David D. Collins

The board meeting focuses on the selection and appointment of an acting superintendent. Key agenda items include reviewing the candidate interview process, conducting interviews, debriefing on the interviews, and authorizing the board chair to negotiate and execute an employment agreement for the acting superintendent. Additionally, the board will discuss the search process for an interim superintendent.

The Special Meeting included an organizational segment with a Pledge of Allegiance and a Land Acknowledgement referencing the traditional homeland of the Kalapuya people. Key discussions focused on the selection of the Acting Assistant Superintendent candidates, with emphasis placed on experience and qualifications. The board subsequently voted to appoint Jodi O'Mara as Acting Superintendent and authorized the Board Chair to negotiate and execute the corresponding agreement. The board also approved the resignation agreement with Assistant Superintendent Collins. Further discussions centered on refining the process for future board member appointments, including candidate review timelines and the development of interview questions. The board also reviewed needs for improving the new board member orientation process, including immediate onboarding with essential documents and ethics training. Finally, the board discussed options for Board Development training concerning governance, roles, responsibilities, and a potential training session on Public Meetings Law scheduled for May 11, 2026.

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgement honoring the Kalapuya people. Key actions included the approval of the agenda as amended, and the reading of a proclamation designating March 3 - 7, 2026, as Classified Employees Appreciation Week. Student representatives provided updates on achievements, activities, and graduation rates at Thurston High, Springfield High, and A3. Public comment addressed concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and notification of special meetings. Action items involved unanimously approving the Consent Agenda (which included the January 12, 2026, Board Meeting Minutes and financial statements), approving a new two-year agreement with the Springfield Education Association, approving the 2025-27 Lane ESD Local Service Plan (Year 2), and approving the OSAA Cooperative Sponsorship for Boys Volleyball between Thurston and Mohawk High Schools. The motion to approve the Investment Policy Guidelines was tabled for future review. The Board declared a vacancy for Position 2 due to a resignation and subsequently elected Jonathan Light to serve as Board Chair in a split vote, despite expressed concerns regarding legal risk related to past conduct issues. Following the executive session agenda item, the Board unanimously approved delegating authority to the Board Chair to negotiate and execute a resignation agreement with the superintendent. Discussion covered the process and timeline for filling the board vacancy, with an expedited proposal selected, and planning for future board development and training.

The Board meeting addressed several key operational and financial matters. Action items included the approval of the Consent Agenda, with specific amendments made to the November 3, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes regarding Vice Chair nominations, and separate approvals for the November 10, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes and the Financial Statement (Resolution #25-26.023). The Board authorized the implementation of a reduction in force for licensed staffing to align expenditures with the 2025-2026 budget, effective January 30, 2026. Additionally, the Board accepted the audited 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and appointed Nancy Cameron to the Budget Committee. The Board also voted to support Nicole De Graff for the OSBA Board of Director Position 6 and Judy Newman for the OSBA Legislative Policy Committee Position 6. Discussion focused on board development, training, and improving meeting operations. Reports were provided by student representatives from A3, Gateways High School, Springfield High School, Thurston High School, and Willamette Leadership Academy, as well as reports from the Superintendent and Board members.

The meeting included student board representative communications highlighting activities from Gateways High School, Springfield High School, and Thurston High School, such as academic achievements, Spirit Week, and leadership elections. Public comments largely focused on proposed staffing reductions and budget cuts. Key action items involved approving the Consent Agenda (excluding the minutes from December 8, 2025), authorizing a reduction in force effective January 30, 2026, to address a $2.34 million budget deficit, declining to hear a complaint reviewed in executive session, accepting the 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and appointing a member to the Budget Committee. A discussion also took place regarding the 2025-27 Lane ESD Local Service Plan, focusing on special education and career technical education programs amidst potential grant funding uncertainties.