Superintendent Phil Long characterized the Medford School District’s proposed 2010-11 budget Tuesday night as a response to the promise of more funding for schools.

“This proposed budget builds back a full calendar year of instruction, provides more support for secondary music programs, more support for cleaning and maintaining rebuilt schools, and more options for student learning,” he told the initial meeting of the district’s budget committee. 

At the same time, Long reminded the committee that even the Governor does not believe all the revenue will arrive in time to pay the cost of the 2010-11 school year.  It also comes on the heels of one of the state’s most devastating economic downturns that resulted in reduced school days, lost teaching positions and furloughed days for staff.

Stabilization of the budget was a primary objective, Long said.  “We were able to restore all of those teaching positions reduced through a previous reduction in force (RIF) and
restore additional teaching and support positions which were not part of the RIF.  The proposed budget also restores support for student activities, restores instrumental music at the middle and high schools and stabilizes the elementary school instrumental music program.” 

Additional funds for building maintenance are seen as another critical piece in the proposed budget.  Less than four years after the successful passage of a district facilities improvement bond measure, all Medford students will return next September to thoroughly renovated and modernized school facilities. These additional funds will protect the community’s investment and insure a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.  

• Click here for the Superintendent's Budget Message
• Click here for the 2010 - 2011 Proposed Budget
• E-mail budget.suggestions@medford.k12.or.us to make comments or ask questions about the proposed budget