The Forest Grove School District 15 held a budget meeting on May 8, 2025, where community input played a crucial role in shaping the district's priorities and potential budget cuts. The meeting highlighted the results of a recent survey that gathered feedback from students, parents, and community members regarding the district's most pressing needs.

Safety and security emerged as the top priority across all groups, underscoring a community-wide concern for creating a safe learning environment. Following closely were counseling and mental health services, as well as after-school activities, which were particularly emphasized by students. This feedback reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support and extracurricular engagement in fostering student well-being.

In terms of budget reductions, the survey indicated that district supports, administration, and professional development were the areas most respondents identified for potential cuts. Interestingly, students expressed different priorities, suggesting that class size, curriculum, and technology should be considered for reductions. This divergence highlights the varying perspectives within the community on how best to allocate resources.

The meeting also included a discussion on demographic responses to the survey, examining how different household languages might influence priorities. This analysis aims to ensure that the district's budget decisions are inclusive and reflective of the diverse community it serves.

As the district moves forward with its budget planning, the insights gathered from this meeting will be instrumental in addressing the community's needs and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. The next steps will involve further discussions on the proposed budget, with a focus on aligning financial decisions with the priorities identified by the community.