Residents press board for transparency: seismic study, schematics and cost-benefit analysis requested

During public comment on Dec. 9, residents repeatedly asked the Banks School District to share technical documents and to slow down demolition plans so preservation work can be pursued. The Banks Historical Society vice chair elect asked directly whether the district had contacted the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and requested a copy of any seismic report and schematic drawings.

Ayla Hoffler said she wanted a full copy of the seismic study and any cost-benefit or carbon-footprint analyses, and requested the district accept her public-records request or tell her how to proceed. "If you do have a seismic... study, it should have a schematic drawing with that," she said, and asked for those schematics to be provided to the historical society.

Board staff said documents are public and residents can request them from the district office and the superintendent. Trustees agreed to follow up: consultants have been asked to refine estimates and respond to public questions before the January meeting, and the superintendent said the district will help community members access the documents they request.