Are Salem-Keizer school closure decisions being made with accurate information? And are taxpayers really going to save money?
On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter welcomed back Kevin Jackson, a Cummings Elementary parent and community advocate, with significant new developments in the fight to keep the Keizer neighborhood school open.
Kevin discussed a formal request submitted by Cummings supporters challenging the district’s assessment of bus and parent traffic at the school. According to the community’s findings, the two traffic areas are physically separated, calling into question a safety designation being used in the district’s closure evaluation.
And then there’s the money! Kevin’s analysis suggests that transporting approximately 270 students who currently walk to school could cost $1.49 million over five years, potentially offsetting the building maintenance savings the district hopes to achieve.
With six elementary schools facing possible closure and a final decision expected December 8, we asked some important questions about transparency, academic performance, student safety, and whether the district is listening to the families affected.
We also discussed Governor Tina Kotek’s emergency declaration following the tragic Bend school shooting, including recovery assistance and the continuing debate over school security.
And with Election Day just one week away, we examined new polling showing a very close Oregon governor’s race between Tina Kotek and Christine Drazan. Even if Oregon elects a Republican governor, how much can realistically change without corresponding gains in the Legislature?
Finally, we looked at the rising cost of living and whether household finances, political loyalty, or broader concerns about the country’s direction will influence voters.
We also mentioned OPB’s exclusive interview with Kaylub Giamanco, the father who intervened in the Bend school shooting. The full interview is linked below.
From neighborhood schools to the governor’s office, today’s conversations focused on accountability, responsible spending, public safety, and the decisions affecting Oregon families.
KYKN daily news is also available on Rumble. Have a comment, tip, or suggestion? Email Newsmakers@KYKN.com.
Links from Today’s Show
Read the Cummings ES Reassessment Evidence Report here
Salem-Keizer School Board:
https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/about/school-board
Salem Reporter — Academics and proposed school closures:
https://www.salemreporter.com/2026/10/26/equity-and-academics-behind-salem-keizers-proposal-to-close-some-of-its-highest-performing-schools/
OPB — Kotek declares emergency following Bend shooting:
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/26/gov-tina-kotek-declares-emergency-details-state-help-in-wake-of-bend-shooting/
OPB — Exclusive interview with Kaylub Giamanco:
https://www.opb.org/video/2026/10/25/full-opb-interview-bend-father-who-fatally-shot-silver-rail-elementary-school-shooter/
Axios — Oregon governor’s race polling:
https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/10/26/oregon-governor-race-kotek-drazan-2026
Reuters — Cost of living and voter priorities:
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-swing-districts-high-prices-dominate-minds-not-always-ballots-2026-10-27/
