Adding a finality to its closure, the Corvallis School District has announced Letitia Carson Elementary will be leased out starting next year. The lessee will be, and this is a mouthful, the Linn-Benton-Lincoln Education Service District.
And before reading on, it’s worth knowing just a little about what they do.
According to their own self-description, they are one of nineteen such Education Service Districts, or ESDs, in Oregon. Each of Oregon’s counties falls into one of those ESDs. And among other things, they offer special education services for students in the school districts they serve.
And according to Corvallis Schools spokesperson Kelly Locey, that is what is envisioned for the Letitia Carson campus.
“LBLESD’s Early Learning programs support some of the region’s youngest learners during critical stages of development. These services include Early Intervention for infants and toddlers, as well as Early Childhood Special Education for preschool-aged children. By relocating these programs to the Letitia Carson facility, the district ensures that the building remains a place of growth, support, and opportunity,” said Locey.
The programs moving to Letitia Carson are presently housed at the former Dixie Elementary School on Peoria Road. As Dixie is an outlying location, the move makes these programs more accessible.
What Superintendent Noss is saying
“It is important to the Corvallis School District that the Letitia Carson building continues to be a place where children and families feel supported,” said Ryan Noss, Corvallis School District Superintendent. “Keeping this building dedicated to early childhood services allows us to support students at the very beginning of their journey. We look forward to building these relationships early and showing families the opportunities our K-12 schools offer.”
Wildcat Park
We asked Locey if the public would still have access to the park on Letitia Carson’s campus, she replied, “Yes, Wildcat Park will remain accessible to the public.”
About the lease
We also asked Locey about the lease terms. She said, “During the original term, the rent is $72,000 annually. Each year, the base rent will increase by the 12-month percent change in Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The funds from lease payments will go towards building maintenance.”
She also said, “The start date is July 1, 2026, and the end date is June 30, 2043. The lease is renewable annually by mutual consent after the original term. The district also has the right to terminate the lease at any time during the initial Term or any Renewal Period by providing at least 360 days’ prior written notice to the ESD.”
We also asked if competitive bids were sought for the property. Locey replied, “No, the concept of partnering with the Education Service District to develop an early childhood site at Letitia Carson was included in the proposal Superintendent Noss brought to the school board. Students who attend early childhood special education transition to our schools for kindergarten. Providing these students with improved learning spaces supports children in our community.”
When asked if the District had considered selling the building, Locey said no, pointing to a finding from the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee that the District’s buildings should be retained to ensure flexibility for future enrollment fluctuations and to maintain the district’s investments in the land and facilities.
By Steven J. Schultz
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