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Forest Grove board approves IGA to place up to 30 K–8 students in Hillsborough online academy amid immigration-enforcement absences
Summary
The Forest Grove School Board on Nov. 18 approved an intergovernmental agreement with Hillsborough School District to enroll up to 30 K–8 students in Hillsborough's online academy for the 2025–26 year, with an estimated cost between $105,400 and $350,000 and funding prorated through ADMW at a 90% rate.
The Forest Grove School Board voted Nov. 18 to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Hillsborough School District to place up to 30 K–8 students in Hillsborough’s online academy for the 2025–26 school year.
Superintendent Suzanne West told the board the district sought the arrangement after “the increase in immigration enforcement in Western Washington County has caused a great deal of fear in our immigrant community,” and “many students are not attending school at this time.” West said the IGA is intended to ensure affected students continue receiving an education.
Under the agreement, Hillsborough will open up to 30 spots for Forest Grove students in grades K–8 and provide special-education and English-language services as needed. Forest Grove will pass through a portion of its average daily membership weight (ADMW) funding to Hillsborough, prorated by the term in which students enroll and calculated at a 90% ADMW rate, West said. Hillsborough will invoice Forest Grove by quarter based on enrollments and any weighted services for students with IEPs or English-language needs.
West presented a cost range tied to enrollment: a minimum estimated cost of $105,400 (based on a guaranteed bottom of 10 students) and a maximum estimate of $350,000 for the full 30 spots for the school year. The IGA covers one school year; the district will evaluate the need in the spring and decide whether to renew.
Board member Bridal Franco moved to approve the IGA for the 2025–26 school year, citing the district’s need to remain “compliant with federal law, responsive to community needs, and prepared to support students affected by immigration enforcement.” The chair seconded the motion. The board approved the agreement by voice vote with no opposition stated.
Superintendent West thanked Hillsborough and staff for arranging the partnership. The special session was adjourned at 9:06 a.m.
Next steps: staff will monitor enrollment and costs under the IGA and report back to the board during the spring review scheduled after the 2025–26 year.
