Molalla River SD 35 meets finance and facilities measures; staffing shortages persist in specialized roles

District finance, facilities and human-resources staff briefed the board on end-of-year measures, noting that financial and facilities targets were met while some staffing challenges remain.

The finance update reported that the district met its fund-balance policy (8% target) and closed the year at about a 9.8'10% fund balance; the preliminary budget for the coming year was described as budgeted at approximately 8.9% fund balance. Staff described a district "financial road show" of in-person and virtual sessions to explain budget priorities and increase employee understanding; presenters said that activity modestly improved employee survey ratings on resource-awareness.

Facilities reported completion of several capital items during the year, including end-of-life boiler replacement, LED lighting upgrades and updated cameras at the high school; one spring project (cited at about $45,000) contributed to meeting a facilities measure. Board discussion noted ongoing prioritization to avoid surprises and to plan ahead on capital needs.

Human-resources leaders said retention improved slightly (about 89% to 90%) and position-fill rates rose from roughly 97% to 98%; however, certain specialized classifications'notably occupational/physical therapists, nurses and instructional assistants'remain difficult to recruit. The district described a "grow-your-own" program in partnership with Oregon State to support instructional assistants pursuing teacher certification, and said exit surveys and focus groups will probe spring hires who did not return.

No formal budget approvals or contract awards were made during this work session; the board received the informational report and asked staff to continue outreach and planning.