Why does the District asking voters to consider a levy?
State funding cuts have created a budget shortfall that impacts our local schools. The district has eliminated 76.75 administrative and teaching positions over the past two years, while also shortening the school year by 13 days to save money. While costs for everything from textbooks to utilities continue to rise, state support remains flat or decreasing, creating a $4.5 million dollar shortfall for the 2026-27 school year.
What is the difference between a bond and a levy?
Bonds are for buildings and levies are for learning. A bond may only pay for capital construction projects and infrastructure such as buildings, maintenance, technology and curriculum. A local option levy can pay for the day-to-day operations of school districts. This includes funding the cost of employing teachers and educational staff.
Why not consider sending kids to other schools, redistributing students to the buildings we have?
As enrollment shifts, we look at every opportunity to balance students across buildings rather than leave one school overstaffed and another overloaded. No amount of reorganizing students between buildings solves a $4.5 million shortfall. This was one of the scenarios our Boundary Committee examined thoroughly. After analyzing enrollment data, building capacity, and operational realities across the district, the committee concluded that redistribution alone cannot close this gap.
How much money will the proposed levy raise for the District?
The levy, if passed, is expected to raise $6.1 million annually in funding for five years.
What will the funds from the proposed levy be spent on?
If passed, levy funds would help the district preserve existing neighborhood schools; retain teaching and staff positions; and maintain class sizes.
Will this levy just be a “band-aid” ? How do we create long-term sustainability for Newberg-Dundee Schools?
The proposed levy, if passed, would be a key measure we use to create long-term stability for our schools. In addition, the district will not expand positions and if student enrollment declines, the district will adjust the number of full time employees in order to maintain a supportive, yet lean staffing model for our schools.
When will the District receive the funds from the proposed levy, if passed?
If passed, the District would begin receiving levy funds as soon as the 2026-27 school year.
How much would the proposed levy cost property owners?
The proposed levy would cost property owners a maximum tax rate of $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value per year. For example, a homeowner in the Newberg-Dundee School District with a mean assessed value of $330,000 would pay approximately $33.00 per month.
How long will the proposed levy last?
The proposed levy on the May 2026 ballot has a five-year period if approved, and would take effect in the 2026-27 school year. Voter approval prior to the 2031-32 school year would be required for levy renewal at the end of the five-year period.
What accountability measures will be in place to ensure levy funds are used appropriately and managed correctly by the District?
If the proposed levy passes, funds will be deposited into a dedicated sub-account to ensure transparency and accountability. A citizen budget committee, along with School Board oversight, will monitor expenditures to confirm that all funds are used strictly as approved by voters.
No levy dollars will be allocated to administrative costs, building repairs, or maintenance. All expenditures will be reviewed as part of the District’s annual independent third-party audit.
Would businesses also pay the proposed levy tax on commercial properties?
Yes, businesses with commercial properties are also subject to the levy tax, if the proposed measure passes.
Can the School Board or Budget Committee Determine to Assign a Levy Rate to Taxpayers?
No, they cannot. Any new tax must be approved by voters. Neither the School Board nor the Budget Committee can assign a new tax without the approval of District voters.
The 2026 Proposed Newberg Schools Levy
Site Paid For and Maintained by Newberg Public Schools