Bend-La Pine Schools announced Tuesday it plans to reopen Silver Rail Elementary following the Oct. 15 shooting tragedy that left three students and a teacher dead, after an “overwhelming” 86% of parents said they wanted their children to return to the school.
A letter to families posted to the district’s website didn’t specify a date for return, but said the school will remain closed for repairs through at least Nov. 6. During the attack, the shooter shot through glass panes on a set of exterior doors to gain access to the school.
The return date depends on how quickly the district can complete repairs and meet safety and fire codes, the district said.
“We understand how much families want their children back in school, surrounded by familiar faces, routines, and the support of their school community,” the district stated. “We share that goal and are working diligently to make it happen as quickly and safely as possible.”
Between 390 and 430 Silver Rail families responded to various questions in a survey the district sent out Oct. 22 about reopening the school, where about 450 students are enrolled. About 60% of respondents said they would prefer if their children could return within two weeks. About one-quarter of respondents said they would prefer to return following Thanksgiving break.
“We also recognize that not everyone will be ready to return at the same time,” the district said. “If your family needs more time, we will be ready for your student when you feel comfortable returning.”
Small fractions of survey respondents said they wanted their children to remain with their class at a different Bend-La Pine location, move to another Bend-La Pine school, take online classes or move outside the district.
The district published an online form for families interested in those options to move ahead.
In collaboration with the FBI, local agencies, nonprofits and businesses helped stand up an assistance center for Silver Rail Families that served hundreds of people.
Criminal investigators were active inside the school for four days after the shooting, and the building wasn’t fully relinquished to the district until Oct. 21, the district said previously.
That same day, schools across the district — except Silver Rail — reopened under an increased police presence and extra counseling support. While most families returned their children to school, some refused to do so until the district communicated a plan for safety improvements.
In Tuesday’s announcement, the district said it would soon announce a set of community engagement sessions on school safety planned for next week. The district believes it has strong safety measures, but has also promised to review them for weaknesses.
“We recognize this tragedy brings fear, anger, sadness and urgent questions about the safety of our schools,” Cook said in a video posted to the district’s website Oct. 26. “We know there’s a lot to talk about, and we will be ready to listen and reflect on all that we hear.”
While 86% said their children were ready to return, 84% also said additional safety measures would help their children feel ready to return to school. Two-thirds of respondents said additional mental health supports and “family time” in the building with staff and students together would also help.
In the meantime, Silver Rail families indicated they would like more support with learning and engagement activities to do at home, child mental health resources, community activities, childcare and food. District staff are working to help families, the district said.
On Wednesday, Deschutes County continued free mental health sessions, while the Boys and Girls Club began offering free childcare for Silver Rail students at its downtown Bend location through Nov. 6.
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