David Newton

The board meeting agenda was adjusted to move a file back item. A report was provided by Melissa regarding marketing efforts for JCA to drive enrollment, including collaboration with the chief marketing officer for the entire Stride Company on new campaigns planned for rollout in late April through summer and into October. Current enrollment stands at 10 students, with re-registration opening at the end of the month. Discussion also focused heavily on the restructuring of the sports co-op, including committee makeup, the feasibility of having one athletic director oversee all co-op activities versus three, and strategies for managing shared costs like transportation and meals to ensure fairness across participating schools. Financial sustainability and the need for clear, pre-established funding commitments for the co-op were emphasized.

The meeting commenced with an agenda change to add item 3.4. The board approved the regular meeting minutes from October 2025. Key discussions included a presentation on the SIA grant agreement, which is a formula grant aimed at improving student behavioral and mental health and increasing academic achievement, detailing its formula structure, allowable uses, and seven required impact areas, noting that the grant total for the 2025-2027 biennium is just under $250,000. There was also a presentation on the aviation program at Spray School designed to guide students toward becoming pilots by instilling discipline and critical thinking. Further discussion addressed the Washington DC trip, including fundraising strategies to offset costs for students.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Discussions focused on approving the agenda, which included an addition regarding dress code, changing item 7.5 to an action item. The board approved the regular meeting minutes from August 13th. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing the annual report for special recognition programs, particularly concerning high school student success, the Student Investment Account grant, and required fund-raising activities, including discussions on two-way communication practices between staff, students, and parents. A formal complaint regarding the enforcement of the school's dress code policy was read, detailing an incident where a student was asked to change clothes without parental notification, and the superintendent apologized for the lack of communication in that specific instance. The board decided to study the dress code review further, potentially at the next meeting. Separately, discussions arose concerning the failure of a recently purchased freezer and the subsequent refund process, indicating issues with appliance longevity.

The meeting included discussions regarding the Division 22 assurances form, confirming compliance with Oregon Department of Education rules regarding diploma requirements (regular, modified, and certificate of attendance). There were detailed explanations concerning curriculum modifications, career education, physical education requirements, and teacher training related to dyslexia using the Orton-Gillingham Max Scholar program. Other topics included procedures for gifted student evaluations (TAG services), comprehensive school counseling, special education services funded through North Central ESD's local service plan, administration of state assessments, skills performance assessments using K12 standards, and ensuring required instructional time exceeds minimum state hours. Furthermore, the discussion covered health services, emergency plan updates including a recent lockdown drill with law enforcement, and the need to re-key buildings. Safety aspects addressed concussion training for coaches, policies on anabolic steroids, child abuse reporting, and fingerprinting of personnel. The board was informed that they are responsible for choosing the teacher evaluation rubric according to HB 2600. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update from the Head of School for Jefferson Classical Academy regarding enrollment numbers, onboarding of new students, grade level breakdown (K-8 for the current year), and marketing strategies utilizing social media.

The meeting involved the adoption of the agenda for January 14, 2026. Key discussion points included a presentation and special recognition regarding the solutions audit results, which confirmed positive affirmations regarding financial reporting accuracy and internal controls, noting the district reports on a modified cash basis of accounting. The discussion detailed the structure of the financial statements, including governmentwide and fund statements, and addressed the implications of the modified cash basis regarding depreciation and PERS/health insurance disclosures. Additionally, the Federal Forest Fees received were explained as supplemental funding based on timber harvests from national forests in the district.