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Board asks city to reconsider proposed homeless camp near Riverside Elementary and Gladwell High
Summary
The Grants Pass School District 7 board approved a resolution asking the city to consider alternate locations for a proposed homeless encampment sited near two district schools, citing prior incidents that prompted schools to secure buildings. Superintendent Sweeney presented the resolution and the board voted to sign it.
The Grants Pass School District 7 Board approved and signed a resolution asking the city to reconsider a proposed homeless encampment located about two blocks from Riverside Elementary and three blocks from Gladwell High School.
"We are aware that the city is pondering putting a homeless encampment 2 blocks away from Riverside Elementary, 3 blocks away from Gladwell High School," Superintendent Sweeney told the board, noting the district had previously placed schools on secure status because of incidents near existing encampments and parks. He said the proximity raised "serious concerns for our students" and cited prior incidents in Eckstein (Portola) Park that led to increased police activity and school security measures.
Board members discussed the draft resolution’s tone and language: some members urged softer wording that respectfully asks the city to mitigate impacts, while others said a stronger statement emphasizing student safety was appropriate. After discussion, the board moved to approve and sign the superintendent’s resolution; the motion passed by roll-call vote and board members were asked to sign the document for delivery to the city.
The superintendent indicated the resolution would be delivered to city officials. The board framed the resolution as a request that the city consider public-safety and school-community impacts when choosing sites for outreach or encampments near schools.
