[Nfb-or] Here is the latest news from the OSB front.

[Mike Sivill]

How are the kids doing back in the neighborhood schools? Are there lawsuits
yet? 
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-or-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-or-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Kendra Schaber
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 10:32 AM
To: nfb-or at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfb-or] Here is the latest news from the OSB front.

http://www.thelundreport.org/resource/salem_hospital_eyes_school_for_the_bli
nd


Salem Hospital Eyes School for the Blind 
Oregon's legislature will decide the school's fate when it meets in February

By: Diane Lund-Muzikant




January 14, 2010 -- 


Salem Hospital and Willamette University are interested in purchasing the
Oregon School for the Blind, reliable sources have told The Lund Report.
Both declined to comment.     
A Willamette University spokesman said the school "may potentially be
interested if the property goes up for sale," but declined to comment
further.

The school, which is located near the hospital and university, closed last
summer. Consultants have been hired by the Department of Administrative
Services to evaluate whether the school should be sold outright or its
dilapidated buildings torn down first, according to Lonn Hoklin, the
governor's public relations spokesperson. "The goal is to maximize the
return," he said.

The consultant's report, which will include an appraisal, should be
completed when the legislature convenes in February so that a decision can
be made, he added.

House Education Chairwoman Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis), an advocate for
disabled students, led the effort to close the 135-year-old school.

If Salem Hospital becomes its new owner, some people in the community
question how the hospital could come up with the financing.

Last November its CEO, Norman Gruber, sent his staff a memo announcing
cutbacks of $9 million in 2010, which unleashed a hailstorm. Salem residents
called the hospital a country club because of its expensive artwork and
furnishings, new construction and bad planning decisions.

After losing $2 million in September and facing losses last summer as well,
Gruber told his staff he might have to close or sell the hospital's home
health agency because of declining revenues. 

"Going forward, however," he wrote, "we are operating with a negative margin
unless we make a course correction."  END
















PS:  Julie McEvoy, please send your new email again!  Lynn
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