The Roseburg Public Schools Board of Directors voted to approve up to $2,500,000 for construction of a Roseburg High School wing attached to Umpqua Community College’s Medical Careers Hub and Welcome Center, with the expenditure conditioned on a mutually agreed memorandum of understanding and legal review.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said the project would “likely be about a 2 year project,” and that “the distribution of funds will likely happen over a multiyear period as per our practice of paying for services as they're rendered.” The motion carried with one dissenting vote; Director Shirtcliff opposed the appropriation.

Board members who supported the measure described the proposal as a low-cost, strategic investment in career and technical education. Director Hamerson said, “If we have an opportunity to be a beacon of hope of bringing skilled medical professionals to the state of Oregon, we should be jumping all over that.” Director Cotton argued the district must balance urgent maintenance with long-range investments: “We always need to take care of what is urgent now, what is needed now, but we also need to invest in our future.”

Director Shirtcliff said he understood the program’s potential but worried about near-term facilities needs and long-term budget pressures. “In my mind, I personally don't think it's wise or responsible to spend $2,500,000 when we still have these outstanding needs that, I think are immediate,” Shirtcliff said, noting failed bond efforts and continuing HVAC shortfalls in district buildings.

Director Kremitz, who ultimately supported the motion, described the proposal as a “once in a lifetime” low-cost opportunity to expand local CTE options and to create clear postsecondary pathways that might improve graduation and career outcomes. Director Leoni said the program could reduce postsecondary debt for families: “From a family standpoint, it's really a positive thing.”

Superintendent Cordon and board members said the proposed arrangement is intended to increase direct access to medical career training for Roseburg High School students and to leverage community and college partnerships. Cordon reported discussions with potential outside supporters who have expressed interest in accelerating the project, though no outside funding commitments were recorded in the public meeting minutes.

The board approved the motion 6–1. The authorization is contingent on completion of an MOU with Umpqua Community College and mutual legal review; the board did not adopt a binding construction contract during the meeting.

The approval follows prior district discussion about career technical education and facilities spending. Board members said the project aligns with the district’s strategic plan priorities for career pathways and CTE access. The superintendent and administration indicated that, if enacted, payments would be made as services are rendered across the anticipated multi‑year construction schedule.