Dear Roseburg families,

One of my most important responsibilities as superintendent is to ensure that Roseburg Schools remains financially strong while continuing to provide every student with the care, support and instruction they need to succeed.

Each year, our School Board adopts a balanced budget that reflects our commitment to living within our means while protecting the programs and services that matter most to students and families.

As we prepare for the 2026-27 school year, our district is navigating a number of financial challenges facing school systems across Oregon. Over time, student enrollment has declined, which reduces the amount of funding we receive from Oregon’s State School Fund. At the same time, rising costs related to employee retirement benefits, inflation and reductions in some state and federal grants are placing additional financial pressure on the district.

As a result, Roseburg Schools will need to make approximately $4.5 million in budget reductions for the upcoming school year. Like families and businesses, school districts must make adjustments when revenues decrease and expenses increase.

The largest part of our budget is dedicated to the people who serve students each day, which means some staffing adjustments are necessary to maintain a balanced budget. Most of these changes are occurring through retirements and resignations. Approximately 19 employees, representing less than 3 percent of our workforce, are being affected by layoffs.

These decisions are never easy, because our employees are more than staff members, they are people we care deeply about. They are part of the Roseburg Schools family and part of the heart of what makes our schools such special places for students. I am deeply grateful for the care, compassion, and commitment our employees bring to their work each day, and for the difference they make in the lives of students and families across our district.

I want to reassure families that we expect to maintain class sizes within or below our target ranges for most grade levels. We are also preserving the many positions added in recent years to support students' academic, social, emotional and behavioral wellbeing.

It’s important for our community to know that, even after these adjustments, Roseburg Schools still employs more staff and more licensed educators per student today than we did a decade ago, despite serving nearly 700 fewer students.

Our focus continues to be providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. We will continue to pursue grants and other opportunities that strengthen educational programs, support students and expand opportunities across our schools.

Roseburg Schools remains financially stable, and these adjustments reflect proactive planning to ensure we continue operating responsibly and sustainably for years to come. We are also committed to maintaining healthy financial reserves.

I know school finance can feel complicated at times, and I believe our community deserves clear information about how public funds are used to support students and operate our schools. Additional budget information is available on our website at Roseburg Schools Budget Information.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Roseburg Schools. Together, we will continue to provide exceptional opportunities for students while planning responsibly for the future.

Sincerely,

Jared Cordon
Superintendent
Roseburg Schools

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the district reducing staff?

Declining enrollment reduces state funding, while costs related to retirement benefits, inflation and some grant reductions continue to rise. The district must adopt a balanced budget each year.

Why are jobs still being posted?

Some vacancies require specific licenses or endorsements, are funded through restricted grants, or are needed to meet specialized student and program needs. In addition, positions created by retirements and resignations may still need to be filled.

Will this affect my child's education?

The district expects to maintain class sizes within target ranges for most grade levels and is preserving many student support positions. The goal is to minimize impacts on students.

Why was this specific employee affected?

Personnel decisions involve contractual processes, licensure requirements and staffing needs across the district. Individual employee circumstances are confidential.

Could reserves have prevented these layoffs?

Financial reserves are intended to protect the district against emergencies and unexpected revenue changes. Using all reserves to avoid necessary adjustments would create greater financial challenges in future years.

What happens to teachers who are laid off?

Under the collective bargaining agreement, teachers affected by layoffs have first rights to available positions that open over the next two years.

Is the district financially stable?

Yes. These adjustments are being made to maintain a balanced budget and ensure Roseburg Schools remains financially strong over the long term.

How can families and community members help?

One of the most meaningful ways to support students is by getting involved in our schools. Volunteers play an important role in enriching the educational experience by reading with students, helping in classrooms, supporting events and mentoring young people. While volunteers do not replace professional staff, they are an important part of the strong partnerships that help students thrive.