Thursday’s agenda also includes public hearing on proposed $297.8 million 2025-26 district budget

A Medford School District board work session set for Thursday will bring a packed agenda with a board member resignation, updates on rebuild plans for the collapsed North Medford High School gym and a public hearing for the district’s 2025-26 budget process.

Board member Michelle Atkinson submitted her resignation Monday, effective June 1, district officials confirmed. Atkinson told the Rogue Valley Times she resigned due to an impending move to Irvine, California, with her family this summer.

Atkinson, who grew up in the region and graduated from South Medford High, was elected to MSD Board Position 5 in 2023, and her position expires at the end of June 30, 2027.

Atkinson’s announcement leaves just two other incumbents — Kendal Ferguson and Michael Williams — who are not up for reelection. Of three available seats in the May 20 special election — seats held by board members Cynthia Wright, Jeff Kinsella and Suzanne Messer are expiring June 30 — only Wright is seeking reelection.

The district is at a crossroads of sorts after a year of turmoil culminating with the February resignation of Superintendent Bret Champion. Deputy Superintendent Jeanne Grazioli was appointed in recent weeks to take over in an interim capacity beginning July 1.

Atkinson, who has called the Rogue Valley home for most of her life, said she was hopeful that the community would come together for the benefit of students.

“Success happens when people work as a team and support one another. Just look at the Lady Panthers basketball program. Twelve undefeated SWC championships and four state titles did not happen by accident,” she said in a statement to the Times. “They happened because the players worked together, worked hard, and worked smart. Schools thrive in the same way. If we want to be the best, we must stay focused on shared goals and teamwork so that amazing things can happen for kids.”

“Looking ahead, there is reason for hope. Jeanne Grazioli brings steady and thoughtful leadership. The path forward will require unity and trust,” Atkinson’s statement said. “It will be more important than ever for board members, staff and the community to support one another, stay focused on their own important roles, and trust others to do the same. This is not about taking sides or pointing fingers. It is about working together for students.”

Board members on Thursday will declare the vacancy created by Atkinson’s departure. Per Medford School District policies BBC and BBE, board vacancies are filled by appointment by the remainder of the board.

2025-26 budget

Additional topics of Thursday’s meeting agenda, posted to the district website, include a public hearing to review a projected $297.8 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

A copy of the proposed budget is posted to the district website.

Gym update
An update on the collapsed North Medford High gym will be provided Thursday by project engineers.

The roof of the 1960s-era gym collapsed Feb. 11 after heavy snowfall in the region. Demolition and assessment of the gym began in March. Project updates and other details about the project are posted to the district website.

The school board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Oakdale Middle School, 815 S. Oakdale Ave., Medford.

Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 458-488-2029 or buffy.pollock@rv-times.com. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal.