Corbett Schools accept $2M loan to keep going

CORBETT, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Corbett School Board voted to accept a $2 million loan from the Multnomah Education Service District to help dig themselves out of a $3 million budget hole.

Last week, the district rejected MESD’s initial written offer because Corbett School District Superintendent Derek Fialkiewicz told KOIN 6 News the terms for the loan allegedly didn’t match with what they verbally agreed to.

But Tuesday, the board unanimously approved the loan. The MESD was also helping Corbett before the budget shortfall was announced.

After this meeting, parents who spoke with KOIN 6 News said they are relieved. Many weren't hopeful there were any other options to get the district out of the mess created by an accounting error.

"My husband and my two children and I moved to Troutdale to attend the Corbett School District," Ashley Cohen said. "We made the decision to move to Troutdale so that our commute would be easy and so that they could build a community out here. So it's important that this school district, it's super important for our family, for our kids, for the community, and for our teachers who live in Corbett and commute to Corbett."

Despite doubts last week, Fialkiewicz said he is excited the district is moving forward -- but that this decision comes with a price.

"We have agreed through the terms of the loan to not seek any legal action against MESD," he said.

Fialkiewicz told KOIN 6 News there will be eight layoffs -- not the 10 previously announced -- within the district to help with the long-term budget needs. But he added he doesn't foresee any other payroll cuts.

The district previously made significant cuts. What’s more, all employees of the school district could be furloughed for six days by the end of the school year, pending union approval.

Cohen is thankful this decision was made but wants to see more change in the not-distant future.

"We're really hoping that when the board members who are currently seated are able to or we're able to fill out those seats, that there's new board members who get elected," she said.