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In mid‑2024, the Newberg-Dundee School District uncovered a multi‑million‑dollar budget shortfall and the sitting superintendent went on leave. With the school year looming and finances in shambles, the school board needed someone who knew the community and could restore stability. Retired educator and former superintendent Paula Radich volunteered to serve as interim superintendent from June through October 2024. She led the district through deep budget cuts, worked to balance the books, and helped staff and parents refocus on students—all while declining a salary for her work. For her efforts, Paula was named as Newberg’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year by Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, Paula shares her experience stepping up to volunteer as the Newberg-Dundee School District’s superintendent and what led to her decision.

In our conversation, you’ll learn about:

• Paula’s lifelong journey in education
• What compelled her to step into the superintendent role without pay
• How she and a small volunteer team stabilized the budget, navigated divisive politics, and kept students at the center of every decision
• Why she believes volunteering is part of a full life
• Practical advice for parents and community members looking to support schools
• What gives Paula hope for Newberg’s future and its children

To learn more about the Newberg School District and explore volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.newberg.k12.or.us/.

This episode is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To subscribe to our newsletter, click the link above.

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President Robin Baker has been leading George Fox University since 2007 and in that time, George Fox has grown to become the largest private university in Oregon. George Fox is also consistently ranked among the top 3 Christian universities in Oregon.

President Baker has also won numerous awards and in 2023 was named by Portland Business Journal as one of its top executives of the year. Baker also sits on numerous national commissions and committees, and is widely recognized as a leader in Christian higher education.

In this episode, President Baker shares about the history of George Fox University and how the university impacts the city of Newberg.

In our conversation, you’ll learn:

• How George Fox University began
• Why George Fox the person was such an important figure in history
• How George Fox impacts the city of Newberg
• Details on the new childcare center being built in partnership with A-dec
• Challenges facing Christian colleges around the country
• How AI is affecting higher education and how George Fox is adapting

To learn more about George Fox University, visit https://www.georgefox.edu/

This episode is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To subscribe to our newsletter, click the link above.

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In this episode, Clay Downing, Superintendent of Chehalem Park & Recreation District (CPRD), breaks down the upcoming projects for Newberg and Dundee over the next few years.

In our conversation, you’ll learn:

• What CPRD is and how it works
• How Clay’s background in planning will help in his new role
• Current timelines for projects like the Bypass Trail, The Ewing Young Bridge, Renne Field, and Dundee’s new park with a splash pad
• What’s ahead for Chehalem Glenn golf course, including a potential new clubhouse and nine more holes
• How CPRD utilizes tax dollars, grants, the CPRD Foundation, and community partners to make projects happen
• How residents can get involved and stay up to date

To learn more about CPRD and explore current projects, view board meetings, or learn how to get involved, visit https://www.cprdnewberg.org/.

This episode is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To subscribe to our newsletter, click the link above.

Support the show