offer of 4.5 million dollars to purchase the Civic Stadium Properties.

Berman acknowledged the district is currently strained financially. He said there were three main reasons he came to his decision.

Proponents of refurbishing Eugene's historic Civic Stadium into a soccer venue are continuing to gather community support. About 50 people attended a rally Saturday that started downtown and ended at the Stadium.

Fans of the Lane United Football Club and the group, Save Civic Stadium hope the 4-J District considers an option to turn the aging venue into a soccer field. Protester Jac Thomas says soccer is popular in Oregon, and Eugene could support a semi-pro team.