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Medford School Board approves emergency exemption to speed North Medford High gym stabilization
Summary
At a Feb. 25 virtual special meeting, the Medford School District Board approved Resolution #2025-1 to invoke an emergency exemption under Policy DJC, allowing the district to shorten the demolition and stabilization timeline for the North Medford High School gym; the measure passed 6–0 with one abstention.
The Medford School District Board of Education on Feb. 25 approved Resolution #2025-1, granting an emergency exemption from standard public procurement timelines so the district can accelerate demolition and stabilization work on the North Medford High School gym.
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Brad Earl told the board the exemption is permitted under Policy DJC — Bidding Requirements and would shorten the timeline for the demolition and stabilization phase while the district coordinates with engineers and insurers. “The district was requesting an exemption that is allowed under Policy DJC – Bidding Requirements, where the Board can grant permission to operate under emergency conditions,” Earl said. Superintendent Bret Champion introduced the reason for the emergency meeting and handed the item to Earl. Earl added the district intends to operate under emergency conditions only until the gym is stabilized; the remainder of the reconstruction will be completed through the regular bidding process.
Director Suzanne Messer moved to approve Resolution #2025-1; Director Jeff Kinsella seconded the motion. Board members said they understood the need to shore up the building quickly and discussed concerns about misinformation in the community, the need to support students and staff, and the desire to be transparent and inclusive as the work proceeds. Board Director Michael Williams arrived during the discussion and later abstained from the final vote, saying he was uncomfortable voting without a public setting and an opportunity for public comment. Chair Cynthia Wright called the roll: Atkinson, Caballero, Ferguson, Kinsella, Messer, and Wright voted yea; Williams abstained. The motion carried (Yea: 6, Nay: 0, Abstain: 1).
The board conducted the special meeting virtually; a video recording is available on the district website. Next steps stated by staff are to coordinate demolition and stabilization work with engineers and insurance providers under the emergency authorization and to return to the normal bidding process for the remaining reconstruction work once the gym is stabilized.
