Dean Birches

The work session focused extensively on a detailed review of the district's budget process. Key discussion points included an overview of non-general funds, such as special revenue funds (grants), debt service funds, and capital funds, emphasizing that these funds have specific, restricted uses and cannot cover core operations. The presentation highlighted concerns regarding declining grant revenue trends, noting that rising personnel costs create a budgetary squeeze, potentially requiring general fund absorption or service reductions. Discussions also covered specific major capital projects, including Bend High School, and the financial implications of state and federal policy changes, such as potential impacts from HR1 legislation on state revenue and the State School Fund distribution.

The meeting included discussions and reports related to various items. Key topics involved the adoption of curriculum, specifically concerning online courses, where a comparison against national standards and ensuring high levels of content quality and accessibility were emphasized. There was discussion about selecting an institution to provide tools and ensuring the curriculum alignment with state standards, including retroactive review based on new Department of Education requirements. The process for community feedback on curriculum recommendations was outlined. Additionally, a report was presented to the Sites and Facilities Committee regarding prioritizing maintenance and new investments across the district, noting that funding sources for these projects were still under consideration with financial advisors.

The meeting featured recognition for Jennifer McGee, a math and robotics teacher at Leine Middle School, who received the Champion for Students award, partly due to her role in the school receiving the National Wayfinder Northstar Award. The Leine Educational Foundation presented a check for $71,878.91 for classroom enrichment grants and activity fee scholarships across the district. Student representatives from the Student Voice Council shared concerns regarding the implementation of standards-based instruction and grading, specifically citing issues with consistency in grading (e.g., defining a 'four'), communication transparency, potential student impact on GPA for college and athletics, and reduced student attendance due to the grading structure. The BLS Alliance also reported on its mission to support LGBTQ+ youth and their families through advocacy, resource sharing, and event planning, which fosters a stronger network among queer students.

The special meeting convened to hear a board-level grievance appeal concerning allegations that the district violated several articles of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The primary issues revolved around directing an employee, Miss Russell, not to report to work on August 26, 2025, placing her on unpaid leave, and involuntarily transferring her. The grievant argued that the district failed to accept a valid release allowing her to work her regular shift at Rosland Elementary, disregarding her medical restrictions, and delayed engaging in the ADA process. The district contended that the provided medical documentation was a conditional release, not a full release, as it restricted the employee to one location (Rosland Elementary), which they asserted was not an essential job function given operational needs, specifically citing safety concerns related to a specific student at Rosland. The grievant requested immediate reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and assurances of compliance with CBA articles regarding leave, assignment, and protection from retaliation.

The meeting included action items deliberated in an executive session prior to the work session, specifically upholding the superintendent's notice of proposed discipline dated January 15, 2026. The board also addressed agenda item three, reviewing and making changes to the board's Executive Limitations (EL), specifically focusing on EL 4.3 through EL 4.9. Key discussion points regarding EL 4.3 involved financial planning, including the addition of language for projecting revenues and expenditures across future biennia, and ensuring explicit purchasing limits were included in the guidelines. There was also discussion on reporting educational outcomes related to expenditures. Furthermore, the board approved Resolution 2007, concerning the surplus property exchange of modular classrooms with Heart of Oregon.