MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford School Board has approved a resolution allowing for exemptions to standard bid requirements, enabling the district to move quickly with the demolition and stabilization of the North Medford High School gym. The decision, made during a special session, comes after the gym’s collapse, which authorities believe was partly caused by heavy snow, although the full cause remains under investigation.
Resolution #2025-1 permits the district to bypass typical bidding procedures during the emergency phase of the demolition. The resolution designates Bret Champion and/or Brad Earl as authorized staff members to approve bids and purchases related to the project. While the district intends to pursue competitive bids in the long term, the immediate need for stabilization and demolition is seen as critical to ensure the safety of the building and surrounding areas.
During the session, Board members discussed the urgency of addressing the collapse. The gym’s structural integrity had been compromised by the weight of the snow, and officials emphasized that swift action was necessary to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.
Board Director Lilia Caballero voiced concerns about the potential for bias in the bidding process. “One of the things that I will really want is for us to be careful and also be very transparent and dispel any biases that we are going to go with certain companies because we’ve been going with them forever,” Caballero said, calling for a fair and transparent process moving forward.
Despite these concerns, other board members reassured her that all necessary laws and protocols would be followed to ensure equity and fairness. Director Cynthia Wright emphasized the importance of unity in supporting the district’s staff and students through the crisis. “More than ever we need to come together and support our students and staff,” Wright said. “I hope that we can do that as a community because together we can get through this challenge.”
However, not all board members were fully on board with the decision-making process. Director Michael Williams expressed discomfort with making the vote via Zoom without allowing for public comment. “I’m not arguing as to whether or not this is an emergency…I think it would be wise and it would be well received if we took this vote, in more of a public way with public comment prior to taking the vote,” Williams said. Despite his concerns, the resolution was passed, with Directors Jeff Kinsella, Kendall Ferguson, Suzanne Messner, Caballero, Wright, and Michelle Atkinson voting in favor. Williams abstained from voting.
The resolution allows the district to move forward with immediate actions necessary to stabilize the building, ensuring that the North Medford High School campus remains safe for the students and staff who depend on it.
As the district moves forward, officials are committed to following appropriate legal processes to ensure transparency and fairness in the longer-term bidding for any future construction or repairs at the site.