La Grande School District announces reductions of 2026-2027 programs amidst budget impacts
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, March 20th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – The La Grande School District recently announced that it would see a reduction in some academic services and accommodations for the 2026-2027 school year. These specifically impact college credit scholarships for dual credit high school students, unlimited access to online courses within student schedules, and in-person alternative programs, among other changes.
In a letter addressed to families, the LGSD cited flat funding, increasing operational costs, and declining enrollment as reasons for the current budget reductions. The full letter, as posted by the district, is as follows:
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(Release from the La Grande School District)
CHANGES FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR AT LA GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL
Deb Comfort
March 18, 2026
Dear LHS Families,
As we prepare for the 2026/27 school year, La Grande School District is facing significant budget reductions due to flat funding, increased operations costs, and decreased student enrollment from pre-pandemic levels. The district has used stabilization funds, grants, and other sources of revenue to minimize these impacts to students and families, but, unfortunately, these tight budget times will necessarily impact some programming we have previously provided. For the 2026/27 school year, La Grande High School will no longer offer:
- College credit scholarships for students who either take dual credit at LHS or on-site college classes at EOU, BMCC, etc. However, these colleges/universities will still provide high school students heavily discounted courses that are a great value to families who want to get an early start on college or university. Additionally, La Grande High School and our staff remain committed to maintaining dual credit options in a significant number of courses on campus, it will be up to individual families to opt into the dual credit portion of these courses and assume the associated financial burden.
- La Grande High School will no longer offer unlimited access to online courses within student schedules. The district can no longer sustain the huge cost burden of sustaining unlimited online access and a comprehensive high school and attached extracurricular program. While we want to provide some flexibility to students and families, the district must prioritize in-person teachers, programs, and extracurriculars that engage students and provide strong learning and opportunities for personal and team competition.
- La Grande High School will no longer offer an in-person alternative education program to support students who have struggled in the traditional learning environment. However, the GED program will remain an option for students and families.
Regarding access to online courses, students will be allowed to enroll in a full-time online schedule or select one online course per semester. This change is designed to ensure that students remain connected to in-person instruction while still allowing access to the flexibility that online learning can provide.
Students enrolled in a single online course will be required to complete their coursework in a supervised computer lab during the school day. This structure allows our staff to provide support, maintain accountability, and ensure students stay on track with their learning.
All online courses will be monitored by La Grande High School staff, and tests will be proctored in person to maintain academic integrity. Students may request an appeal for alternative arrangements (IEP, 504, medical accommodations) if they meet specific criteria. Information about the appeal process will be available through the counseling office and administration.
Thank you for your understanding as we make these adjustments for the coming school year.
If you have questions about the updated online course policy, please feel free to contact the LHS counseling office or administration.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Hurliman, LHS Principal
Scott Carpenter, La Grande School District Asst. Superintendent
