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Superintendent warns of rising PERS costs; details campus security steps at Oregon City High School
Summary
Superintendent Dale Spitzer told the board the district faces a projected $3.5 million increase in PERS costs and outlined a package of safety measures at Oregon City High School including audible alarms, temporary campus monitors and reflective window film.
Superintendent Dale Spitzer told the Oregon City School Board Monday that the district faces significant budget pressure from rising retirement costs and that she is monitoring multiple pending legislative changes that could affect district funding.
Spitzer said the governor’s proposed biennial budget totals $11,360,000,000 and that the district’s preliminary share would be "approximately $4,000,000 for Oregon City School District." She emphasized a separate, district-level cost pressure: an estimated increase of about $3,500,000 in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) employer rate for the next biennium. "One of the big fiscal challenges is an update to the PERS rate," Spitzer said, calling the projected increase sizable and noting the legislature’s decisions this session will affect the final allocation.
The superintendent reviewed several bills the district is watching, including proposals to raise the cap on funded students with disabilities from 11% to 15% and to move to full reimbursement for high-cost disabilities, both items that would affect the district’s budget and service obligations.
Spitzer also outlined near-term campus safety work at Oregon City High School after earlier safety concerns this school year. The district piloted audible door alarms that sound if certain doors are opened during class time while still allowing fire-safe egress; the district will add more alarms and temporary campus security while students and staff adjust to new procedures. "We're reteaching students about safety expectations and the why of safety protocols. Safety is not convenient," Spitzer said.
Other measures include reflective window film for Trophy Hall and several entrances to discourage use of side doors, new signage redirecting visitors to the main entrance, "see something, say something" reporting information (including SafeOregon reporting), and added staff coverage so students who arrive early still pass through monitored entry.
Spitzer said the district will continue to monitor legislative and federal funding developments (including potential changes to Title I and Title II), and reiterated the district must pass its budget by June 30 and expects state budget action by that date.
Board members asked clarifying questions; Spitzer and staff said they would return with further specifics about staffing and costs tied to the security measures as plans solidify.
