Editorials, Opinion The ballots have been counted, and the Camas School District received more than enough support to overwhelmingly pass its Feb. 9 special election bond measure.
According to Clark County Elections, the official final results reflected support by 63.13 percent of voters, more than surpassing the super-majority requirement. Considering Camas schools have historically received incredibly strong backing from the community, particularly during the past two decades, these results were not at all surprising. Camas residents have come to expect high-quality educational opportunities, and so far the district has been given the tools to deliver. And, maybe more importantly, it has used those tools well.
The passage of this most recent $120 million bond is really, however, just one step in this massive endeavor. Now the next phase begins.
There are a laundry list of truly exciting and important projects that will be taking shape in the coming months and years. There will be a new elementary school built on property north of Lacamas Lake to replace the more than 50-year-old Lacamas Heights Elementary, and a smaller secondary high school next to the current Camas High School campus, which will focus on project-based learning. In addition, there will be some desperately-needed parking added for CHS students, as well as changes that will improve traffic flow. And one of the most exciting projects will be the much anticipated restoration and renovation of the Joyce Garver Theater/Garfield Building. After sitting vacant for several years it will once again be a facility open to students and the community.
With all of these projects in the pipeline, school district leaders certainly have a full plate. There will be pressure from district patrons who rely on these leaders to use the public’s money wisely and effectively, as they have done in the past to create one of the top school districts in the state.
Public involvement and input will be critical to the process, and help ensure that the school district’s stellar history of creating top quality educational opportunities and building innovative facilities continues.
