001Good evening. I'm going call the school district board meeting to order. Uh welcome all of you guys for about tonight, Monday night, uh right before our Thanksgiving break. So kind of excited to to have those opportunities to be with family. I hope you guys get to enjoy those type of things where you're going to. We will do our flag salute. All right. Agenda changes. Looks like we have one where we are going to add the board voting on the OSBA legislative policy committee. Great. We will add that into business six. I'm take a motion to add that to the agenda. >> Made. >> Second. >> Motion made in second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion is approved. Moving into the consent agenda. Everybody got a chance to read the minutes? >> Yes.
002And uh any questions that need to be addressed? >> I had one but I already have. >> It's very difficult. What does SS have >> states? >> All right. No questions. I'd entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> A motion to approve the consent items. >> Uh is there a second? Made. Motion made in second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose. Nay. Motion's passed. Reports and recognitions. >> It's MS. That was OHS first. MS student report. Eileen. >> Uh, good evening. My name is Arena Yatillo. I am the Ontario Middle School student body president. We just saw one another not too long ago, so our update is not very long. First, LIA students will be supporting the downtown association this weekend during hometown holiday, as well as providing anformational
003booth on what LIA is all about. They will also provide arts and crafts for children. Student council will will kick off our annual food drive this week to support students and families in our community. All items donated are given to our district food pantry for dispersement. Last year, we were able to collect over 5,000 food items. We want to collect even more this year. If anyone here would like to donate, please drop your donation at the front office. It is currently spirit week at MS. Today was pajama day. Tomorrow will be tweet. Wednesday, we will wear pink and Thursday is western wear. What questions can Miss Langoria or I answer for you? questions. Thank you very much. >> OHS student report. Uh Dana Hernandez. >> Good afternoon. >> I am Payton Eloac. I'm the ASB
004secretary and I'm here representing for our public relationships officer since she cannot make it. So starting off we have ASB which is currently working on their closing assembly coming up on December 4th and they've also been collecting cans for help in the hope. The senior representatives have been trying to find some fundraiser ideas to raise money for the senior class. They had a pumpkin painting event that went okay and they also had a few people come and they like the activity. They also have ideas for an event to plan to work on in the future. Sorry I didn't make this. [laughter] The junior reps have also been working on a prom theme, which is now solidified, as well as several activities such as a door decorating competition, a Valentine's Day heart and heart and mental
005health poster reminders, and they've just successfully got done with a cakewalk. The sophomore reps had their pumpkin front event, which was a great success. Students participated and the feedback they received was overwhelmingly positive. They are now shifting their focus on planning a classwide assembly where they aim to continue building community and create an engaging experience for our sophomores. The freshman reps just finished up their first trimester in leadership. They concluded with a Halloween door decorating competition and some activities. They are now getting ideas for future activities and fundraisers. And today is the first day of winter sports. I think that's it. >> Thank you. >> Um we are in our November student recognition. This month is the month of responsibility. So students have been selected tonight are for their acts of responsibility within our school
006district. I'll start first by thanking them for all that they do to make our schools great. So, our order is going to step down to the front and as they are announced and read or as the students are announced and read, they will come through and shake our hand and then at the very end we'll get all the student of the months to come up from to the front and take a picture. So, >> [clears throat] >> Good evening everyone. I'm Ken Martinez. I'm the principal of Ontario High School and we're going to recognize two students, Mercedes and Mercedes. Dr. Hawkstrat's going to recognize our second Mercedes. I'll recognize the first one. This is Mercedes Quavvis Kuna. come on up. >> Hey, >> Mercedes consistently demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and initiative. Even in
007advisory, she's often the first to volunteer and take on tasks when other are hesitant. Her willingness to step up, ensure things get done sets a positive example for her peers and contributes to a supportive classroom environment. Congratulations, Mercedes. If Mercedes has any family here, would they stand to be recognized? Hello. For anyone that doesn't know me, my name is Dr. Hawkstra and I have the privilege of awarding Mercedes Morales with her student of the month. Mercedes demonstrates a high level of responsibility through her academic commitment, athletic discipline, and personal integrity. She balances rigorous coursework while she participates in leadership, FLHA, and the sources of strength mental health club. She is a varsity soccer, basketball, and softball player. These all require strong time management, teamwork, and perseverance. Her dedication to both her academics and athletics as
