Oregon schools hold forum about levy

5/5/2010

Oregon City Schools held a community forum Tuesday night to get opinions on whether a new operating levy should be put on November's ballot or $2 million in additional cuts should be made next school year.

If more cuts are made, the district could close an elementary school, eliminate high school busing, reduce or eliminate extracurricular activities, and cut more staff positions.

Among other options are instituting half-day kindergarten and restructuring the high school's career and technology program.

The district, which has trimmed $6.9 million from its annual budget during the last three years, is facing a $1.8 million deficit in the 2011-12 school year.

A decision on whether to seek a levy or make more cuts will need to be made in the next month or two, Superintendent Mike Zalar said.