With budgets in flux, it’s not known yet whether some school days may be restored

4J and other school districts across Oregon are awaiting more information before making decisions about school days and staffing for this year.

New federal legislation is expected to provide 4J with about $3.3 million in funding aid to help keep educators on the job. In a year when the district has trimmed staff and school days to help address a $15.2 million budget deficit, this came as welcome news. At the same time, however, state revenue appears to be falling short of earlier projections, and further decreases in state school funding may be on the horizon.

Your child may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

Apply online / aplicación electrónica 
Printable application (English) / Aplicación (Español)  
Learn more about free and reduced-price lunch

In these tough economic times, many families are suddenly finding themselves tightening their belts. If your household income is within federal income guidelines, even temporarily, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars a year by applying for free or reduced-price school meals. The program is confidential, easy, and can help both your budget and your child's school.

Whether free, reduced-price or full-price, the meals served in 4J schools are tasty, healthful and nutrient-dense. Menus are carefully planned to reflect Eugene's cultural diversity, include varied daily vegetarian options, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, and where feasible integrate local and organic foods into meals. An all-you-can-eat daily offering bar is included with every cafeteria meal, featuring a variety of fresh produce and other healthy foods.

4J  is forecasting a staggering budget deficit in 2011–12, and will be working this fall to develop a more sustainable budget in the years to come.

Preliminary to this comprehensive process, the superintendent convened two advisory groups. The community and district thought leaders have recommended a variety of strategies and opportunities to bring future district expenses into balance with revenues while continuing to provide an excellent education for every student.

No decisions have yet been made nor plans presented; there will be ample opportunity for input from parents, students, staff, and other community members to help guide the school board in its decision making.

LEARN MORE: Working Toward a Sustainable Budget  /  Thought Leaders Advisory Groups

REPORTS: Community Thought Leaders  / District Thought Leaders 

New administrators at Adams, Charlemagne, Churchill, Edison, Madison, River Road, Spring Creek and North Eugene

The Eugene School District is pleased to announce principal and assistant principal appointments at five elementary schools, one middle school and four high schools for 2010–11. Three of the new administrators are new to Eugene.