008well as anything we need in the office consists [laughter] shows her consistent work ethic and ability to perform under pressure. Mercedes Good evening everyone. Um, so I was asked to step in this morning because we couldn't get a sub for kindergarten and um, it was amazing how responsible some of those 5-year-olds were. Um, said, "Mr. caps. We're supposed to do our drop in the bucket. I said, "Where is it?" And they showed me. They said, "You forgot to give out the lanyards for our jobs." It's like, "Okay, so our our even at May Roberts, we have a lot of responsible kids, and we'd like to celebrate two of our most responsible today." Um, first of all, if I could have Mrs. Le come up and present for Paige Turner is a very responsible student in
009my class. She's always on task and helps her friends, too, if needed. She takes good care of her supplies and helps keep the room straightened up. Paige listens when the teacher is talking and follows directions quickly and quietly. Good job. We can have stand up. And for first grade, if I could have Milo Pollson come up. >> So, Milo demonstrates responsibility throughout his school day. He keeps his supplies tidy, comes to every lesson prepared to learn, and is and is a great example to his classmates. working hard every day. He truly leads by example. In addition, Milo can be always be trusted to run errands for his teacher and to make the right choices. That's from Mrs. Davis. So, congratulations, Milo. I have all models. All right. I'm Andrea Buckolds and I'm the principal at
010Alamita Intermediate, the fourth and fifth grade crew. And today we are so privileged to be able to recognize one of our star students for responsibility. Our first student is in Miss Course class and it's Mr. Brady Sweet. Brady is an amazing, hard-working, and strong leader inside and outside of the classroom. Brady is always positive and trying to help others when in need. Thank you for being an incredible and spectacular alum intermediate student. Brady, sweet. And will Brady's family please stand? Mom. Okay. And our second award teacher is going to present. I have the highly esteemed Miss Contrarus back here. Come on up, Miss Contrus. >> Hello, Abby. Come on up. It's my privilege to recognize Abby Sto Martinez. Abby is a hard worker that never gives up. She's always trying her best and fighting through
011hard things. She's responsible all the time and is a very amazing young lady. I can count on her to do her best and help her teacher do her best. I would love to have 25 students as responsible as Abby. I'm proud to have her in my class. Good evening everybody. I am Toby Huddleston, principal at Aken Elementary with our responsible second and third grade students. And I'm going to start with this gentleman in second grade. Would you please welcome Casey Carjo? >> All right. I'm reading this on behalf of Mrs. Chambers. Casey, second grade teacher, it is my pleasure to celebrate the hard work and character of one of my students, Casey Carjo. Casey, you have consistently shown what it means to be a responsible member of our classroom community. You always are ready to
012learn and willing to help any friend who needs a little extra help. I've seen you complete tasks with care and dedication. You are always someone I can count on. Whether it's for a class job, group project, or working independently, I know that you will get the job done with care and effort. You are an amazing role model and inspiring friend in our classroom. Keep up the fantastic work from Mrs. Chambers. Would Casey's family please stand? >> I love tears of joy. They're the best ones. All right. And now I am very honored to um present to you Miss Maline Bun. There you go. And I'm reading this on behalf of Mrs. Rost, uh, Meline's third grade teacher. We are so proud to honor this third grade student for her outstanding responsibility. This student consistently shows
013what it means to be dependable. from always turning in their homework on time to remembering to return classroom equipment and playing fair with her classmates during activities. In the classroom, she sets a wonderful example by actively listening and participating in discussions and always trying her very best. This dedication to doing the highest quality work possible, no matter the task, truly shines through in everything Meline does. Congratulations, Maline Bun. Meline I hear is saving up to buy her own cotton candy machine. So I will take donations at the door on your way out. Would Meline's family please stand? I'm Mrs. Judson, vice principal from Ontario Middle School. And I'm going to have Mr. Buck um announce our sixth grade win. Darl, come on up. Daryl is our sixth grade winner for responsibility. Daryl holds himself and
014others accountable for for school expectations and routines. He is consistently one of the first students to volunteer to help in the classroom or with other students. Daryl will help around the classroom without being asked, and he always comes in with a positive attitude. He's such a pleasure to be around, and he demonstrates the attributes of a responsible citizen. Would Daryl's family please stand to be recognized? For seventh grade, Tannon White, would you join me? It is a pleasure to nominate Tannon White for this month's Tiger Award for Responsibility. Tannon is kind, respectful, and responsible. He can always be counted on to do the right thing. He completes his work on time, follows directions, and helps create a positive classroom environment. Tannon greets everyone with a smile, and gives his best effort every day. His dependability
015and great attitude make him a wonderful role model. Great job, Tannon. Would Tannon's family please stand? And our eighth grade nominee is Talia Kler. I don't believe she's here yet. Oh, >> can we add her in later? Talia is an exemplary student with a deep sense of responsibility, especially for her own education. She comes to class with a positive attitude, consistently goes above and beyond basic expectations, and is known for her helpfulness and kindness. Talia demonstrates remarkable self-awareness, always asking questions to ensure success. She takes full ownership of challenging material, puts in maximum maximum effort, and is a force to be reckoned with in the band room. Congratulations, Talia. I think everyone that got an award really quick You guys Get a little beautiful. All right. Big smile. There you go. All right. smile. >>
