NEWBERG, Ore. — Newberg-Dundee School Board members expressed frustration at the failed levy during the May 26 board meeting and took first steps toward reducing expenditures. The board adopted a budget that includes $5.7 million in cuts and eliminates 35 district positions, 17.5 of which are directly from the classroom.
District Superintendent Dave Parker stressed the need to seek increased funding at the state level and reconvene the boundary committee in August for a concrete plan moving forward.
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Parker said that while the State of Oregon’s general revenue increased by 305% between 2003 and 2023, the Oregon Department of Education saw only a 238% increase in that period. According to the 2025–2027 Governor’s Budget, the State Schools Fund — which provides approximately 66.9% of the funding for public schools in Oregon — accounts for 8% of total state expenditures, with $11.4 billion allotted.
“We’re going to have to advocate at the state level,” Parker said. “They are not sufficiently funding K-12 education, and that’s the main problem we have.”
Of the 10 proposed local-option levies and bonds on local district ballots, five passed. Those five were all pre-existing bonds and levies the districts had already committed to renewing.
“I think it also is a louder statement to the state that the system is not working,” board director Celeste Jones said, referring to the five failed levies. “So I am hopeful that we can collaborate, work together, and continue to be loud because this system is not working for our students and that’s what I am most disappointed in.”
More immediate efforts to reduce spending include a hiring freeze effective through June 30 and restrictions on purchase orders not directly related to student needs. The district is also limiting the use of substitute teachers.
“It’s going to take many years at this rate to solve the issues in front of us,” Parker said. “We’re at the beginning of that climb — this budget isn’t going to solve that.”
Without the local-option levy, Parker and Chief Financial Officer Nathan Roedal are working together to explore various paths forward. Parker has conducted more than 30 community and staff meetings to gather ideas from residents and staff. Roedal assesses those proposals and determines their financial feasibility. Their goal is to present concrete concepts to a newly re-seated boundary committee in August.
The committee’s role will shift from generating recommendations to evaluating proposals from Parker and the board.
“Fundamentally, we got the answer we wanted from the original boundary committee — that we need to start looking at consolidating schools,” Vice Chair Jeremy Hayden said. “We’re not going back to them for the drawing board. I think they already gave us the intent of what they wanted based on their initial vote and then suggestions.”
By re-seating the committee in August, Parker is aiming for a decision on consolidating or otherwise reconciling the budget by early October. The boundary committee will be open to new public members before it reconvenes.
While the board expressed frustration over the failed local-option levy, members remained confident in the district’s commitment to students.
“We’re graduating great kids, putting great humans out into the world,” said Board Chair Deb Bridges. “I’m just really pleased with what we’ve been able to accomplish. We’ll get there — we’re getting there.”
A concrete solution to the budget deficit remains distant as operational costs continue to rise and state funding remains largely static.
“We have a lot of work still to do,” Parker said. “We have to make sure we’re funding schools in a way that gives these kids the kind of experience that we want for them.”
Also at the meeting
Edwards Elementary student recognized for T-shirt design
The board recognized 4th grader Arlette from Edwards Elementary School, inviting her to pose for a photo to celebrate her winning entry in a T-shirt design competition. In honor of National Child Abuse Awareness Month, Juliette’s House — a child advocacy center in Yamhill County — ran the competition across Newberg schools. Her winning design features a blue pinwheel and peace sign with the words “Stop Child Abuse” in yellow.
The Joy Program introduces music to kindergarten students
Joan Austin Elementary School instructional leader Leslie Carsley presented the Joy Program to the board. Through the program, kindergartners have the opportunity to learn violin, beginning with tissue boxes and paint sticks for four months to develop proper posture.
Policy updates for board to be approved at July 9 meeting
Several policy updates were proposed at the May 26 meeting, including revisions to replace unclear and outdated language, updated procedures for nominations and voting, and the addition of confidentiality notices to emails.
