Our community showed it values the importance of a quality education by approving a $27.1 million bond measure on May 17th. We greatly appreciate the support for our students and schools during a challenging economic time. A special thanks to the volunteers and campaign contributors, and to The Newberg Graphic, Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, Newberg Education Association and the Oregon School Employees Association for their endorsement of the bond measure.

Voters clearly capitalized on the one-time opportunity the school district had to save taxpayers $4 million in interest costs through a federal subsidy. We are also pleased that the passage of this measure means that taxpayers will be paying less than their current tax rate due to a retiring bond. Further, we hope the passage of this measure contributes to job and economic growth in this region.

Passage of this measure will protect our community’s investment school facilities. The work ahead will make the major repairs necessary to ensure students attend school in safe, well-maintained buildings. Much of this work will replace inefficient lighting, heating and ventilating systems at all schools, saving thousands of dollars in utility costs annually. The bond will allow schools to renovate existing space and construct new classrooms in our secondary schools to accommodate growth and expand programs such as science, technology and online learning.

Beyond bricks and mortar, passage of this bond measure will provide students with much-needed math, science, social studies and reading textbooks and classroom materials. It will replace aging technology. Passage of the bond will sustain critical local funding, allowing us to continue providing an excellent education for our students.
As we move forward, we will provide you with accountability and transparency. Just as we did for the 2002 bond measure that built Joan Austin Elementary and expanded Newberg High School, we will establish a citizen’s oversight committee to review construction projects and examine bond expenditures. You can expect regular updates on the progress of bond projects and the expenditure of bond funds on the district’s website, Facebook and in this newspaper.

We firmly believe that strong schools equal a strong community. We are proud of the consistently strong academic performance of our students and appreciate the generous support of our community.

Thank you for investing in the future of our community.

Newberg School District Board of Directors
Melinda Van Bossuyt, Chairperson, Jim Chogyoji, Vice-Chairman, Board Members Todd Thomas, Debbie Hawblitzel, Mitsi Vondrachek, Mark Ankeny and Deona Twenge

Superintendent, Dr. Paula Radich