Club Meeting: Medford School District Update

Medford Rogue Rotary welcomed Jeanne Grazioli, Superintendent of Medford School District 549C, for an engaging conversation about what’s happening in our local schools, the challenges facing public education, and how our community can help students succeed.

As Oregon’s eighth-largest school district, Medford serves approximately 11,000 students across 20 schools. Grazioli shared some of the exciting opportunities available to students, from arts-focused education and dual-language programs to hands-on career training.

One particularly bright spot is the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Last year, more than 2,000 high school students participated in programs ranging from construction and automotive technology to healthcare, culinary arts, and engineering. Even more impressive, 118 students earned industry-recognized credentials, giving them a head start on their careers.

Celebrating Progress, Tackling Challenges

Grazioli was candid about both the district’s successes and the work still ahead. Graduation rates and attendance are improving, but reading and math achievement remain areas of concern.

The district is focusing on early intervention, particularly helping children build strong reading skills before third grade. New curriculum, instructional support, and a renewed focus on student achievement are all part of that effort.

Financial sustainability is another challenge. With declining birth rates and fewer students enrolling in public schools, the district is facing difficult decisions about how best to use its resources. Grazioli encouraged community members to participate in ongoing conversations about the district’s future, including potential school consolidations.

Safety, Technology, and Student Voices

School safety was an important part of the discussion. Grazioli outlined the district’s layered approach, including school resource officers, campus safety personnel, emergency training, and partnerships with local law enforcement. She emphasized that building strong relationships with students is one of the most important elements of prevention.

Rotarians also asked about artificial intelligence in the classroom. Rather than banning AI, the district is working to teach students how to use it responsibly while continuing to develop their own critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Grazioli also highlighted the Student Superintendent Advisory program, which gives middle and high school students opportunities to share their ideas and perspectives directly with district leadership.

It Takes a Community

Perhaps the most important message of the day was that educating our children is a community effort.

Grazioli encouraged Rotarians to get involved through mentoring, literacy support, career connections, and recognizing student achievements.

After all, the students in Medford’s classrooms today will be the business owners, employees, volunteers, and community leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you, Superintendent Grazioli, for sharing your insights and reminding us how important our local schools are to the future of the Rogue Valley!

Learn more about Medford School District at medford.k12.or.us.