Carli Ainsworth

The data meeting featured comprehensive mid-year performance reviews from multiple principals and directors across the district's educational programs. Key discussion topics included Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as academic passing rates, standardized testing trends, and discipline data, with attendance identified as a primary concern across many schools. Marshfield High School presented on stable passing rates but noted significant math intervention needs and exponential growth in AP course enrollment. Alternative programs like Destinations Academy reported surpassing graduation goals, while CBD9 Online highlighted successful curriculum transitions. The Lighthouse School reviewed strong parent engagement linked to attendance and a math curriculum shift to Carnegie MATHia. Millicoma School detailed substantial growth in mathematics proficiency attributed to a dedicated math block, alongside behavioral analysis showing a small cohort drives most referrals. Sunset School emphasized success with an inclusive attendance incentive program ('Dolphinopoly') and steady literacy growth. Eastside School reported accelerated early literacy growth and significant referral reduction via proactive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Madison School piloted a reduction in screen time and presented longitudinal data showing former preschool students had zero behavior referrals. Finally, Marshfield Junior High shared upward diagnostic score trends and high participation in high school-level coursework. Action items included assigning board members to represent the board at the Marshfield High School and Destinations Academy graduation ceremonies.

The meeting, designated as a Data Meeting, began with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. The main focus was on data presentations, including a review of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and marathon/sprint goals. Discussions covered first-semester grade level passing rates, noting that raw data from grade books does not account for teacher modifications or incomplete/in-progress grades. Specific analysis highlighted freshman struggles in science (dropping from 87% to 77% passing) and the correlation between low attendance and failing grades, particularly in ninth-grade science. Senior data showed a reduction in F grades due to teacher grace. PreACT results indicated strengths in reading/ELA and science, but continued struggles in mathematics, with 82% of students needing intervention in math. AP enrollment demonstrated significant growth since 2021-2022, with 234 students electing AP courses this year. Attendance metrics showed current regular attendance hovering around 60%, up from 52% last year. Discipline data revealed increased skipping referrals and significantly lower incidents of vaping, alcohol/drug use, and physical aggression compared to previous years, with no expulsions recorded. Highlights of recent activities included the Dracula production, the archery team's performance (three individual state champions), the MHS charity pageant, boys wrestling finishing first in district, and several student achievements in the Visions Art competition, including a full tuition waiver awarded to one student.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. Key discussion points included School Board Appreciation Month, with administrators presenting items and highlighting student achievements such as a sophomore winning a national chess gold medal. Updates were provided on high school developments, including a Pops Concert, the Dracula play, the start of the second semester with schedule changes, and the introduction of new boys' and girls' bowling teams. A presentation was given on the Local Service Plan (LSP) for the South Coast ESD, which provides services to ten school districts. Additionally, a staff award nomination for Taran Kirk, a secretary at Sunset, was read aloud, recognizing her critical role in keeping the school running smoothly. Reports also covered job description updates following meetings with HR and input from union members, and a review of the December checklisting, noting unusual width due to the holiday break.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Key discussion points involved the update from Destinations Academy regarding their move to the Milan Press building, student achievements such as reading 30 books in October due to smaller class sizes, and community involvement activities by the leadership class, including a charity program and reading to preschoolers. Curriculum highlights included a native studies book study on indigenous history and resilience, and STEAM class visits to a library and music store for build challenges. The Foods and Nutrition class focused on kitchen safety, knife skills, and cooking staples. The Movement class has conducted seven hikes, and the Watershed class prepared the school garden for winter planting and donated extra produce to the library. The board also addressed two requests from the band director: the first was the approval of out-of-state travel for three high school students to attend the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle in November 2025. The second request, which received preliminary approval to pursue funding opportunities, was for the entire high school band to attend the Pearl Harbor Day parade in Hawaii in December 2026 for the 85th anniversary commemoration.

The meeting's sole agenda item involved a presentation by a County Commissioner regarding the County's plans to transfer ownership of its liquid natural gas (LNG) pipeline to Northwest Natural. The Commissioner explained the history of the pipeline, its economic importance, and the current financial burden of maintaining and repairing it due to landslides and river bank erosion, estimating required repairs at $10 to $12 million. The County is selling the pipeline for $1 and contributing its remaining $2 million pipeline fund balance to Northwest Natural to secure the transfer and obtain the necessary Public Utility Commission (PUC) approval. Discussion among board members focused on the nature of the transfer, the lack of leverage the County holds, and the fact that Northwest Natural must commit to making the necessary repairs to gain PUC approval. Board members also inquired about existing support from other entities and precedents for the school district endorsing similar initiatives.