Minutes

UNA Board Meeting Minutes

March 20, 2025

7-9pm

Library at LOJH- Uplands

Tom Bland, UNA Chair, began the meeting at 7:00pm with Introductions and Welcome

to the neighbors in attendance

Neighbors were encouraged to join this meeting as the focal point of the discussion

related to the conversion of Uplands to an administrative building and the complete

teardown and reconstruction of the Lake Grove Elementary School. The school board

is going to vote on the Phase 3 bond package soon and the current direction is to

proceed with this option only.

John Wallin, Chairman of the Lake Oswego School Board was in attendance and

represented the position held by the board.

A summary of the bond was handed out to all for reference and discussions ensued

related to the demographic statistics from kindergarten roundup and current freshman

high school classes. The question was posed as to whether we are justified in building

another school with the low numbers on the handout. Concern voiced over teacher

layoff in existing elementary schools as a result of low enrollment. John countered that

final signup will be higher, not all kids go to kindergarten, and some enter the school

system in later grades. Also advised the number of kids receiving special services

doubles the need for classroom space.

The discussion then focused on considering a remodel of Uplands as an elementary

school as opposed to an administration building and the potential benefits, property

tax savings. Uplands is one of the most seismically sound and the cost to remodel as a

school is 20M as opposed to 65M for Lake Grove. Good to have elementary, junior

high and high school all in close proximity. Questions posed as to the 40M figure put

forth to build a new administration building, had other options been considered, lease

options, real estate for existing buildings, etc. Straw poll of 400 in Lake Oswego was a

factor in the current direction of the bond package, Robert asked for the demographics

and John advised he would provide. Asked if it was possible to have a tiered vote on

bond, which package to pass. The bond would be more likely to pass if taxes go down

as opposed to steady state. The only current option is to vote against the bond, and it

was indicated that we wish to be supportive of education. John countered that he

didn’t feel choosing Uplands would lower the bond and the option of having to change

boundaries for the school districts is disruptive and a lot of work is involved.

Brent Washburne then presented the new Upland Neighborhood Association website

he created. Showed the various menu options and content. It was suggested to add

playgrounds in the neighborhood. Very positive feedback and it was concluded it was

ready to go live.

Susie Greer, Treasurer, advised we have 300.21

Brief discussion related to volunteers needed for the Annual Picnic

It was announced that the next General Meeting will be held May 15, 2025 in the LO

Junior High Library.