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.
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…