Salem-Keizer board authorizes two property sales, adopts 'Commitment to Students' resolution and approves budget transfers

The Salem-Keizer School District Board of Directors voted Oct. 14 to authorize sale of the former Centennial School property, approve sale of a small parcel adjacent to Chavez Elementary, adopt a districtwide “Commitment to Students” resolution and approve supplemental budget transfers for fiscal 2025–26.

Board Chair Cynthia Richardson called the votes after public discussion and staff briefings. The motion to authorize sale of 7990 Wheatland Road North (Centennial School) was moved by Director Satya Chandragiri and seconded by Director Lisa Harnish; the board approved the motion unanimously. The board also approved sale of the parcel adjacent to Chavez Elementary after a motion by Chandragiri and a second; staff said the site is small, contains wetlands and is zoned urban transition, and could be subject to rezoning by the city.

The board adopted Resolution No. 2202526-O2, labeled in the meeting as a “Commitment to Students” resolution and presented as a revised form of a previously discussed equity/anti-racism measure. Director Satya Chandragiri moved the resolution; Director Jennifer Parker seconded. The motion carried. Director Ortiz announced she would vote no and explained her opposition was not a rejection of the resolution’s intent but a matter of principle: “I will be voting no on the revised resolution, formerly the Equity and Anti racism Resolution,” she said, adding she wanted the board’s…