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Vernonia board reviews contingency plans after Mist access road closure
Summary
District leaders outlined options — transporting Mist students to Vernonia, online instruction, or delayed start — after ODOT warned of limited access. Superintendent said the road might reopen in early September but the district planned family outreach and multiple contingency paths.
Superintendent (S2) told the board the district had not finalized a plan after being notified two days earlier that the Mist access route would not be accessible. S2 said three primary options were on the table: transport all Mist students to Vernonia; run a district‑provided online option; or delay the school start. “ODOT said that, optimistically speaking, the road is gonna be open by September 9,” S2 said, while adding a realistic expectation of two to three weeks.
Board members asked about capacity and logistics. S2 estimated classrooms could absorb roughly 3–5 additional students each (about 20 students total) but noted kindergarten would be most affected and might need splitting. The board discussed alternate venues such as the local fire hall, pedestrian routes and liability concerns for private property and janitorial/foodservice access. S2 said the district would call parents, reconvene with Mist staff the next day, and make a decision informed by family input.
