We live in a unique area. The Cascade School District offers a great education, affordable housing and close proximity to Salem. That combination has resulted in rapid and substantial growth. This is especially true in Aumsville. Our schools are well maintained and staffed with people who are talented and committed to doing a great job for our children.

We are at a critical time. Aumsville Grade School has a capacity of 450 kids. In 1994 we had 500 kids in kindergarten through 6th grade. In 1995 the district moved Aumsville 6th graders to Cascade to ease overcrowding. Aumsville continued to grow. A few years later the district moved all district 6th graders to Cascade and began shipping Aumsville 5th graders to Turner. Aumsville continued to grow.

Let’s look at the current situation. Today, Aumsville Grade School has 510 students. All Aumsville 6th graders are at Cascade Jr. High. 75% of Aumsville 5th graders are shipped to Turner. We are approaching crisis time. Turner is growing. Turner needs classrooms currently occupied by Aumsville 5th graders. Aumsville continues to grow.

There is a big difference between “wants” and “needs”. We need another grade school. We need more classrooms in Turner. We need more classrooms and facilities at Cascade. Since 2004, 300 households have been built or approved to be built in the Cascade School District. Our district is currently at 100% capacity. These new dwellings will undoubtedly bring more children. Where will we put them?

We believe that the most valuable resource in any community is the children. They need our help and support. It has been 40 years since the last bond was passed in the Cascade School District. It is time to take care of our community and our children. We strongly urge a “Yes” vote for Cascade kids.

(This information provided by Aumsville PTC)