District Statement Regarding a Recent Media Coverage

Earlier today, a news story aired that focused on staffing reductions in Springfield Public Schools related to their budget shortfalls. Unfortunately, the story also included North Bend School District among a list of districts described as experiencing a budget “crisis.” This characterization is not accurate and deserves clarification.

North Bend School District is not facing a budget crisis. Like many districts across Oregon, we continue to respond thoughtfully and proactively to declining enrollment. Making adjustments to staffing levels as enrollment changes is one part of responsible, long-term financial planning and allows us to maintain a sustainable budget while remaining focused on students. Importantly, unlike many districts in recent years, NBSD has not had to make mid-year budget cuts, which speaks to the district’s careful fiscal management.

Our ability to remain stable is the result of sound budgeting practices and strong working relationships with our School Board and labor partners. I want to sincerely thank our unions for their collaboration and shared understanding of the challenges posed by declining enrollment and limited state and federal funding. This partnership has helped us navigate difficult realities while keeping student needs at the center of our decisions.

The story also stated that NBSD “is” restructuring two elementary schools. This information is premature. Elementary reconfiguration remains a topic of discussion, and no decisions have been made. The story was produced without district input, and the inclusion of NBSD in this context was misleading. The discussion around reconfiguration is an example of the responsible, proactive stance the district is taking in light of the broader fiscal challenges facing public education statewide. 

We remain committed to transparency and will continue to communicate clearly with staff and families as discussions move forward. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work together to ensure a stable, sustainable future for our schools and students.