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Board reviews grant-funded outdoor classroom; PTA pitches 'spirit rock' fundraiser
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Summary
District presenters described a two-year, grant-funded outdoor classroom project, while a PTA representative proposed placing a rentable 'spirit rock' on district property to raise funds; board members discussed rules, maintenance and whether to use transfer-tax receipts for one-time projects.
At a work session, district staff presented a detailed plan for an outdoor classroom at East Berwick that would be funded by grants and donations, and not by the district’s general fund. The plan includes a mud kitchen, raised beds, benches built by Vo Tech students, an art park, a boulder garden that supports stormwater management, sensory gardens and a winter garden intended for year-round student access.
The presenter (S3) said the project is “self-funded” through initial seed donations, Amazon donations and grants, and that Native Creations and community partners will be asked to sponsor specific garden areas. S3 said the district hopes to complete the project over two years and involve high-school students in construction and maintenance.
Separately, a meeting participant (S8) described a PTA fundraising idea to place a large paintable “spirit rock” on district property that families could rent to display short messages for birthdays or other announcements. S8 said the PTA would propose rules about allowable paint types, rental durations and fees to cover upkeep; the board discussed how long messages would stay and whether the high-school art club could help with design and maintenance.
Board members emphasized that any use of one-time transfer-tax receipts for projects such as a track, tennis-court design or outdoor classroom should be limited to one-time capital expenses rather than recurring costs. No board decision to approve the spirit-rock fundraiser or the final outdoor-classroom funding plan was recorded; presenters asked board members for support and indicated next steps would include seeking community sponsors and volunteers.
What’s next: staff will seek community partners and grant funds to implement the outdoor classroom and work with the PTA to clarify any spirit-rock guidelines if the board wishes to proceed.
