Sherwood School Board Recap | June 1, 2026

SHERWOOD, Ore. – The Sherwood School Board met Monday, June 1, for its final meeting before summer break.

Board Chair Harmony Carson, Board Vice Chair Abby Hawkins, and directors Matt Kaufman, Hans Moller, and Matt Thornton were all present.

There was no public comment.

Sherwood School Board meetings are slated to resume in September. There will be an organizational board meeting on July 1. 

Budget

The school board unanimously approved the 2026-27 budget following a public hearing. They also unanimously approved a motion to impose and categorize property taxes, at a permanent operating rate of $4.8123 per $1,000 of assessed value, an existing local option levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, and a general obligation bond tax for a total of $18.7 million.

Previously, the budget committee approved the budget on May 11 for a total amount of $128,780,459. The new fiscal year begins July 1. 

Recognizing Retirees

The board recognized the remarkable careers of six retirees, including Thomas Helwig of Cipole, Melinda Mulkins of Middleton Elementary, and Laurie Thomas, Cynthia Walker, Lance Thurman, and Carol McKennett of Sherwood High School.

Amanda Hollenberg, Sherwood School District executive director of human resources, said it is a special opportunity to celebrate the remarkable careers and lasting impact of the retiring staff members.

“Choosing a career in education is far more than choosing a job. It is choosing a calling. It is work rooted in service, compassion, patience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others. There are few professions, I believe, that leave such a lasting mark on the world,” Hollenberg said. “Their influence extends far beyond the classrooms, offices, hallways, and campuses at which they work. Their legacy lives on in the students they have inspired, the colleagues they have supported, and the communities like ours they have strengthened.”

Consent Agenda

The school board unanimously approved the consent agenda.

It included the financial summary, which forecasted that revenues are projected to exceed expenses by about $300,00 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which will be added to the ending fund balance. Tax collections were short of the estimate provided to the Oregon Department of Education, which resulted in less state funds for this school year, but more next year, expecting to boost revenue about $600,000 for the 26-27 fiscal year. Payroll costs remain high.

Personnel changes were also in the consent agenda, including resignations, transfers filling the retirees’ jobs, and a new position for a dual language immersion teacher at the middle school.

It also included a contract for Assistant Superintendent Patrick Shuckerow for the 2026-29 school years.

Fees and charges were updated for the 2026-27 school years, including increasing the High School Family Pass fee from $125 to $175 to more accurately reflect the cost of athletics. Meal prices will stay the same for 2026-27 after increases in the last two school years.

The District joined the Oregon Savings Growth Plan, which is a retirement saving program run by the State Treasury that allows district employees to invest in a 457 deferred compensation plan with free advisory services on preparing for retirement, with no cost to the district for participating.

Information and Discussions

Assistant Superintendent Marleen Carroll presented a third-party comprehensive survey by Studer Education that collects anonymous feedback from employees, parents and caregivers.

“We ask for any information around areas that they think we can improve, or any areas that they may need support, or something that would make their workplace or general environment better,” Carroll said.

On the employee question of how likely they are to recommend this district as a good place to work, 53% were positive answers, up from 4% last year.

“Employees are feeling that they believe that their work positively impacts those we serve, which is probably one of the most important things for being at a school district,” Carroll said.

On the caregiver question of how likely they are to recommend this district as a good place for children to learn, 63% of the feedback was positive, up nearly 10% from last year.

Additionally, the board heard the first ever strategic plan annual update. It was first adopted in spring 2025, and serves as the framework guiding district initiatives through 2030. Its central vision is to inspire a joyful community of learners, demonstrating the district's commitment to supporting education, success, and student well-being.

Action Items

The board unanimously approved changing some budget limits from one category to another based on expected expenditures. The Support Services budget is approaching its limit, while the Contingency budget had an excess, so the board changed $400,000. They also moved another $600,000 from the Contingency budget to the Enterprise and Community services fund, which was also approaching its limit, for the fiscal year starting in July 2026.

The board unanimously approved new secondary social science instructional materials. This includes 6th Grade History Alive, 7th and 8th Grade middle school social studies, U.S. History, and AP Human Geography.

The board unanimously approved a local wellness policy update, which includes direction on fostering healthy eating through nutrition education and promotion, serving healthy and appealing foods at district schools, developing food-use guidelines for staff, and establishing liaisons with nutrition service providers,

The board unanimously approved a contract with the Sherwood Charter School for five more years.