[oldgrowth]

A personal clarification from team 1432 - Many thanks to Deb Mumm-hill our regional director, and tireless supporter through out these difficult days.
At this time it is true that the school, after weeks of deliberation has decided that the team's property was different than the clubs property. Thanks to major financial contributors to the regional FIRST program, KOIN Television interview and the article in the BEE and of course an unknown number of teams offering support to Team 1432 by way of contacting Portland Public Schools, and the Franklin Administration.
Until we get a 501-C-3 we will be unable to get any grant money over and above the registration fee for the Oregon Regional. These funds are essential to building the robot and keeping our program going. The team continues to explore the possibility of using someone else's 501-C-3 but as of this date we have not found anyone willing and able to do that for us.
The response from the FIRST community has been very gratifying. We certainly didn't expect the number of blogs and tweeters and the response was beyond our ability to keep up with. Many thanks to all of you.
About the matter of returning to the school, if you are interested you can go to team 1432 website to the "He said She Said" and see how the school considers it resolved and our rebuttal including e-mails from all parties involved.
As the coach of this team I've spent more time in the last two months working on this issue than the time I have spent during any of the seven build seasons I have been involved in. I cannot in good conscience suggest to the team that they entrust their team's money and resources back under the school's control.
Team 1432 will participate in the Oregon Regional 2011 and we will continue to try to personify Gracious Professionalism.

"Never give up, never surrender"