NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg-Dundee School Board met for its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18. The meeting was moved from it’s regular cadence to account for the Veteran’s Day holiday.
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 board approved the consent agenda 5-0, which included policy updates and several donations.
Versatile Plastics, LLC donated $1,000 to the Newberg High School basketball program; the Austin Family Foundation donated $9,714 to the Community Language Program; Krohn’s Appliance Services donated a Whirlpool French door refrigerator valued at $1,200 to the high school’s life skills program; and the Newberg Library Friends donated $5,737 for the Guadalajara trip.
Staff presented reports on special programs, English language learners, district finances, and the Renne Field lease. Special programs include initiatives to strengthen student support, staff collaboration, and program compliance across the district, including professional development, special education compliance, improved transition services, and tiered systems of behavioral health and wellness.
There was no public comment.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Attendance
In person:
- Board Chair Deb Bridges
- Board Vice Chair Jeremy Hayden
- Director Sol Allen
- Director Aubrey Nichols
- Director Andy Byerley (late arrival)
- Director James Wolfer
Absent:
- Director Celeste Jones
Renne Field Lease
The Newberg-Dundee Public Schools District entered an agreement with the Chehalem Park and Recreation District, establishing a framework for design, construction, and recreation improvements at Renne Field.
Renne Field is owned by the school district, but the agreement allows coordinated access, use, and management of specific areas for both parties.
The district and CPRD are finalizing designs for additional outdoor sports and recreation facilities, which could include a soccer turf field; space for lacrosse and football; a new eight-lane running and walking track; pickleball courts; track and field event areas; a concessions stand; restrooms; new fencing; lighting; and landscaping.
“This lease is for one part of Renne Field … what we’re talking about here is basically the track,” Superintendent David Parker said. “The track, the new turf field, those things are supportive for the school district, supportive for the community.”
The Oregon Legislature granted the district $750,000 for the improvements. The district previously approved $1 million for design, preconstruction, and construction services. CPRD will distribute the funds to contractors and oversee architectural and construction services.
Both agencies expect to benefit from the shared use of the space and have agreed to jointly fund the improvements.
A junior high school is planned for the adjacent property and will have priority use of Renne Field once completed.
The lease agreement expires Dec. 31, 2054, and may be renewed.
Student Success Grant
The school board approved the biennial Student Success Grant 6-0. The grant, administered by the Oregon Department of Education, supports student mental and behavioral health needs, increases academic achievement, and reduces disparities for students with disabilities, experiencing homelessness or foster care, or from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The district will receive a little more than $8 million over the two-year period.
The grant is effective July 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027.
Joan Austin Elementary School Rental
The board approved the long-term rental of Joan Austin Elementary School to make unused academic space available for community organizations.
Chehalem Christian Fellowship, a nonprofit religious organization, requested use of the building to hold Sunday services from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9, 2025, through Nov. 8, 2026, while its permanent facility is unavailable. The group previously used the school during construction before the pandemic.
The rental fee for nonprofits is $485 per Sunday, which includes access to the gym, cafeteria, a classroom, and custodial services.
The board approved the rental agreement 6-0.
