Austin Buchert

The key discussions and actions during the meeting included the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by recognizing the Students of the Month. The public forum was held, limited to three minutes per person for voicing opinions. The consent agenda involved the approval of minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting, an Accounts Payable/Funding Update, and the 2026-2027 Licensed Personnel Action. A discussion item addressed pediculosis. Reports were presented on attendance data, preschool activities, elementary and high school updates, financial status, and the Superintendent's report. The meeting concluded with a recess to Executive Session to consider the employment of a public officer, staff member, or agent, followed by reconvening and adjournment.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the presentation of Student of the Month Awards and the acknowledgment of a letter of resignation. Business approved under the consent agenda covered the minutes of the October 16, 2025 meeting, an update on Accounts Payable/Funding, and the hiring of Theresa Anderson as an Elementary Instructional Assistant. Informational items included an update on Board Policy JHCCF G1 regarding pediculosis, advocating for a proactive and non-exclusionary approach. A presentation was given on an Online Based Skills Development App in partnership with OSU. Reports covered preschool feedback and activities, elementary site council engagement and upcoming events, and high school activities such as the first National Honor Society meeting in nine years and upcoming College Application Week. The Financial Report noted current receipts at $1,621,709 (28% of budget) and highlighted ongoing monitoring of potential state funding adjustments. The Superintendent's Report noted a 10% drop in student enrollment and acknowledged generous donations from the Cow Creek Tribe for food boxes, and from Soles4Souls and Columbia Sportswear for shoes and coats. Action items included the selection of Steven Hammerson as the OSBA Legislative Policy Candidate and the unanimous approval of the SIA Grant Agreement to fund specified items within the budget.

The agenda for the meeting included recognition of Students of the Month. The consent agenda involved the approval of minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting, an Accounts Payable/Funding Update, and the hiring of two temporary elementary school teachers, Deanna McHaffie and Amanda Churchwell, as well as Board Policy JHCCF G1. The audit report was presented by Neuner, Davidson & Co. Key presentations and reports included updates on the Preschool program, School Nurse, Elementary, High School, and Financial reports, along with the Superintendent's Report. Action items involved the adoption of the Douglas ESD Local Service Plan for 2026-2027 and the approval of two grant resolutions: one from The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and one for the Federal McKinney-Vento Act Grant. The Board planned to recess into Executive Session to consider the employment of a public officer, staff member, or agent.

The board meeting included recognition of students of the month. Discussions involved updates and reports from the preschool, elementary, and high school principals, as well as financial and superintendent reports. Key discussion points included the Medicaid Administrative Claiming status, Division 22 Standards, and a financial overview with revenue and expenditure highlights. The board also addressed policy JHCCF regarding pediculosis (head lice), including discussions on best practices and revisions to related administrative rules.

The board meeting included an equity conversation with a PowerPoint presentation. Students of the month and the Good Neighbor Award were recognized. The board considered hiring Lisa Long as an Elementary School Special Education Teacher and Chelsea Ross as Dean of Students, as well as approving the Douglas ESD State Reporting Contract. An equity update was provided, and future dates of importance were announced, including the next board meeting and the first budget meeting of 2021.