Hillsboro School District

The board meeting focused on the district's budget development cycle, including a presentation on current budget status and future financial outlook. Key discussion topics included revenue and expenditure assumptions, the impact of the Student Success Act and high school success programs on budget planning, and the strategies for maintaining operational flexibility in response to shifting student enrollment and health-related requirements.

The primary discussion focused on the naming update for the new elementary school in North Plains. The discussion involved input from David Harrelson, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, who provided guidance on pronunciation and historical context, noting that the proposed name is the indigenous name of the people (Atlati/Tualatin people) and confirmed tribal support. He also discussed appropriate mascot suggestions, emphasizing local Columbia River art forms and discouraging the use of the owl. Further discussion involved Daria Martin Bigum providing feedback from the Native American Parent Advisory Committee, and an update on the mascot selection process. The Board also addressed incorporating tribal history and art into the school's design and curriculum, noting the availability of curriculum materials developed by the tribe.

The meeting commenced with a budget update provided by the District Finance Officer, marking the second session of its kind. Discussions centered on the status of the budget, including projections for expenses and budgets based on historical data over approximately five years. Key investment areas examined within the student investment account included class size, instructional time, holistic learning, and student safety. The potential impact of expiring emergency funds in September 2024 was discussed, noting the need to maintain current service levels. Furthermore, the board discussed the Level 3 Primary and Secondary Education Emergency Funds provided by the Federal Government due to the COVID pandemic, noting that the current state funding proposal ($9.9 billion) falls short of the amount needed ($10.3 billion) to maintain the current level of service without these emergency funds. Other topics included plans for using other funds to pay off bus debts, standardizing processes, completing major capital projects, and facility inspection reports.

The board meeting addressed key operational and planning matters. The initial discussion focused on the selection process for the Community Curriculum Advisory Committee, noting the available positions for adult members and the number of applications received, with plans to continue recruitment efforts to enhance diversity. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the process of adjusting school attendance limits due to ongoing construction in South Hillsboro and projected growth, emphasizing guiding principles aimed at minimizing student and family impact, maintaining current boundaries where possible, and ensuring equitable access, including consideration of transportation costs. The board also discussed the Student Investment Account, noting it supports student success across four areas: class sizes, instructional time, comprehensive education, and health and safety, and discussed linking its use to the district's strategic plan goals. Finally, the schedule for future committee meetings to review proposals and incorporate community feedback regarding boundary adjustments was outlined, aiming for completion by the end of January.

The meeting commenced with declaring the June 26, 2018 election in order for the Hillsboro School District Board of Directors and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda included recessing the board meeting to convene a budget hearing for the 2018-19 budget, which was the final public hearing prior to board adoption. Discussion points included gender parity and managing construction projects budget requirements for several schools including Evergreen Middle School, Pointer Middle School, and Eastwood Elementary School. A significant portion of the session involved public testimony from the district nursing team, highlighting concerns over unsafe staffing ratios (6.9 FTE versus a justified 14.28 FTE based on caseloads), the complexity of student medical needs (asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis, etc.), and the need for an additional FTE. The board discussed steps towards increasing support staff and utilizing Medicaid billing revenue for future RN hiring. The board also addressed appointments to the CCAC (Committee on Community and School Relations) for the upcoming year, including the required number of new and reinstated members.