Blake Williams

The board meeting included several recognitions, such as the Chinese Teachers Appreciation for middle school staff, student participation in the ISEF program, and recognition of a teacher at Athey Creek Middle School. Board members provided reports on their recent activities, and the Superintendent discussed summer learning opportunities and provided an update on district water quality testing. The board held a budget hearing for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, introduced the new Superintendent, and approved their contract. Additionally, the board approved an adjustment to inter-district transfer releases, adopted the budget for the upcoming year, authorized a transfer of appropriations, received a quarterly report from the Bond Oversight Committee, and approved a bid award for the Sunset Primary School project.

The board discussed and unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the OEA for the 2026-2028 school years. Key terms of the agreement include cost of living adjustments for both years, with a potential trigger for increased funding based on state school fund levels, a transition away from the district's PERS pickup model to inclusion in staff salaries, and new contract language concerning payroll deductions as required by Senate Bill 968. Additionally, the board recognized the commitment of the bargaining teams and highlighted upcoming initiatives such as job description audits for classified staff.

The community meeting addressed the West Linn High School stadium and parking additions project. Key discussion topics included the project's goals, such as increasing seating capacity for assemblies and athletic events, expanding onsite parking, upgrading the stadium press box, and renovating restrooms. The presentation also covered construction design concepts, challenges regarding topography and site constraints, and the public engagement process. Various community questions concerning traffic and safety, parking lot placement, construction timelines, and project costs were addressed.

The meeting featured an annual report from the Three Rivers Charter School, highlighting its 25th anniversary, student achievements, community events, and curriculum developments. The board discussed the importance of community in various educational models. Additionally, board members provided reports concerning the end of the school year, student graduations, and legislative issues being tracked by the Oregon School Board Association, such as the quality education model, state school fund allocations, and potential changes to salary scheduling and bargaining.

The committee reviewed numerous injury and incident reports, including injuries involving equipment like paper cutters and kitchen knives, falls, and heat-related concerns, while identifying root causes and necessary safety precautions. Discussions included the implementation of a new online safety concern reporting process, traffic safety enforcement near school sites, the status of capital bond security upgrades, and the management of facility issues such as mold testing and HVAC adjustments. The committee also addressed lockdown drill best practices, the integration of emergency lighting systems, and responses to unauthorized vehicle presence on school property.