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What's the only high school in Oregon named after its parking lot?

Crater.

That old joke is not so funny any more to the students, parents and faculty who risk shocks and struts navigating Crater's potholed parking lots. But it's indicative of the backlog of needed improvements in School District 6.

Anyone who travels I-5 knows how Central Point is growing. New subdivisions full of affordable homes are bringing working families to the popular school district. In the past 10 years, district student enrollment has increased 11 percent; and new subdivisions now planned or being built will add another 1,000 homes.

Where are all those kids going to go to school? District 6 has a levy on the May 19 ballot to raise money to cope with its current overcrowded, outdated schools.

It's been more than 20 years since District 6, which includes Gold Hill and Sams Valley, asked voters for money to build or improve school buildings.

The district now has aging schools where uses are restricted by fire and other safety concerns and where students eat and play outside, even in poor weather. Crater High, remodeled in 1977 to accommodate 1,250 students, has 1,390. Lab space is so tight that biology students have to postpone their studies.

And then there are those infamous potholes.

THE DISTRICT HAS fashioned a responsible request for two new buildings and for renovating the old ones, while maintaining the historic structures (sentimental favorites) at Central Point Elementary and Hanby in Gold Hill.

The Mail Tribune editorial board recommends a yes vote on Measure 15-71.

The measure would raise $35 million, which would cost the owner of a $90,000 home $212 a year. Here's what the levy would buy:

• A new Hanby Middle School ($13.5 million) at a new site in or near Gold Hill. The 360 students at this school, built in 1910, have to eat in shifts or outside; the cafeteria seats only 30.

• Crater High improvements ($6.3 million). The current district administration offices and bus barn will be converted into seven new classrooms; the student center converted to an auditorium/performing-arts center; a new multipurpose area (cafeteria, gym, student center) built; and parking lots paved and lighted.

• Three new classrooms at overcrowded Mae Richardson Elementary ($385,000).

• Covered multipurpose areas at Patrick and Jewett elementaries, where children can play in bad weather; parking and other improvements there and at Scenic ($690,000).

• Wire all schools for access to the Internet ($300,000); new bus garage ($900,000), new maintenance facility ($325,000); and land for a second high school ($600,000).

A FINAL NOTE: Because of passage of Measure 47 in 1996, any measure that increases taxes must pass in an election with at least 50 percent.