Jennifer Bell

This document presents a student enrollment forecast for the Medford School District from 2026 to 2045. Prepared by JOHNSON ECONOMICS, the forecast informs the District's facility planning by projecting enrollment across elementary, middle, and high school levels, by grade level and individual school. The methodology incorporates historical enrollment data, demographic estimates, geocoded housing and land data, population and housing trends, birth rates, kindergarten capture rates, and grade progression ratios. It concludes with an analysis of projected enrollment against school capacity.

The meeting included recognition of the School Board Directors for School Board Appreciation Month, during which they received custom gifts. Key discussions centered on the Student Enrollment Forecast update, which utilized projections through 2045 and indicated a potential overall decline, prompting conversation about community engagement and marketing. Financial stewardship was discussed, covering the February financial forecast, expectations for the Oregon Legislature's session, and an update on the Fiscal Stability Study Group. The Medford Education Association (MEA) President reported positive labor-management relations and highlighted priorities, including contract language clarification and support for special education teachers. Citizen comments included recognition of the Board's service and updates on securing Boys Volleyball as an OSAA-sanctioned sport. The Board also reviewed a potential partnership exploration with the United Soccer League (USL) concerning Spiegelberg Stadium. A first reading was held for revised School Board Policy language, which included discussion on the Censure and Privileges section, necessitating legal review. Action items included the appointment of two members to the Budget Committee, approval of Budget Amendment #1-2025-26, and the approval of Version B for the 2026-27 school year calendar.

The primary focus of the special meeting was a discussion on legislative priorities for the Medford School District, held in preparation for the upcoming legislative short session. Key topics included making class size and caseload limits mandatory subjects of collective bargaining, the potential impact of federal funding shifts due to H.R. 1, the Oregon Department of Education's 2025 Education Accountability Act, and concerns about mid-biennium budget reductions. District staff requested legislators prioritize funding for long-span beam inspections/repairs, increase funding for special education, avoid imposing unfunded mandates, and maintain current funding levels for specific accounts. Other discussion points covered declining enrollment, the potential need for school closures, use of Student Success Act funding, increasing numbers of students with disabilities, the importance of outcome-based funding audits, and comparative instructional hours with other states.

Key discussions included a presentation and update on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, where the finance team and auditors were commended for the district's strong financial position and multiple Certificates of Excellence received. The Board also received an overview of the Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) Local Service Plan, which is slated for future approval, covering services such as special education, IT, and migrant education. Furthermore, McPherson & Jacobson Search Consultants provided an update on the superintendent search, reporting 26 applications received, and outlined next steps including developing a shortlist of candidates and utilizing a modified, semi-closed interview process involving staff, community members, parents, and students.

Key discussions included an update on the superintendent search process by the consultant, covering stakeholder feedback, survey results, and the upcoming application deadline. The Interim Superintendent provided a mid-year report on district priorities such as curriculum optimization, student success metrics, and financial stewardship. The Board received an update on safety and security efforts, including partnerships with local law enforcement and preparedness drills. Two draft options for the 2026-27 school year calendar were presented for discussion. Citizen comments focused on funding for boys volleyball, with students highlighting the sport's developmental and social benefits. Financially, updates were given on the state outlook, potential federal funding concerns, and the audit process. The Board also reviewed the District At-A-Glance Profile data. Action items included the election of a representative for the OSBA Board of Directors, approval of SIA Grant Agreements, and the readoption of several School Board Policies.