Eugene School District 4J

The board meeting included a land acknowledgement, an agenda review, and superintendent comments focused on mental health resources in schools. The board chair shared takeaways from teacher listening sessions, emphasizing the need for improved board communication practices and meeting efficiency. Public comments covered issues such as support for neurodivergent students and the 504 process, staff burnout and resource needs, the importance of teacher-student relationships, and concerns regarding remote versus in-person meeting formats.

This document outlines the rationale and detailed plan for the co-location of Camas Ridge and Family School at the Camas Ridge campus. The plan is driven by fiscal realities, facility stewardship, and the preservation of the Family School program. Key focus areas include ensuring student experience and belonging, protecting distinct program identities, addressing staffing and service needs, managing operations and safety, handling health concerns, building trust and effective communication, mitigating change fatigue, and incorporating student voice. Success is defined by student well-being, visible protection of both school models, supported leadership, and increased community trust.

The work session included several key informational items and actions. Discussions centered on updates from the Center for Applied Learning and Community Impact (CALCI), detailing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, student success statistics, and bridging readiness gaps through the Collective Impact Project. The board also received an update on district literacy initiatives, outlining goals, grant funding sources, professional development efforts like LETRS training, curriculum resources, and outcomes from a High Dosage Tutoring pilot program. Furthermore, results from the Systemwide Voices Engagement on 2026-27 Budget Priorities were presented, emphasizing themes like protecting student-facing supports and increasing efficiency. A monthly finance report confirmed enrollment and revenue tracking as expected, noted the completion of the Financial Audit (including one significant deficiency and two material weaknesses), and included comments from the Oregon School Employees Association regarding ongoing contract negotiations. Finally, the board reviewed the District's Reserve Fund policy, currently set at a minimum of 8% of operating expenditures, and engaged in a robust discussion regarding potential adjustments to a 5% reserve level.

The meeting began with the administration of the flag salute and the reading of the land acknowledgment concerning the homelands of the California people. A motion was passed unanimously to add an action item regarding standardized testing to the agenda, prompted by concerns that teachers were allegedly being warned not to speak to parents about testing issues. The Superintendent's report included recognizing National Teachers Week and detailing progress on selecting a vendor for a low barrier harassment reporting system. The Superintendent also reported on participating in a task force meeting focused on tailoring higher education programs to county business needs and an O E training session to align six Oregon Department of Education initiatives into a single reporting structure. Student representatives provided updates, highlighting mental health awareness activities, including hosting therapy animals at Churchill High School, and announcing upcoming events such as prom, AP/IB testing, and the 'Wizard of Oz' play. Sheldon High School's representative noted the success of their prom and performing arts events, and ongoing work to make a Black History Month display permanent. The board welcomed two new members, Michelle and Kirpi, and acknowledged the announcement of the four superintendent finalists.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the land acknowledgement honoring the Calipulia people. The board discussed and made adjustments to the agenda order, specifically prioritizing discussions related to the COVID-19 update (including mask mandates) and rescheduling the Racial Harassment Policy discussion. The Superintendent was excused due to a family bereavement. Key discussions included the need to recruit and retain staff of color, highlighted by a powerful story shared at an NAACP event. The board also reviewed outcomes from a recent two-day training retreat focused on improving communication, constructive dialogue, and building community among board members. Student representatives raised concerns regarding the acceleration of final assignment deadlines due to the timing of grade submission and shared updates on various school activities, including plans for prom, efforts to reintroduce Spanish announcements, and celebrations of Black History Month, which included hosting an alumna speaker. Further updates covered progress on centering student voice in 504 plan and IEP implementation, and the recent ratification of the tentative contract agreement by the EEA.