Bond-funded construction of two new elementary schools continues on schedule, and the process to determine school names continues this month with public meetings.

A subcommittee of the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) will hold two public forums to hear testimony on names nominated for each school.

South Salem Elementary School Naming Forum
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
6:00 p.m. at Sprague High School

East Salem Elementary School Naming Forum
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
6:00 p.m. at McKay High School

Download the list of school names nominations [PDF]

Interested community members have the opportunity to speak for three minutes to provide testimony that supports how a name on the list meets the criteria for new school names. Additional written testimony for the Committee can be emailed to paulson_mary@salkeiz.k12.or.us

If the nomination is the name of a person:

• The name submitted should be one of a distinguished man or woman who had significant recognition of their contributions to the Salem-Keizer community, the State of Oregon, or the United States. Significant recognition may include pioneer status, elected office, a generally accepted state or national award, or extraordinary groundbreaking accomplishments.
• Names of people still active in their careers are not acceptable.
• Preference will be given to naming a school after persons who are deceased.

If the nomination is the name of a location/place:

• The name should be of recognized local neighborhoods, relevant geographic areas, places of historical or cultural significance, reflect the character of the community, or reference local flora and fauna.

The subcommittee will listen and consider the testimony as they create their recommendation for the School Board. The subcommittee's recommendation will be released to the community prior to the first reading before the Board, which is scheduled for the Tuesday, February 14, 2012 School Board meeting. The Board is scheduled to vote on the recommendation at their March 13, 2012 meeting.

You can view recent photos taken in December 2011 of the new schools under construction.

Go to Flickr to see recent photos of the new South Salem elementary under construction »

Go to Flickr to see recent photos of the new East Salem elementary under construction »

Both schools are being constructed with funding provided by the construction bond approved by voters in 2008. Bond funds can only be used for projects associated with the 2008 bond measure, like overcrowding and repairs, and cannot be used for school operations. For more information on construction bond projects, please visit the Construction Bond Updates page.

For more information on the forums, please contact Community Relations and Communications at 503-399-3038.