4J Parent News

I am excited to share with you that Eugene School District 4J has notified EWEB's general manager of our intention to submit a bid for the vacant EWEB riverfront property. While timing is always a challenge for new endeavors, the possibilities that this unique opportunity holds make now the right time to focus on the future of our district, its connection to our community and the possibility of exciting new programming for our students.

WhiIe we look to the future, I also want to make clear that my leadership team and I remain committed to ensuring that buildings and programs have their concerns addressed so our students and staff are supported into the future. In particular, this property acquisition will not get in the way of delivering on the facility improvements identified in ongoing conversations about supporting the North Region in general and at Kelly Middle and Yujin Gakuen Japanese Immersion Elementary schools, specifically.

I know this decision will come with questions, many of which do not yet have answers, but I certainly hope you will join me in exploring all the possibilities this opportunity represents.

As always, I am truly honored to serve as your superintendent during this chapter in Eugene School District 4J's history. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the success of our students and one another.

Dr. Andy Dey

What is Eugene 4J doing?

• The 4J school board has authorized the district to submit a bid to purchase the vacant EWEB property to provide enhanced educational opportunities for students with the development of a community-focused education center that celebrates science and arts education, innovation and creativity by making the most of a co-located network of new and existing partners at the unique riverfront location.
• Superintendent Andy Dey has indicated to EWEB General Manager Frank Lawson that the district is preparing a letter of interest to purchase the property.
• 4J and its community partners will finalize a proposal within the week to submit to the EWEB board at an upcoming meeting.

“The historical significance of this unique riverfront site is compelling. Providing our NATIVES and other multicultural programs with a space steeped with cultural importance is exciting. To be able to host programming and events designed to share that rich history with our students, families and the broader community is one of the strong appeals of this project.”

— Dr. Andy Dey, 4J superintendent

How is the district paying for this?

• Funds for the purchase of the property would come from previous real property sales, such as the sale of the former Roosevelt Middle School property, and other district resources.
• The school district will not be utilizing any general obligation bond funds or those designated through recent state investments outlined in the Student Success Act.
• The specifics of the offer are confidential, pending review and acceptance by the utility.

4J's plans for the site include:

• Provide publicly accessible programming and use in partnership with nonprofit partners, such as Lane Arts Council and the Eugene Science Center, along with other agencies providing support to students and families.
• Make use of existing kitchen facilities that would incubate budding restaurant concepts and provide for hospitality and culinary arts programming for students seeking to enter that profession.
• Prepare a permanent home at the waterfront space for multicultural programming that supports our student affinity groups and their respective communities.
• Institute a child care program for staff, students and community members.
• Relocate administrative functions to the site, making valuable and hard-to-find instructional space at its current location on North Monroe Street available for students for expanded instructional programs, such as career development and applied learning.

“The community and educational uses are endless. Co-locating arts, science and education, and providing the opportunity to enhance community access to what otherwise might be a bureaucratic office building seems to be the perfect expansion to the riverfront master plan. I’m excited about the possibilities as we imagine a new chapter for the school district and the students we serve.”
— Alicia Hays, Eugene School Board Member

How did we get here?

• During late fall of 2018, EWEB declared the riverfront property as surplus after relocating its operations.
• In 2021, the city of Eugene irrevocably waived its right to exclusively engage EWEB in the purchase of the property.
• The utility board then moved to solicit requests for proposals (RFP). In fall 2022, finding no viable options that met the requirements outlined in the RFP, the utility’s governing body authorized the general manager to engage in negotiations for the sale of the real estate.
• Following the closure of EWEB’s initial RFP process, the Eugene School Board held an executive session to discuss the location and the many uses for community arts, science and multicultural activities. It subsequently authorized the superintendent to pursue the property acquisition.

1/12 School Choice Informational Session (Spanish)

1/16 No School: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (Observed)

1/18 School Board Meeting

1/31 School Choice Application Deadline

2/1 School Board Meeting

2/3 No School

2/15 School Board Meeting

2/20 No School: Presidents Day (possible school closure makeup day)

3/1 School Board Meeting

3/15 School Board Meeting

3/16 No School: Middle & High Only (Grading Day)

3/17 No School: Staff Workload Relief Day

3/27–31 No School: Spring Break