Medford, Oregon- The Medford School District (MSD) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to address their significant budget issues, necessitating $15 million in cuts over the next two fiscal years. The proposal includes reducing over 30 positions across the district as MSD grapples with inadequate funding, inflation, and a decline in student enrollment.
MSD officials say the budget adjustments, announced earlier this week, prioritize preserving the quality of classroom teaching while adapting to changing demographics brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Elementary enrollment in MSD has dropped by 24% since 2019, a trend attributed to lower birth rates and families opting for alternative education, such as homeschooling. This is during the same period, where the overall population in Medford has steadily grown.
In response to declining student numbers, MSD will undertake several measures, including possibly consolidating underutilized elementary schools to optimize facility usage. The district plans to evaluate consolidation options in fall 2024, with potential implementation by the 2025-26 school year .
The proposed budget cuts also impact various programs and services within the district. Notably, MSD will forego planned construction at Innovation Academy, reduce funding for preschool partners, scale back summer programming, and halt further expansion of the school marshal program .
Furthermore, changes in library services will see the removal of teacher librarians from secondary schools. Instead, classified media technicians will oversee library operations under adjusted hours of operation, alongside a single K-12 Library Media Specialist .
These adjustments come at a critical juncture for MSD and mirror challenges faced by school districts nationwide contending with economic pressures and shifting educational landscapes. The district acknowledges the difficulty of these cuts and anticipates an even more stringent fiscal environment in the subsequent fiscal year, with an additional $8 million reduction expected .
“We know this information can feel disheartening, and it is heartbreaking. That is why we need to come together for our students and public education as a whole and ensure our legislature properly funds public education. The percentage of state funding public schools in Oregon receive has decreased over time, even as our needs have increased. We have information on contacting your local legislator… Thank you for supporting students and educators in the Medford School District.” – Bret Champion, MSD Superintendent
Source: MSD
