11/12/25 From the Superintendent's Desk

This time of year is generally exciting for students as the holiday breaks approach, though the disrupted routines in November and December can create uncertainty for those who thrive on predictability. Please keep an eye on our students during this period.

We are excited for the MSHS band and other clubs to be part of the Holiday Lights Parade. Our students have been practicing, and their show at the firehouse will not disappoint.

Coming soon to our website will be a virtual tour of the proposed new addition. Our staff and design team have worked hard to maximize the design and create many improvements through this phased project, which will have an impact across the campus.

We will be sending out a calendar survey to seek community input on our current calendar and what is working well for our families as we look to the future.

Make sure to visit our CTE students at the Polk County Fairgrounds during the holiday Fair to see the amazing artwork being produced and available for purchase.

Finally, there is a lot of dialogue in the state right now regarding school finance. Oregon school districts are grappling with significant budget woes due to rising costs, declining enrollment, the end of federal COVID-19 relief money, and a recent projected state revenue shortfall. 

While state lawmakers approved a record $11.4 billion for the State School Fund for the current biennium, subsequent federal policy changes have led to a significant mid-year state budget shortfall, the first since the 2008 financial crisis. This has put many districts in a precarious position, facing potential mid-year cuts and planning for large deficits in the next school year, with some of the largest districts forecasting multi-million dollar shortfalls. 

Lisa Anderson, our Finance Director, and I have been projecting three years out with our known factors and feel Willamina will strategically weather the storm better than other districts in the region. That said, we are watching our spending and purchases in our budget to stay on track. For more information on the state's educational funding structure, you can review resources from the Oregon Department of Education or the Oregon State Legislature. 

Enjoy the Holiday Season,

Mike Gass, Superintendent