School District reveals progress on summer bond projects and construction updates

The Forest Grove School District 15's Bond Oversight Committee meeting on June 4, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in the district's fiber network project, which is set to enhance connectivity across all school buildings. The project, which involves boring underground fiber cables, is nearing completion, with hopes to have everything operational by July, pending necessary permits.

The committee discussed the benefits of the new fiber network, emphasizing cost savings and increased capacity. "We’re only limited by the capacity of the optics that we put in our equipment," one member noted, explaining that upgrades can be made without incurring hefty fees from service providers. This infrastructure will also provide redundancy, ensuring that if one part of the network fails, connectivity can be rerouted through alternative paths.

However, the meeting also addressed challenges faced during construction, including an incident where a fire riser was accidentally damaged, causing a temporary water issue. Fortunately, the facilities department responded swiftly, resolving the problem within a day.

Looking ahead, the summer will be busy for the district, with multiple buildings undergoing significant renovations. Staff will experience full move-outs in several schools, including Echo Shaw and Harvey Clark, which will require careful coordination. Despite the disruptions, committee members expressed confidence in the contractors involved, noting their local ties and previous successful projects.

The meeting concluded with plans for future gatherings, with the next scheduled for September 10, 2025, where further updates on the bond projects will be shared. The committee remains optimistic about the ongoing improvements and their positive impact on the district's educational environment.