High Desert Education Service District

The board conducted a budget hearing to review and adopt the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, including appropriations and tax impositions. Discussions covered financial updates, a first reading of a policy regarding property inventories, and a report from the superintendent on the strategic plan, facilities, and migrant education. Additionally, the board reviewed board committee reports and the meeting calendar for the upcoming year. An executive session was held to evaluate the performance of the superintendent.

The board meeting featured a comprehensive update on the Bridges, ABA, and ASD programs, detailing their educational interventions and recent successes in staffing. Financial reporting focused on upcoming budget preparations and the future implementation of the Program Budgeting and Analysis Management system. The board approved a 20-year Qualified Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption for Mountain Laurel Lodge and appointed the 2026-2027 Budget Committee. The Superintendent provided an update on strategic plan implementation, legislative developments including potential stipends for board members, and ongoing efforts to optimize district facilities. Finally, the board moved to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding with Better Together and authorized the development of a formal separation agreement.

The meeting included a presentation on contract renewals, non-renewals, and extensions in light of House Bill 2900. The Board approved Resolution 102:26 for the transfer of appropriated funds within the 2025-2026 budget to address expenditures in the Community Services function. The Superintendent provided an update on the Local Service Plan status and discussed potential legislative options for addressing a state budget deficit. The Board also declared vacancies on the 2026-2027 Budget Committee, approved the 2026-2027 budget calendar, and acted on items within the consent agenda including a personnel report and policy updates.

The board meeting included a review of the proposed budget and property tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussion topics included program highlights for various educational services, a financial update, a progress update on the strategic plan, and a facilities update. The board also addressed legislative and statewide updates, including funding for regional networks and a stipend policy for board members, and reviewed information regarding the termination of a memorandum of understanding.

The Board meeting covered a variety of strategic and operational updates. Discussions included an Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education update regarding structural shifts to address budget deficits, a presentation on the integration of Native American culture into public education, and financial reports detailing the status of the budget and the upcoming dissolution of the Powell Butte Charter School. The Board also reviewed a first reading of a policy regarding staff use of electronic devices and social media, received a report on the Local Service Plan development, and considered a contract addendum for the Superintendent. Finally, the Board conducted the election of the OAESD Officer Council Chair-Elect.