Medford board hears preliminary 2024–25 budget; finance committee authorized negotiations

Audra Brooks presented the Medford Area Public School District’s preliminary 2024–25 budget at the Jan. 22 board meeting, outlining the district’s initial spending plan and priorities for the coming year.

Following the presentation, the finance committee reported on its review and moved that Brooks proceed with negotiations with Bauernfeind; the motion carried. The board did not adopt a final budget at the meeting—the board’s action authorized further negotiations as part of the budget development process.

Board discussion focused on budget planning and next steps for bargaining and contracting; no final appropriation or detailed line‑item decisions were recorded in the public minutes. The finance committee’s authorization is intended to allow staff to pursue terms and bring proposals back to the board for future action.