Most of the funding for public school districts in Oregon comes from the state, through income taxes. That funding is distributed based on enrollment.

When young families stop having children or stop moving into the district, enrollment declines and schools empty out and eventually close; elementary schools first, then middle and high schools.

When there are fewer students and fewer schools, there are fewer jobs for teachers. Recalling school board members, as several Springfield residents are attempting, cannot change that. 

David Force
Eugene