Kids and teachers say goodbye to Delight Valley Elementary School
COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. - For a country school near Cottage Grove, it's not just the last day of school Tuesday.
It's the end of an era, as Delight Valley Elementary closes its doors after 85 years.
Delight Valley school was born in 1925. It burned down in 1950; was rebuilt, then it expanded during the 1960s.
"The 25 years I've been in the South Lane School District, I would have to say this might be the worst day," says Superintendent Krista Parent.
It's a closure that means these kids have to find a new school this fall. Officials say declining enrollment and the budget, forced their hand.
Principal David Bascue at Delight Valley told KVAL News, "You know, kids are excited in their own way because they're moving on to something different, but they know they're going to miss their teachers and their friends here."
"I wish it wouldn't because I have a little sister and she would be going to kindergarten here," says student Raymi Piltz.
Tom Adams asked another student, Carly Sand, "Why do you think it's bad that the school is closing?" Sand: "Because it's a little school and it's fun to have a little school and not as much kids."
"Been here a long time and it's kind of a tough day," says Cafeteria Manager, Kim Nelson. She went to school here, her kids went to school here--and she's prepared the meals for 23 years.
Teachers will also have to re-assigned; veteran instructors like Laurie Melendy, a teacher at Delight Valley for 13 years.
Adams: "What will you remember the most?" Melendy: "Oh gosh--I think the family feel of a small school. Knowing every child's name and every family in our entire school is pretty special."
Krista Parent explains the school board considered alternate budget cuts for South Lane in February (that would have kept the school open), but felt the alternate plan was more draconian
than closing Delight Valley. She added, "They said we're going to end up with a mediocre school district--rather than maintaining an exemplar-quality district with one less school.
Kids and staff will adjust--the education will go on.
But as Parent fears, with Oregon's worsening budget, this is a scene that likely will be repeated.
The superintendent says the state's worsening budget picture will mean less money for South Lane in the next budget cycle.
She's afraid Latham Elementary could be next on the cut list.
