| Superintendent's Update - November 13, 2010 |
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Dr. Michael E. Zalar
A Mandate for - TRANSFORMATION! On Tuesday, November 2nd voters in Oregon overwhelmingly rejected a 5.9 mill emergency operating levy that would have restored the district to fiscal stability. This was the second time this levy has been rejected by the community in the last two years. As a result, major changes will be forthcoming. Some of these changes, most likely, would have occurred regardless of the outcome of the election. Others, will be a direct result of the levy not passing. In any event, due to the looming budget deficit projected for the end of the 2011-2012 school year, changes in school operations will be seen and felt immediately.
It is important to understand the context driving much of this change initiative. The district has been trying to balance declining district revenues brought on by changes in school funding legislation (H.B. 66), a decrease in property valuation (and an increase in tax delinquencies) while at the same time seeing operating costs increase. The district has tried to maintain quality educational programs and services by restructuring operations and reducing staff – saving more than $7 million over the course of the last three years. Additionally, all staff members have voluntarily conceded wages and benefits saving the district $1.3 million this past year. Without the prospect of the district receiving additional revenue, more reductions in operations, programs and services will be necessary. The Board of Education will be meeting in the coming days and weeks to approve these changes in district operations. Many of these have already been identified in the district’s newly adopted strategic plan. These changes have the potential to transform the district into a high performance organization. However, it will not be easy and will take everyone working together in order to make the change effort successful. The Oregon School District has a long and storied tradition of excellence. I am confident that we will be able to work through the challenges that lie ahead for the betterment of our children and community.
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If you have any comments, questions or concerns about the Superintendent's Message section of our website, please contact Superintendent Mike Zalar at mzalar@oregoncs.org.