Full School Board Meeting Video
Overview
The Newberg-Dundee School Board met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Get These Stories First, Right in your Inbox
We send out a FREE weekly newsletter featuring the previous week’s biggest stories, upcoming events, and other local happenings. Our email newsletter is the first to know!
The district’s proposed cell phone policy was sent back to the policy committee for revisions after staff noted missing language.
Other than that, the board approved the consent agenda 5-0, which included one retirement, one teacher’s probationary contract, donations, and other policy updates.
Two previously reported policy updates were removed, including changes to the public engagement and communications program and the community involvement and decision-making policy.
“OSBA does not recommend including those policies. Instead, OSBA incorporates those expectations into board working agreements, which outline the roles, responsibilities, and expected behaviors of both board members and the superintendent,” Superintendent David Parker said. “Our board agreements have those elements in them.”
Staff also gave reports to the board on state standards, local assessments, and bond work.
The board approved the 2026-27 budget calendar 6-0.
There was no public comment. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28.
Attendance
In person:
- Board Chair Deb Bridges
- Board Vice Chair Jeremy Hayden
- Director Sol Allen
- Director Aubrey Nichols
- Director James Wolfer (late arrival)
Virtual:
- Director Andy Byerley
Absent:
- Director Celeste Jones
Donations and Support
The school board recognized two donations:
The Oregon Community Foundation donated $5,500 to the Derek Robert Burton 55 Scholarship Fund at Newberg High School.
The Loie Maresh Memorial Reading Fund LLC donated $1,250 to Dundee Elementary School.
State Standards
“Out of the 59 standards, we are in compliance with 54 standards,” said Jillian Felizarta, director of teaching, learning, and assessment. “Zero standards are out of compliance, and we are implementing approved corrective action on three standards … and two standards are waived across the state until 2027-28.”
The district is addressing compliance for K-5 human sexuality education, which did not have a curriculum in place last year. A new curriculum was piloted and purchased and will be implemented for the 2025-26 school year, Felizarta said.
Other corrective actions include ensuring elementary students receive the required 150 minutes of physical education weekly, which was met Sept. 1, 2025. Previously, recess counted toward that time, but P.E. must now be structured and led by staff.
K-12 science instruction also needed updates to meet compliance standards, with new materials expected to be in place by Sept. 1, 2026. Implementation was delayed due to district finances.
The state granted additional time for the district to meet diploma requirements and essential skill assessments for English language learners.
State Testing
Staff reported a positive trend in local assessment scores but noted that improvement has not yet fully translated to the Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) results.
They said they plan to refine data tracking and identify factors contributing to the gap between classroom performance and OSAS outcomes to help address the discrepancy.
Bond Money
Funds from the 2025 school bond supported several improvement projects across the district over the past year.
Completed work includes:
- Exterior painting at Chehalem Valley Middle School and Antonia Crater Elementary
- Heating and air systems at Ewing Young Elementary and Newberg High School’s auditorium and arts building
- New roofs at Newberg High School, Joan Austin Elementary, the physical plant facilities, and the district office
- The high school’s football stadium also received upgraded LED lighting.
“It’s not all flashy work that can be readily seen as you drive through the district, but all in all it was very important work because our buildings are drier, healthier and looking fresh,” said Benjamin Burkhardt, supervisor of maintenance, custodial services and grounds. “It creates a better environment for our students to go to school and our staff to work in … these were great additions as we’re wrapping up this bond.”
