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Residents and board members urge voters to approve Newberg SD 29J levy to avoid staff cuts
Summary
At the May 12 Newberg School District 29J board meeting, public speakers and multiple board members urged passage of a local operating levy (referred to in remarks as Measure 36,239) to avoid furlough days, deep staff cuts and larger class sizes; the superintendent outlined the estimated tax impact and potential cuts if voters reject the levy.
The Newberg School District 29J board heard a steady stream of public comments on May 12 as residents urged voters to approve a local operating levy referred to in remarks as “measure 36,239.” Speakers and board members said the levy would stabilize classroom staffing and services and help the district avoid furlough days and position cuts.
“By voting for the school levy, I can have a say in how my tax money is spent,” said Nancy Woodward, a Newberg resident, who identified three reasons she supports the measure: preventing furlough days, stabilizing programs across grades, and ensuring local tax dollars stay in the district. Several other speakers—parents, teachers and community volunteers—echoed that appeal, saying higher class sizes and fewer support staff would harm student learning.
Why it matters: Superintendent Dave Parker told the board the measure would cost about $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed value (he illustrated that on a $330,000 house it would amount to roughly $33 a month). Parker warned the board has already outlined possible cuts if the levy fails, including a reduction of about 35 staff positions and four furlough days. “We want our kids in school,” Parker said, urging residents to vote.
Residents described local impacts they say would follow a failed levy. Jasmine Worthy, a district staff member and parent, said the district recovered from a large deficit but remains fragile: she recounted the district having been “over $2,500,000 in the red” and later moving to “about $1.05 million in the black” after staffing and program cuts. Several speakers said losing specialized staff—counselors, community liaisons and TOSAs—would reduce supports such as mental-health services and CTE/makerspace programs.
Board members and student participants also urged passage. Board director James Wolfer and others framed the levy as an investment in staff who deliver instruction rather than a bond for facilities. A trio of students who interviewed for student-representative vacancies described the ways cuts already have reshaped class experiences and asked voters to consider long-term community effects.
What’s next: The board emphasized continued community outreach; proponents highlighted a public event the following day (popsicles in the park at Edwards, 5–7 p.m.) and encouraged voters to cast ballots. The board moved into an executive session later in the evening and adjourned after returning to open session.
The board approved a separate consent agenda item earlier in the meeting (resignations, hires and minutes) by unanimous voice vote.
