Salem-Keizer board approves $84 million Student Investment Account grant agreement for 2025'27
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Summary
The board unanimously approved the 2025'27 Student Investment Account grant agreement that will provide an estimated $84 million across the biennium to support academic, behavioral and mental-health investments; the agreement formalizes access to already-budgeted funds.
Salem (Dec. 9, 2025) — The Salem-Keizer SD 24J board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the district's 2025'27 Student Investment Account (SIA) grant agreement, a noncompetitive Oregon Department of Education funding stream intended to close opportunity gaps and expand student supports.
CFO Heidi Sun told the board that "Salem Keizer Schools is projected to receive approximately 84,000,000 in funds" across the biennium and said the agreement "does not introduce any new expenditures; it simply formalizes our continued partnership with the Oregon Department of Education and ensures that the district can access already budgeted SIA funds." The funds commonly pay for additional instructional and student-support staff, expanded mental and behavioral health services and learning opportunities such as tutoring and Saturday school.
Board discussion touched on allocation and oversight. Director Hudson asked for more detail on how the district identifies investments and whether the funding is prescriptive; staff replied that the SIA is a flexible fund under ODE rules, focused on academic and social-emotional supports, and that the district conducts a biennial integrated planning process with substantial community engagement to set priorities. Staff noted the fund is still primarily budgeted to staff positions, which constrains reallocations.
Motion and vote: Doctor Sandiguri moved to approve the 2025'27 SIA grant agreement; Director Harnish seconded. The board approved the motion with no opposition.
What's next: Because SIA uses are linked to the district's integrated plan and biennial community engagement, staff said they will provide board monitoring reports that tie SIA investments to outcomes and may return with more line-item detail upon request.
Speakers quoted in this article appear in the official meeting record.