November 5, 2026
Hillsboro R-3: Community Update and Next Steps
Dear Hillsboro Families and Community Members,
On Tuesday, our community voted not to approve Proposition H. I want to acknowledge the outcome, thank everyone who participated in the election, and share how the Hillsboro R-3 School District will move forward.
Throughout the past several months, we have worked to provide information about the District's financial circumstances, facility needs, and the proposed improvements associated with Proposition H. We appreciate the community members who attended meetings, asked questions, shared perspectives, and took the time to learn more about our schools. Whether you supported or opposed the proposition, your involvement matters. The perspectives shared throughout this process will be important as we continue planning for the future.
Although Proposition H was not approved, the financial challenges we have discussed with the community remain and must still be addressed. Hillsboro continues to experience significant reductions and shortfalls in state education funding; these circumstances require us to adjust our expenditures and operations to remain financially responsible.
As we have previously communicated, certain cost-saving measures have already been approved and will be implemented, including changes to district-funded transportation for extracurricular activities, athletics, and field trips, as well as changes to community facility rental procedures effective January 1, 2027. We will also continue evaluating administrative and operational expenses, including leaving certain positions vacant, consolidating responsibilities, and identifying cost-reduction opportunities.
We recognize that these changes will affect students, families, employees, and community organizations. While we will work to minimize disruptions wherever possible, some changes will be unavoidable. Throughout this process, our priorities will remain protecting classroom instruction, maintaining student safety, and providing the best educational opportunities possible within the resources available to us.
The construction projects and facility improvements associated with Proposition H will not move forward as proposed. However, the needs that led to those projects have not disappeared, and our responsibility to plan for our schools' future remains.
We will continue developing our long-term facility plan, evaluating District needs, and identifying priorities for future consideration. The results of this election will be an important part of that process. Responsible planning must continue even when the resources to implement those plans are not immediately available.
We will also continue monitoring developments in state education funding and advocating for the state resources our district needs. We will continue making informed decisions based on available and anticipated financial resources and the needs of the District as a whole.
I also want to emphasize that the outcome of this election does not change the tremendous work taking place throughout our District. Our students continue to learn and achieve, our employees continue to make a difference, and our schools continue to play an important role in the Hillsboro community. We have much to be proud of, and that does not change because of an election result. We will continue the transparency, responsible financial management, and open communication with our community that have guided our work for years.
I believe in the Hillsboro R-3 School District and the people who make it special. Our District has faced challenges before, and we have continued moving forward through collaboration, responsible planning, and a commitment to our students. While the path ahead will require adjustments, and some things will look different than they have in the past, our commitment to providing meaningful educational opportunities and ensuring the safety of our students and staff will remain unchanged.
Thank you for your continued involvement in our schools and the Hillsboro community.
Dr. Jon Isaacson
Superintendent