Robert Bennett

The meeting included the approval of consent items and various reports from the student council regarding upcoming fundraisers, theater performances, and high school planning initiatives. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the recognition of students of the month from various schools within the district. Additionally, the literacy coordinator presented a detailed analysis of reading intervention data, highlighting progress in fluency benchmarks across different grade levels and improvements in Tier 1 programming.

The board session focused on reviewing meeting agenda processes, including the approval of consent items and board roles. Key topics discussed included staff hiring and retirement incentive clauses, procedures for administrative contract renewals and non-renewals, and the state-sponsored charter school special education oversight obligations. Additionally, the board reviewed the 2026-2027 school calendar, specifically addressing the rationale behind starting the school year on a Friday.

The board discussed the approval process for student field trips, focusing on the educational rationale behind trips exceeding 100 miles or involving overnight stays, and the importance of exposing students to college campuses to encourage future educational aspirations. Additionally, the board reviewed budget challenges stemming from increased personnel costs, which resulted in a projected deficit. Plans were finalized to eliminate specific positions within the Title 1A grant and transition the affected staff to a newly acquired state grant for high-dosage tutoring, ensuring no loss of employment for the staff members involved.

The board meeting included updates on agenda changes, specifically adding a Title 1A grant deficit report and a procurement item. The board received reports from the middle school regarding recent student initiatives, including a successful food drive, leadership conferences, athletics, and a math and science night. Additionally, the district math coach presented detailed common formative assessment (CFA) math data, highlighting historical trends and current performance across various grade levels. The meeting also included observances for Board Appreciation Month.

The meeting began with the call to order and flag salute. Agenda changes were approved to add a vote on the OSBA legislative policy committee item. The consent agenda was approved without discussion. Key discussions included student reports from Ontario Middle School (LIA supporting hometown holiday, annual food drive kickoff) and Ontario High School (ASB closing assembly, senior fundraiser ideas, junior prom theme, sophomore pumpkin event success, freshman activities). The meeting then transitioned to recognizing student achievements for the Month of Responsibility across various grade levels from Ontario High School, Ontario Middle School, Alamita Intermediate, and Aken Elementary. Board members provided updates on recent activities, including attending ESD board member training, a trunk or treat event, student awards assemblies, and a Veterans Assembly. Board members also shared insights from attending the OSBA convention and a regional round table discussion focusing on collaboration and resource utilization among Eastern Oregon districts.