November 30, 2021

Statement from School Board Chair Dave Brown:

"To Newberg/Dundee Community

During recent school board meetings many things have taken place, including the termination of Dr. Joe Morelock’s contract as Superintendent of the Newberg/Dundee public schools.  This can be and was done with No-Cause per the contract. This means a specific reason does not have to be given for the termination of an employment contract.  

Why?  Due to jurisprudence, our board is not able to give all the reasons for the process and why the decision of this importance was made. Understand that this decision was made through the lense of a brighter future. A future that includes high academic standards and performance for All students in a safe and welcoming environment.

The division of our United States of America has impacted everyone, to include Newberg and Dundee.  We have been divided by race, class, politics, and most recently by our views surrounding the pandemic.  Given the level of division at all levels, it is the board's desire to fill the vacant superintendent position with a strong and highly qualified leader who will unify the school district and community.  It is the will of the board to make this process transparent and in line with district policy. This change will allow us to get our focus back on quality education and away from politics and adult agendas.  As a school district, our focus must be, first and foremost, the job of education!

Recently we had to cancel a public meeting due to the absence of a board secretary and no district resources to fill duties during the absence.  A temporary job posting was recently made to fill the board secretary position and closed on November 24 at midnight.  It is the hope of the board to have this position filled soon in order to once again hold public meetings.

The process for identifying and hiring an interim superintendent has begun. An interim superintendent will allow for continuity, relieve some of the workload from administrators and allow the NSD board of directors to begin the process of identifying, vetting, and hiring a new permanent superintendent.  We are working closely with the WESD to help in the process. We are also in contact with our legal counsels to help.

This year has seen a precipitous drop in enrollment resulting in 241 students below projections. Many of the parents have made the hard choice to pursue other educational avenues for their children.  The cost of this is staggering and it happens far too often.  We have lost great staff members and will continue to lose staff who do not feel safe in our schools due to the political climate that exists today and has been fostered for far too long.

As board chair for the Newberg School Board, I would ask that our community stay informed and involved. Our schools are producing the next generation and it is the board’s deep desire that those leaders be the best educated and best equipped to meet the challenges ahead of them.  The NSD is all of ours and we should strive to make it an institution that meets all the needs of the community which pays into and benefits from it. Do not stop asking questions. There are formal processes for improving your local educational system, so stay involved and make your voices heard.

These are tumultuous times, but we are a strong community! We will get through this and be better for it.  

For every person in our community who feels one way, there is another who feels the opposite.  Please be kind to others and take the time to talk.  Hate, bullying and rough language only makes our division bigger."