Town of Vader to lose its only school

Town of Vader to lose its only school

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Story Published: Mar 14, 2007 at 9:51 PM PDT

Story Updated: Mar 15, 2007 at 8:14 AM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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The small town of Vader in Lewis County has no choice but to close its only school following a bond failure.

There was no school in Vader on Wednesday; a water problem kept the students of Vader Elementary School at home. But voters will keep students out of the school for good.

The majority of voters in Lewis and Cowlitz Counties on Tuesday night rejected the bond and levy measures that would have kept the tiny school district alive.

The renovation bond and maintenance levy would have paid for much-needed repairs. The gym was condemned two years ago and never rebuilt. A building inspector condemned the school in 2005.

The bond was the last hope for the school's 89 students.

It's an emotional issue that split the tiny town in half.

Critics argue the old building is a money pit with substandard wiring and plumbing. They say it would be cheaper to bus Vader students to nearby districts than to try and fix it up.

But school board member Kari Rigsbee says the students are the victims. She said students broke into tears on Tuesday night at what they thought would be a victory party.

But the community has now voted down the levy and the bond for the third time, and the vote is final.

Vader students will finish out the rest of the year at a community center owned by the Cowlitz Indian tribe. The building reportedly is equipped with classrooms and even a gym.

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