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Superintendent Jensen frames Pendleton SD 16 budget planning as "values-based conversation"
Summary
At a Feb. 3 work session, Superintendent Michelle Jensen described the district's budget planning as a "values-based conversation" to help the board build understanding ahead of formal budget decisions; staff laid out spending in instruction, student supports, operations and compliance.
Pendleton School District 16's Board of Directors met in a work session on Feb. 3, 2026, at the district office to discuss preliminary budget planning. Superintendent Michelle Jensen said the session was intended as a "values-based conversation, a shared learning moment" to give the board context before any formal budget proposal or vote.
Director of Business Services Michelle Jones outlined how district dollars are allocated across Instruction & Staffing, Student Supports, Operations & Transportation, and Required Services & Compliance, and explained which dollars are considered fixed versus flexible. The board completed an exercise ranking their top three budget priorities and discussed emerging budget pressures; no final budget decisions were made at the session. Ryan Lehnert was noted as leaving the meeting at 8:45 a.m.; the work session adjourned at 8:48 a.m. The board will consider budget items further at upcoming meetings, including the Feb. 9 regular board meeting.
