The Hood River County School District is asking community patrons to join a conversation about the future of the local schools.

The school board is thinking about placing a Local Option Operating Levy and a Construction Bond Levy on the ballot in May 2008. Before the board makes that decision, it will hold two community forums to gather additional input about the idea.

The forums will be held Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the Wy’east Middle School library and Thursday, Jan. 31, in the Hood River Middle School auditorium. Both forums are open to all members of the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The forums will begin with a presentation about current local option and bond levies, and how the new measures would benefit local schools. Participants will then have a chance to ask questions and voice their opinions.

School board members and school Superintendent Pat Evenson-Brady will attend each forum.

Voters have supported local schools with special property tax measures for the past 15 years. A 1993 Construction Bond Levy added classrooms and improved facilities across the school district. A 2004 Local Option Operating Levy funded teaching positions to keep class sizes small and provide system-wide enrichment opportunities such as all-day kindergarten and advanced electives for high school students.

The Local Option also provided updated textbooks and materials, as well as more technology for student use.

Both the Local Option and Construction Bond levies are expiring this year. Additional background information about the district’s needs and the proposed measures is available on the school district Web site: www.hoodriver.k12.or.us.

The Web site also provides an online feedback tool that people can use to share their views.

For more information about the proposed measures and how to comment, please contact Terri Martz by calling 387-5013 or e-mailing info@hoodriver.k12.or.us.