Board Approves Superintendent's Recommendation to Close Fir Grove Elementary

The Roseburg School Board voted this evening to approve Superintendent Jared Cordon's recommendation to close Fir Grove Elementary School at the conclusion of the 2026-27 school year.

Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, Fir Grove students will transition to Eastwood, Hucrest and Fullerton IV elementary schools based on updated attendance boundaries. Families can review the new boundaries on the district's website to determine their assigned schools.

The decision follows an extensive review of districtwide enrollment trends, school capacity, facility conditions, educational needs and long-term financial sustainability. The district's long-range facilities planning process has also included facilities assessments and recommendations from its Community Facilities Advisory Committee.

Andrea Miner, chair of the Roseburg School Board, said the Board recognized the importance of reaching a timely decision.

“We heard from families and staff that the uncertainty surrounding this decision was difficult, and we didn't want to prolong it unnecessarily,” Miner said. “Board members have been deeply involved in our long-range facilities planning process, including touring every school in the district to better understand the conditions and needs of our buildings. Making this decision now gives our district time to plan a thoughtful transition and ensure students, families and staff have the support they need.”

Fir Grove will remain open through the end of the 2026-27 school year. Over the coming months, district leaders will work with school staff to develop a transition plan addressing students' educational, social and emotional needs. Planning will include transportation arrangements, opportunities for students and families to become familiar with their new schools, and other supports.

The Complex Needs Classroom and Profound Developmental Learning Center programs located at Fir Grove will continue without interruption. The district is committed to finding appropriate learning environments that meet the needs of students served by these programs.

Superintendent Cordon emphasized that the decision is part of a broader effort to sustain educational opportunities while responsibly managing public resources.

“Our schools are among our community's most important assets, and the people who work in them make an extraordinary difference in the lives of our students,” Cordon said. “This decision does not diminish the value of Fir Grove or the contributions of its staff and families. It reflects the difficult choices we must make as we respond to declining enrollment, aging facilities and rising costs. Even as we make better use of our existing space, we must continue investing in our schools to ensure they remain safe, functional and supportive of learning for generations to come.”

Facilities assessments conducted through the Oregon Department of Education identified approximately $116 million in anticipated maintenance, repair and replacement needs across Roseburg's schools over the next 10 years. District leaders have emphasized that consolidation is one part of a broader, phased approach to addressing aging facilities and aligning district resources with current and projected enrollment.

Additional information, including updated attendance boundaries, frequently asked questions and the district's long-range facilities planning materials, is available on the district's Aligning to Thrive webpage.