George Mendoza

The board meeting included reports on student activities, staff surveys, and district-wide initiatives aimed at improving attendance. Discussions covered district safety mandates regarding cell phone usage, the impact of federal legislation on finances, and general financial and enrollment updates, including grant funding for specific programs. Additionally, the board reviewed the 2024-2025 Division 22 Assurances Compliance Report and conducted a first reading of several new school policies.

This 2021-22 Student Investment Account Annual Report details the implementation and impact of strategic initiatives funded by the Student Investment Account. Key focus areas include enhancing student social-emotional and mental health through increased staffing and targeted programs, expanding Pre-K programming to serve younger children and improve kindergarten readiness, and strengthening English Learner support with additional staff and aligned curriculum. The report also addresses challenges in staff recruitment and the necessity of robust state funding, while reflecting on community engagement efforts and assessing progress against various markers related to equity, data utilization, and student support.

The La Grande School District defines three core objectives: ensuring all students are prepared for learning, fostering greater academic achievement, and cultivating lifelong learners. These goals are realized by providing a secure and nurturing environment, implementing best practices in teaching through professional learning communities, and connecting educational experiences to the broader world and individual student lives.

The board received updates regarding the beginning of the school year across various district schools, including enrollment figures, staffing, and COVID-19 safety protocols. The superintendent reported on district themes, vaccination requirements for employees, and COVID-19 testing. Financial discussions covered the general fund status and the completion of the Pension Obligation Bond. Additionally, the board reviewed reports on English Language Learner programming and the Student Investment Account activities. Action items included approving amendments to the 2021-2022 budget to incorporate various grant funds and the approval of the School Resource Officer contract.

The La Grande School District's strategic goals are centered on ensuring all students are ready to learn, fostering increased academic success, and developing engaged life-long learners. This is achieved by providing robust CARE systems, monitoring attendance, ensuring a safe environment, implementing best practices in teaching and learning through quality Professional Learning Communities, and connecting learning experiences to the larger world and individual students' lives.