Newberg Dundee Board Meeting 10.27.26

The Newberg Public Schools Board meeting on October 28, 2026, focused on a proposed pension obligation bond, district restructuring and school closures, and a property agreement with Northwest Christian Church. A financial adviser described a potential pooled pension bond issuance to reduce the district’s PERS costs; the district’s existing pension-bond program has generated about $27 million in net savings through December 2024. The proposed resolution, number 2027-02, would authorize participation in the Oregon Education District Pension Bond Program and issuance of full-faith-and-credit pension bonds. Board members discussed market and investment risks, the district’s limited reserves, and a proposed true interest cost ceiling of 4.46%; advisers said current rates were not favorable. A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded, but the transcript does not capture its disposition.

The board also reviewed school-restructuring models intended to address staffing and budget pressures, with a roughly $1 million savings target; members agreed to evaluate four committee-recommended models plus an alternative that would keep Union Elementary open, and plan to decide on a restructuring plan November 17. A motion to approve a property purchase-and-sale agreement with Northwest Christian Church for a 0.42-acre lot-line adjustment at Joan Austin Elementary failed. The district reported an estimated value of about $50,000 for the land, while noting that its landlocked condition could reduce its sale value. The board also heard that all Division 22 standards were met and received a financial update; the September report showed $1.6 million uncommitted at that point in the fiscal year, not necessarily available for spending.