Lebanon Community School District 9

The meeting agenda covered several key areas for discussion and potential action. Topics included public comments, deliberation on the naming of the Pioneer School Walking Path, review of the 2024-25 Audit Report, and discussions concerning assessment data and class size and case load management. Other items involved discussions on Board Operating Agreements, Facilities Use, Instructional Materials Policy, and the contracting method for the Fire Alarm Project. The consent agenda included approval for the January 8, 2026 Work Session Meeting Minutes and the January 8, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes, along with a First Reading Policy Update and Hiring items. Department reports for Operations and Financial matters were also scheduled.

Key discussions included public comments regarding the proposed renaming of the Pioneer School Library to the Scot Noss Memorial Library, with the family expressing support; a review of the annual Oregon English Language Learners report, noting that ELL student graduation rates exceed those of non-ELL students; a presentation on Restraint and Seclusion Incidents for the 2023-24 year, totaling five restraints for four students; a board member seeking nomination for the OSBA Region 10 board of directors; and the adoption of a new Executive Order policy regarding personal electronic device use for school districts, including approval of updated wording on exceptions/exemptions. Operational discussions covered approving CMCG as a methodology for procurement, changes to the District Facility Use Policy with funds directed to general upgrades starting January 1, 2026, and an update that only two teacher positions remain unfilled. Communication topics included the need for a policy review system and setting goals for the superintendent evaluation.

The meeting covered the district's procedures regarding immigration enforcement, ensuring no role in immigration services and maintaining building security protocols. An informative presentation was delivered on the district's alternative education programs, including Elementary and Middle School EGC, Climb, Bridge, Ralston Academy, and virtual options. The Board reached a consensus not to implement a stipend policy, concluding that the work is volunteer-based. Operational updates noted the new bus lift is operational and community use policies will be implemented January 1, 2025. Financial discussions addressed state revenue shortfalls and the process for potential budget cuts, while the Construction Excise Tax rate adjustments for capital projects were approved. Student Board representatives shared updates on the T Mobile Friday Night Lights contest prize and the upcoming stadium donation fund.

The work session focused on an overview of the Facility Advisory Committee (FAC) process, which involved 25 members reviewing building conditions over 18 months. The committee presented three renovation/replacement packages (A, B, and C) with corresponding costs ranging from $98.37 million to $178.92 million. Discussion centered on the merits of each package, with the FAC recommending Package A as a minimum necessity and Package C as the preferred option, which includes replacing one elementary school. Board members debated the merits of renovation versus replacement, specifically regarding critical maintenance, safety/security improvements, accessibility updates, and the condition of heritage schools and athletic facilities like the pool and stadium. Safety concerns were noted as critical, and the potential need for a community bond election to fund the chosen option was discussed.

The Board meeting commenced with the call to order and flag salute. Key discussions included seeking approval for ZCS, Inc's bid for design services related to the Seven Oak seismic upgrade project, which was unanimously approved. Furthermore, the Board ratified the certified contract following an approval vote by the LEA President, which was also approved by a unanimous vote from the board members.