Superintendent Phil Long has scheduled two meetings to receive input from district residents as he develops a proposed budget for the 2010-2011 school year.

These meetings offer a chance to talk directly with the superintendent. The meetings are scheduled as follows:

·        Wednesday, April 14 – 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Oak Grove Elementary School Media Center.

·        Saturday, April 17 – 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Oak Grove Elementary School Media Center.

Oak Grove Elementary School is located at 2838 W. Main Street, Medford, Oregon.

Input from the meetings will help the superintendent as he develops a proposal to present to the district Budget Committee on April 27, 2010.

This past spring a significant drop in state funding caused the district to reduce its expenditures by almost $9 million – about 10.4% of its anticipated budget. This resulted in reductions in teaching staff, wage and salary reductions of 1½ %, and a compressed school year calendar. The changes were accomplished with no loss of instructional hours for students.

While the Oregon legislature rebalanced the state budget in February 2010 to provide funding to stabilize current programs, Oregon’s governor urges caution as school superintendents plan for the coming year.

If you wish to give Superintendent Long feedback, but are unavailable to attend the meetings, you may e-mail your suggestions directly to him at:

Budget.Suggestions@medford.k12.or.us