In May 2023, voters effectively put an end to the hold four conservatives had on the Newberg-Dundee school board for the prior two years, relieving Dave Brown from his position as chairman amid word that vice-chairman Brian Shannon would not seek reelection.
It was hoped by many in the community that the voters’ decision would put an end to the myriad controversies that had brought unwanted attention to the town over the prior two years.
Instead, it was the conservative majority that would have the last word on one aspect of school district operations and that, in turn, has spurred yet another controversy.
Before leaving office, the board majority took action at its June 2023 meeting to approve a contract extension for Superintendent Stephen Phillips. As consideration of Phillips’ contract extension was among items on the board’s consent calendar, it required no discussion and there was no opportunity for public comment before it was voted on.
It’s likely that had the public been aware of the tenets of the contract and the fact that the board was to consider it, that residents would have wanted to weigh in on the document. The board packet released to the public did not include any documentation on the superintendent or deputy superintendent contracts approved through the consent agenda that evening.