Salem-Keizer schools create crowding task force

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Salem-Keizer School District has created a task force to address overcrowding that is expected to occur if enrollment and local population growth continues.

The Statesman Journal reports (http://stjr.nl/2gFBnXz ) that the Citizens Facilities Task Force met for the first time Monday to help review the district’s Long Range Facilities Plan and provide recommendations to the board for projects to be included in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan.

According to enrollment projections, the district will not have enough classroom space for more than 1,000 students in five years.

Adding to the problem of crowding is the district’s aging facilities. Currently, 177 portable classrooms are used throughout the district with 40 percent of those being more than 20 years old. By 2025 nearly 60 percent will be more than 20 years old.

___

Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com