Gresham-Barlow School District

The discussion centered on reviewing feedback provided by the board for an annual evaluation. The participants reviewed average scores across four categories: Safety, Belonging, Opportunity, and Achievement, with initial averages clustering around 3.000 to 3.250. The committee deliberated on rounding conventions for these scores to determine final ratings (e.g., 3.000 vs. 3.500) and how to present findings, including identifying areas of strength (such as collaboration and communication across categories) and areas of growth (specifically related to strategic vision implementation and attendance). Reference was made to prior evaluation letters for context regarding feedback structure, and there was a discussion regarding the public posting requirements for the evaluation video.

The regular board work session included a review of legislative updates, with discussions on upcoming legislative dates, budget forecasts impacted by HR 1, and key advocacy priorities such as keeping K-12 budgets whole. Potential legislation regarding transportation, school meals, and school vouchers was also highlighted. The board convened an executive session to discuss personnel matters, after which they adopted a recommendation from the superintendent regarding a complaint. An update on the Social Science Curriculum Adoption process was provided, detailing collaboration with teachers, focus on best practices, and plans for piloting curricula (TCI and Imagine Learning) for grades 6-12, while K-2 grades leverage the Wonders literacy curriculum. The implementation status of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) was reviewed, including increased usage of the Panorama data screening tool. Action items included the appointment of Kelby Whittington to Position 6 on the Budget Committee. The board denied a request from Hex LLC to remove 114 trees from the Salquist property prior to escrow closing, citing liability concerns and a lack of sufficient information. Finally, concepts for upcoming strategic planning retreat, including facility tours of Gresham High School, Hall Elementary, and West Orient Middle School, were discussed.

The Special Board Work Session included an executive session to discuss the Superintendent Evaluation pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i). Following the executive session, the discussion focused on future board agenda topics, with the chair advising board members to engage with him or the vice-chair regarding agenda topic requests.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and a Land Acknowledgement reading. Public comment focused on student eligibility for extracurricular activities for students who are academically struggling. The consent agenda, which included minutes from prior work sessions and regular business meetings, as well as financial and personnel reports, was approved. Key recognitions were given to Sam Barlow High School Boys & Girls Soccer, Gresham High School Football Team, and Sam Barlow High School Boys and Girls Water Polo athletes for their recent accomplishments. The Superintendent reported on community generosity, including the Holiday Joy Box Event and coat donations, but emphasized significant financial constraints, projecting a need for $7.5 to $13 million in budget reductions. The board received updates on the Healthy and Safe Schools Plan, focusing on environmental hazard management. The primary action item involved the renewal of the Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) Charter School, which was approved following a detailed presentation on its academic, financial, and organizational compliance, despite some contractual discrepancies noted. Additionally, the board accepted the 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which presented a clean audit. Financial information indicated a stable position but an ending fund balance below the required 8%. The board also reviewed the Out of State Travel Report and discussed potential policy updates regarding travel cost tiers.

The Board convened for a strategic planning retreat focused on board development, self-reflection, and preparing for anticipated challenges. Key discussion points involved reviewing group development stages (forming, storming, norming, performing) to maintain performance amidst future pressures, specifically concerning budget decisions. Participants identified numerous anticipated challenges, including political unrest, distrust of government, unknown federal/state funding, potential budget cuts requiring strategic decisions, union negotiations (OCA this year, JDEA next year), increased student absenteeism, increased ICE presence, declining enrollment affecting staffing, and the necessity for community transparency during budget reductions. The session emphasized the importance of a unified board voice, navigating individual advocacy by upholding the 'one seventh voice' principle, and being effective sense makers for the community regarding difficult fiscal choices while maintaining focus on teaching and learning.