Harney Education Service District Region XVII

The work session included a presentation on the triad-superintendent model. Public comments focused on inquiries regarding the funding and full-time status of the rural liaison position, the potential for bias in the triad model, and how services would be distributed equitably among districts, including early learning. Attendees also discussed the collaboration between administrators presenting the model and potential goals, such as providing county-wide CTE facilities and enhancing rural student learning experiences. Action items included changing a future board meeting date and scheduling interviews for the Harney ESD Superintendent position.

The meeting included a public comment session where discussions centered on the economic outlook for Harney County and declining attendance figures. Key action items involved the approval of the 2026-2027 Local Service Plan, which included amendments for possible additional pass-through dollars to the Crane Schools, following a public records request discussion concerning Fund Balances. Other new business involved exploring the feasibility of Starlink boosters for traveling staff and tabling the OAESD Chair-elect vote. The board also reviewed the ECC risk management walkthrough results. In old business, a work session regarding the triad superintendent model was scheduled, and four candidates for the Superintendent position were noted. Financial reports included the presentation of disbursements and balances, leading to the unanimous approval of expenditures. Furthermore, the 2024-2025 Fiscal Audit was approved, along with the related Plan of Action and Resolutions for deficiencies found. Program reports touched upon necessary repairs for the red Fillmore building.

The meeting included the approval of the amended December 2025 agenda. Old Business focused on the Superintendent position applications, including discussion of a proposed Tri-Superintendent Model presented by the Crane Superintendent and Principal, which affected students in Harney County. The board decided to table further discussion on the superintendent position to an additional informational meeting scheduled for January 21, 2026, which will include rural boards and ESD staff. In reports, the Business Manager presented disbursements and general fund balances, noting the final review of the ESD audit was progressing well. A program report for the Early Childhood Center (ECC) was reviewed, noting the director position remains open. The Superintendent provided final remarks wishing the board a Merry Christmas.

Key discussions during the meeting included the revision of policies GBN/JBA-AR(1) concerning Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure and GBCD regarding Leave and Absences for Licensed staff, to align with current ESD guidelines. The board approved changing the date and time of the December 2025 board meeting. The board acknowledged receiving a Letter of Intent to rejoin HESD from Harney County School District #3. An update on maintenance issues at the Early Childhood Center was provided, and the board determined that all members should be involved in forming the screening and interview committee for the upcoming Harney ESD Superintendent position. Financial reports, including disbursements and general fund balances, were reviewed and approved, pending the receipt of the HESD audit. The 2024-2025 ECC Annual Report was also approved. Additionally, the Superintendent reported on opportunities for reading instruction modeling, the value of the rural teacher collaborative, a successful delay in the PBAM rollout, and correspondence regarding the importance of RENs.

The meeting included introductions, a welcome for a new member who replaces the Health representative from Grant County, and an overview of the board's oversight role for the Frontier Early Learning Hub, Oregon Parent Education Collaborative (OPEC), and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R). The bylaws were reviewed, and a change was ratified regarding board members with immediate family employed by the Frontier Early Learning System abstaining from voting on related issues. An overview of the Build Initiative focused on defining essential functions for Early Learning Hubs to establish consistent messaging and outcomes. Discussions regarding CCR&R covered mission goals, including provider recruitment and retention, support for Preschool Promise programs, and anticipated training related to the Suspension and Expulsion Rule. OPEC updates highlighted the successful award of funding for the next two years through collaboration with philanthropic organizations and state agencies, allowing service for children aged 0-18. Community partner updates included discussions on the foster care shortage, an increase in early intervention/early childhood special education services in Grant County, progress on securing a building for a childhood center project, and the Burns Paiute Tribe receiving a Preschool Promise Grant. A significant discussion focused on the closure of the UMC Head Start program in Grant County, analyzing possible causes such as staffing issues and inconsistent program structure, and suggesting integration with other programs as a potential solution.