Phoenix-Talent School District 4

The work session included initial announcements, such as acknowledging cards received from a third-grade class. A key action item involved considering a board member development funds request, with discussion noting $13,000 remaining in the current school year's fund. Presentations covered updates from Community Charter School (formerly ATI), focusing on student safety, belonging, enrollment statistics showing an increase in freshmen, and detailed graduation rate metrics influenced by a recent program experiment. The school is heavily investing in project-based learning (PBL), including projects centered on social justice advocacy and food truck business planning. Initiatives discussed included dual enrollment opportunities with RCC, the implementation of an Oregon Employability Skills Rubric for self-grading, and ongoing work with a data team to improve attendance. There was also discussion regarding the potential cancellation of the Southern Oregon Career Center program due to funding loss and efforts to continue specialized certifications like phlebotomy for current students.

The meeting included student representative reports covering upcoming sporting events, a cheer competition, and assistance from college graduate coaches with scholarship applications. Student advisory class representatives discussed making advisory sessions more productive. Principals provided updates, noting the success of a large holiday gift drive benefitting students, and expressing gratitude for community support and dedicated staff, including those in community care and music departments. Specific positive outcomes highlighted included significant reductions in behavior notifications at Orchard Hill Elementary, strong daily attendance rates (94%) at Talent Elementary following an attendance challenge, and successful implementation of a winter craft day paired with a toy swap at Talent Elementary. The Middle School principal recognized the custodial team for their post-break building readiness and the special education department for their collaborative support. Updates also covered tailored educational experiences through the School Rising Academy, implementation of MTSS processes at the high school, and progress on a writing across the curriculum plan. Maintenance work installing new gym lights was noted, as was the provision of hand-knit hats and sweatshirts to students, supported by various foundations and donors. Food service reported on strategic local purchasing, including beef taco meat, and the smooth implementation of new dishwasher installations. Finally, the board's servant leadership was acknowledged by leadership representatives.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session, followed by the Regular Session call to order. Student representatives reported on school activities, including the success of the leadership team's giving tree for gifts and plans for upcoming sporting events. Principals from PES, OHES, TES, PTRA, TMS, and PHS provided updates highlighting staff appreciation, community generosity, academic progress, improved behavioral statistics at OHES, and new initiatives like Wednesday School intervention for 9th graders. The Food Service department discussed local sourcing initiatives, including replacing commodity meats with local beef and pork products. Key action items included the approval of the consent agenda (excluding the Budget Committee applicant interview which was moved earlier), the non-renewal of a probationary teacher's contract, and the approval of changes to several board policies, specifically concerning advisory committees, educational equity, the budget committee, sick leave, military leave of absence, immunizations/sports participation, directory information, and denial for virtual public charter school enrollment. Furthermore, the board appointed David Sherman and reappointed Roland Kretschmann to the Budget Committee.

The meeting began with student representative reports covering spirit days, Movember activities, and the introduction of a new staff member. Principals provided updates regarding high parent conference turnout (87% and 85% respectively), professional development involving curriculum implementation, and upcoming holiday/end-of-term events such as a wrapped craft day/toy swap and sing-alongs. Staff recognitions included awards for community kindness and dedication to instructional focus. Other discussion points covered upcoming band and choir concerts, library scavenger hunts, the importance of social-emotional support frameworks (MTSS), data analysis of core curriculum, and a school classification update process. The Food Services Director shared positive updates on menu adjustments based on parent feedback, strengthening local farm partnerships, and details regarding upcoming holiday meals. Citizen comments were brief, followed by reports from the PTA regarding successful family engagement during science activities.

The work session included discussions regarding an OSP brief and the distribution of pre-session materials, specifically a QR code item that did not forward correctly. Participants shared takeaways from a recent professional development event, highlighting a keynote speaker's strategies on conflict resolution and seeking common ground by managing emotion in conversations. A key takeaway emphasized that relying on historical practices ('we've always done it this way') should not hinder future progress. Updates were provided on a session concerning recent and future policy updates that may impact bargaining, and feedback was solicited on the new board member cohort training model designed to be a two-year cohort experience with structured learning paths and networking opportunities. There was also discussion about the successful presentations from the Ashlin School District regarding their challenges and how their effective board supported them through difficult times. Finally, planning for an upcoming regional meeting and legislative reception, focusing on funding and unfunded mandates, was discussed, with attention to the actual per-pupil funding realities after mandated costs are accounted for.