This October, Eugene School District leaders are asking the community to take a closer look at our schools, our students, and some challenging choices in public education. Shaping 4J's Future, the district's year-long strategic planning effort, launches a month-long community engagement effort with this City Club presentation.

Eugene's school-aged population is shrinking. As student enrollment declines, schools have fewer teachers and must trim programs, creating inequities among programs offered at larger and smaller schools. At the same time, schools are challenged to serve a more diverse group of learners than ever before, including a growing number of students from less advantaged families and those with special learning needs.

4J Superintendent George Russell will share some facts that might surprise you about how 4J schools are changing and the implications for schools, educational equity, and student achievement.

George Russell has served as Eugene School District superintendent since 1998. He was named Oregon Superintendent of the Year for 2005.

Virginia Thompson will ask the first question. She was a part of Phase Two of Shaping 4J's Future as a member of the Think Tank.