Newberg-Dundee board receives boundary recommendations and unanimously approves placing five-year levy on May ballot

The Newberg-Dundee School Board voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to receive the boundary committee’s recommendations as one set of options and to place a five‑year local option levy on the May 19, 2026 ballot.

Dave (district staff) summarized the committee’s work — 17 public meetings and 9 hours of committee time — and said the district is targeting roughly $4.5 million in savings or new revenue to restore a full academic year and stabilize finances. He said implementing a district‑wide reconfiguration requires time for staffing, transportation and instructional planning and proposed a possible fall 2027 implementation if the board directs continued planning.

Separately, the board approved Resolution 2026‑11 to place a local option levy on the May ballot at a rate of $1.20 per $1,000 assessed value for five years, beginning 2026‑27. The resolution’s caption and ballot language emphasize preserving neighborhood schools, teaching positions, reasonable class sizes and rebuilding reserves. The presenter said the levy would be placed in a separate account, overseen by a citizens’ budget committee and audited by third‑party auditors.

Board members described the levy as a community choice — tonight’s vote only authorizes placing the question before voters. Members stressed that without additional revenue the district expects staffing reductions (presenter estimated up to about 25 licensed positions and about 10 other staff as an example of potential cuts) and that a failed levy would force the district to further reduce services and potentially close schools.

The board’s vote to place the levy on the ballot was unanimous. The administration will file election materials and continue community outreach in the coming weeks ahead of the May election.