# Reunión de la Junta Escolar de Salem-Keizer - 13 de octubre de 2026

Salem-Keizer School Board meeting, October 13, 2026 (the metadata lists October 14 UTC), focused primarily on a preliminary proposal to close six elementary schools—Brush College, Candelaria, Cummings, Englewood, Liberty, and Richmond—for the 2027–28 school year. District leaders cited declining enrollment (about 2,600 fewer students since the superintendent took office), underused facilities, building limitations, and the need to sustain staffing and student programs; they estimated the enrollment decline represents roughly $26 million in state funding. The board heard extensive public testimony opposing the proposed closures and raising concerns about academic outcomes, transportation, special-education services, transition planning, data accuracy, and the community impact. No closure decision or vote was taken. The district plans further discussion on October 20, a board decision in December, and boundary decisions in February; public listening sessions were also scheduled.

The board also received an informational presentation on pension obligation bonds as a possible long-term financing strategy. The district reported a pension obligation of approximately $548.8 million based on its latest 2024 assessment and cited $151.2 million in historical savings from prior pension-bond transactions. EcoNorthwest and financial adviser Piper Sandler were involved in the analysis; a resolution seeking board authorization to participate is planned for October 27, with a potential bond sale in January if authorized and market conditions are favorable. No authorization or bond-related vote occurred at this meeting. A consent agenda covering grants and personnel actions was moved and seconded, but the transcript does not record a vote or the specific grant items.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Sources
- [Reunión de la Junta Escolar de Salem-Keizer - 13 de octubre de 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDu8N_fmhzU) - Capital Community Media