Sheridan school board cites $1 million gift as Barbara Roberts project fundraising continues
March 20, 2024 | Sheridan SD 48J, School Districts, Oregon
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District administrators told the Sheridan School District 48J board that fundraising for the Barbara Roberts technical‑school project has picked up after a corporate gift.
“We're excited to, have the million dollar donation from Hampton Lumber,” a district staff member said during the March board meeting, announcing the gift and distribution of a press release to partners and state representatives. Staff said the district has also been working with a grant writer (Just Look Left) and is preparing a revised RISE grant application after an earlier submission was deemed incomplete.
Board members heard that the district has submitted multiple funding requests — including a federal request and outreach to the offices of local representatives — and that the district has $500,000 in place for truck driving simulators that has helped unlock additional opportunities. Staff described the current stage of work as nearing a full set of construction plans and noted that the city of Sheridan completed a site plan review.
On timing, district staff said the board will need to decide whether to demolish the existing Barbara Roberts building in the fall so foundation materials can settle before phase‑one construction, but cautioned that demolition timing depends on how quickly fundraising proceeds. “Ideally, the longer the better,” staff said of letting foundation materials settle after demolition.
The board and staff discussed in‑kind donations from industry partners (Cascade Steel, Knife River) and the possibility of salvaging materials during demolition; staff said some donors may pay to haul away materials and donate rebar and other items.
Board members asked what would happen if state or federal funding did not arrive as expected. Staff said the district will continue to pursue multiple funding tracks, work with the ESD and tribal partners, and maintain advocacy with lawmakers and lobbyists as needed.
The board requested more detailed accounting for Barbara Roberts funds at a future meeting; one board member asked for a quarterly, itemized statement showing what money came in and how it was spent.
Next steps include resubmitting the RISE grant, continuing construction planning, further coordination with industry partners, and more detailed financial reporting back to the board.
“We're excited to, have the million dollar donation from Hampton Lumber,” a district staff member said during the March board meeting, announcing the gift and distribution of a press release to partners and state representatives. Staff said the district has also been working with a grant writer (Just Look Left) and is preparing a revised RISE grant application after an earlier submission was deemed incomplete.
Board members heard that the district has submitted multiple funding requests — including a federal request and outreach to the offices of local representatives — and that the district has $500,000 in place for truck driving simulators that has helped unlock additional opportunities. Staff described the current stage of work as nearing a full set of construction plans and noted that the city of Sheridan completed a site plan review.
On timing, district staff said the board will need to decide whether to demolish the existing Barbara Roberts building in the fall so foundation materials can settle before phase‑one construction, but cautioned that demolition timing depends on how quickly fundraising proceeds. “Ideally, the longer the better,” staff said of letting foundation materials settle after demolition.
The board and staff discussed in‑kind donations from industry partners (Cascade Steel, Knife River) and the possibility of salvaging materials during demolition; staff said some donors may pay to haul away materials and donate rebar and other items.
Board members asked what would happen if state or federal funding did not arrive as expected. Staff said the district will continue to pursue multiple funding tracks, work with the ESD and tribal partners, and maintain advocacy with lawmakers and lobbyists as needed.
The board requested more detailed accounting for Barbara Roberts funds at a future meeting; one board member asked for a quarterly, itemized statement showing what money came in and how it was spent.
Next steps include resubmitting the RISE grant, continuing construction planning, further coordination with industry partners, and more detailed financial reporting back to the board.
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