By Dr. Michael E. Zalar, Superintendent

Money is tight these days.  I don’t need to remind you of that fact.  Like you, the Oregon City School District is feeling the effects of an economy that appears to be uncertain for the foreseeable future.  When resources are scarce – tough choices have to be made.  Today, by reducing our costs and tightening our belts, we are a leaner more efficient organization.

The district has reduced operating costs to a level significantly below FY2006 expenditures (see chart).  This is never an easy thing to do.  The challenge is to achieve the delicate balance between operational efficiency and high standards for educational programming.  By working together we have done this and are beginning to work towards long term fiscal stability. 

The Oregon City Schools is hosting an informational forum on social networking on March 1, 2010.  The forum will begin at 7:00pm in the Clay High School Library.  Our goal is to educate parents of K-12 students about sexting, Facebook, MySpace and what many children are doing on their phones and computers.  If you think your child is too young, you might be surprised.  Representatives from the Oregon Police Department and the Lucas County Prosecutor's office will share examples of how students put themselves in danger using their computers and cell phones.  District teacher, Amy Sweet, will show parents how to see what their children are doing and how to help protect their children from online predators.  If you are a parent and not overly familiar with social networking, you won't want to miss this informational forum.  It will help you become better acquainted with the technology your sons/daughters are growing up with as part of their daily lives.

For questions about the forum please contact Nathan Quigg, Technology Director of Oregon City Schools, via e-mail at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .