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From Your President…
Hello, Members and Potential Members,
I know that as we face the reality of the current budget shortfall, many of you are feeling anxious about Friday’s staffing news. Please know that you are not alone. This is a deeply uncertain and emotional time for all of us, and I want to acknowledge the many layers and complexities that have brought us to this moment.
First, I want to express my gratitude to the many educators, labor partners, and advocates who spoke up during the recent legislative Short Session in Salem. Because of that collective advocacy, Oregon decoupled from portions of the federal tax code and did not absorb the level of deficit that had originally been projected. While this did not eliminate the challenges we are facing, it helped lessen the impact on public education and our communities.
I also want to acknowledge the work accomplished locally through collaboration with the District. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which offered a retirement incentive, has helped us minimize disruption and protect as many positions as possible. Although this effort along with natural attrition of resignations has helped significantly, we are still facing a reduction in force.
Additionally, through a second MOU, we agreed to extend the Human Resources deadline from May 1st to May 15th regarding the announcement of voluntary and involuntary transfers. Members will also learn whether they are impacted by a reduction in force, as was shared publicly during the April 28th School Board Budget Hearing.
2026-27 Budget Related Reductions (Scroll down to view photo)
As we move through this together, I urge all of us to lead with compassion, for ourselves and for one another. Let’s continue to offer space and grace to our colleagues, recognizing that everyone processes change differently. Now more than ever, our unity and support for each other are essential.
At the same time, we cannot disengage from the larger systems that shape these decisions. If we want change, we must continue to engage in our civic duty and get out the vote. The decisions made at the local and state level directly impact public education, school funding, staffing, and the learning conditions of our students.
We cannot give up, because this story is still being written. Even in moments of uncertainty, I continue to believe deeply in the strength, tenacity, and compassion of our members. We will continue to advocate, organize, and fight for the schools our students and educators deserve.
I know the road ahead feels heavy right now, and for some, deeply personal. But we will face these challenges together by supporting one another, lifting one another up, and remaining united in our shared commitment to our students, our colleagues, and our community. We are stronger together.
In Solidarity,
Mary Kay Babcock,
HEA President | she/her/ella