Artist rendition: Recreational fields for Lincoln Street Elementary School students and the community.
What is the plan for the future of J.B. Thomas Middle School and the school site?
This spring, the demolition process began at J.B. Thomas Middle School with the removal of the shop building on Jackson Street. The main classroom building, music building and gymnasium will be removed this summer as planned in the 2006 construction bond. Upon completion, the site will be converted to recreational fields for student and community use. The fields are expected to be completed by spring 2010. Lincoln Street elementary students will use the fields during school hours for physical educational and outdoor recreational activities. During evenings and weekends, community sports teams will have the opportunity to use the fields (one lacrosse and two soccer), which will be scheduled and supervised through the City of Hillsboro Parks &Recreation Department, which has partnered with the School District to maintain the site. A permanent monument honoring the former school will be located on the site. The monument will recognize the school’s history in serving students of the community as the former Hilhi, mid-Hi and J.B Thomas Middle School, from 1928-2009.
What factors contributed to the decision to raze the J.B. Thomas facility?
In November 2006, Hillsboro School District voters approved a $169 million construction bond to build new schools, renovate and expand existing facilities, and permanently close two aging school buildings – Peter Boscow Elementary, which closed in summer 2008; and J.B. Thomas Middle School, scheduled for demolition in summer 2009. A new middle school would be constructed in south Hillsboro to serve as a replacement for the J.B. Thomas facility. Built in 1928, the J.B Thomas building has become extremely costly and demanding to maintain, inefficient to operate, and would require multi-millions to complete basic seismic and ADA upgrades. From repairing continuous roof leaks and ceiling tiles to sustaining costly plumbing repairs and utility bills, this single facility continues to deplete a substantial portion of the District’s school maintenance budget. In addition, Lincoln Street Elementary opened in 2008 on the J.B. Thomas Middle School site. The original plan for this school site was clear; the two schools would operate simultaneously on the property until the end of the 2008-09 school year. In the summer, J.B. Thomas would be torn down, subsequently freeing up the land to provide adequate fields for Lincoln Street students and restore the community’s green space.
This definitive plan was widely communicated prior to the passage of the 2006 bond through public meetings, written materials and media coverage. Lincoln Street Elementary serves more than 600 students, many of whom formerly attended David Hill and Peter Boscow elementary schools– two of oldest schools in the District. Lincoln Street students and families appreciate the opportunity to learn and flourish in a remarkable new school. The District is committed to providing these students with adequate field space.
Where will students formerly assigned to J.B. Thomas attend school next year?
In September 2009, middle school students residing within the assigned attendance area will begin the school year at a brand new middle school located in south Hillsboro. South Meadows Middle School students will have an opportunity to participate in the District’s first International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program.
Will students be affected by the demolition project?
To ensure student safety, the major demolition phase of the J.B. Thomas building will occur this summer when Lincoln Street students are not in school. The schedule was developed to ensure the least impact on students and to coincide with the completion of South Meadows Middle School, opening in September 2009.
Has the District considered selling the property after J.B. Thomas is removed?
No. The land on which J.B. Thomas currently stands is not surplus property. This community and District have demonstrated the commitment to providing students with school facilities, playgrounds and athletic fields that are essential to their academic and physical health. Since 1997 when Century High School was built, 11 Hillsboro schools have been constructed based on these priorities. This property is necessary to provide Lincoln Street students complete, high-quality facilities comparable to those at all other District elementary schools.
Are there plans for a community celebration to honor the school?
An open house was held for the community on May 28, hosted by Thomas students, and included a tour of the building.
In addition, several artifacts from the building will be available for purchase at a public sale of memorabilia. Originally scheduled for July 3, this sale has been postponed until further notice.