As a resident of Oregon, I am deeply concerned about the potential relocation of Yujin Gakuen Japanese Immersion Elementary School from the North Region of Eugene to a swing school site 25 minutes away in the South Region. This school is not just an educational institution; it's a vital part of our community that has been serving families in the North Region for 35 years. Aside from its unique immersion, education opportunity, many families have chosen this school for the diversity of its student body, which will dramatically drop if moved out of the North Region.  YG leaving the North Region will take away the last solely choice school left in the North Region, which already lost Corridor Elementary in 2020 after the 2018 school bond. 

The proposed move would place an undue burden on many families who would struggle with longer commute times and transportation costs. It's not just about convenience; it's about accessibility and equity. The relocation would result in many students being unable to continue their immersion education, disrupting their academic progress and diminishing the diversity of our local schools. The families that will no longer be able to access YG due to the move across town to the South Region will be going into the North Region schools. 

Furthermore, as voters we need transparency and trustworthiness from our school district when it comes to decisions affecting school bonds. The school bond documentation needs to be upheld. Yujin Gakuen is a North Region school and has been committed to being so in the 2018 school bond documentation. The school district has 10 million dollars set aside from the bond that needs to be used to add to the current co-location for space for both Yujin Gakuen and Kelly Middle School. 

4j's mission is "every student connected to community  and empowered to succeed". YG's students are connected to the North Region and should be empowered to succeed within their community.

I urge you to consider these concerns seriously. Let us work together to find a solution that keeps Yujin Gakuen Japanese Immersion Elementary School accessible for all North Eugene families who value this unique educational resource.

Please sign this petition if you believe in maintaining access to diverse education options within our community.