016Yeah. Yeah. >> Perfect. Go. Good job. Now Kevin the front row will come out. If they only knew audience right lawyer siblings. >> And there goes the front rows. >> We'd like everybody to move up and fill the first two rows. We saved your seat right and tweet us. >> Toby was the one crying last week. I think we can see all the back row students though. Toby's the front row student. Look at her. She's like ready to learn here. >> Teachers pet. >> Teachers move. >> We will carry forward start with some word bits. uh things that have happened throughout the district that we were able to attend or something we've done on behalf of being a board member. So, let me see where you want to start. >> I'll start. I got to
017pull up my list because I'm forgetful. Um let's see. First, after our last board meeting, we got to go to the ESD and do a board member training, which was um awesome. The ESD were great hosts. I'm a little biased, but it looked very nice. and um just good to learn new information and get to a chance to ask questions about things that we were unsure about. Um and then the very next night, Lisa, Brett, and I got to do the trunk or treat, which was so much fun. The high school did a great job with that event, and it was just so fun to see so many kids from the district come through. Um incredible manners and just very thankful and get to see all their costumes. Um and then I got to attend
018two awards assemblies at Alamita and Akin. Um, and it's just so fun to get to have assemblies in person again. I love it so much. So, thank you for the extra stress it means on you guys, but it's really fun to get to honor our kiddos. Um, and then I also got to attend the veterans assembly at Alamita, which um, my daughter sang in the choir. Um, the music teacher did a wonderful job with that. And, um, it was just nice to get to see the kids, get to learn about um, you know, what a veteran is and why we honor them and and tribute to them. So, good job, Andrea. Thank you. >> Sure. I'll go next. Um mine are um kind of mirror Jenna's. Uh we did the training at the ESD the
019night after the last board meeting. Um I was informative about public meeting a lot. That was that was really good. Um and then the next night we did the trunk or treat and then a couple days later I left for the um OSBA convention over in Portland. And obviously it was my first time attending. So, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but um it was really informative and I learned that a lot of boards have a lot of contention and a lot of um angry people that come to their meetings and I haven't experienced that here. So, it was interesting hearing um from people all around the state about how their boards function, some of them how they don't function well. Yeah. Um and just um kind of knowing that this is a a
020board that works together well. Um we did have a Eastern Oregon roundt session. So um a lot of the superintendents and the board members that were there from the eastern Oregon region got together. Um and the first question was you know what goes well in your schools? And there was a lot of people that had a lot of things to say. Um and the very last question was what are the things that kind of need to be worked on and there weren't very many. So that was kind of cool to see and I think the takeaway from that round table was um collaboration with other districts. So not necessarily like well we have this and we have this so you know we're better in this and we're better in this but working together. What can
021my school district provide for your students and what you know what does your school district provide for our students? Um so that was pretty cool to sit and Sure. You can skip right over yourself. >> I always do. Okay. I'm always last. >> It's going to mirror a lot of what they did, too. So, the ESD board training that was awesome in Veil. Um, I went to the couple award celebration and Veterans Day. Jen and I have kids in the same grade, so that tends to be we're at a lot of the same things. But the OSBA conference that Lisa mentioned, that was really powerful for me as well. And again, that Eastern Oregon grouping was awesome. It was probably only an hour and a half, maybe max. Um, but it was people in our
022region. And one thing that I took away that I spoke out about was we're as we're looking at the funding deficit and all the challenges and the things that we're going to do is there's some beauty in being in Eastern Oregon because we're used to being limited resources. We're used to always getting kind of the last of everything. And so as much as other districts were talking about these major challenges of like major layoffs and all of that, I was reminded and so thankful for to work for an organization or work work for for free an organization um that really focuses on using the resources that we have and not overspending. And I think that sometimes we get a bad rep in our area of like we're a little podunk eastern Oregon and we're kind
023of, you know, redneck out here. there's something to be said about we know how to utilize resources to the absolute best of our abilities because we don't get as many. There's just not as much out here. And so that was really powerful for me as a takeaway. >> My turn. So I I did enjoy a veil. Uh part of it is I didn't realize how many people zoomed in because we had it was well attended. I think it was mo better attended than most of but it was fun to talk to the Baker people and the different folks. I didn't get to Portland but wasn't the superintendent of the year from Lrand. >> Yes. >> And you know where he got his start >> started in Ontario. So uh yeah so that was nice. Um,
024so two more things I I talked to uh Evelyn Dame yesterday for a while about. She spent 14 years on the school board and so it was interesting to talk a little bit about her and she went through three superintendent and one was real short term and she didn't give the name and I don't know the name but Brett probably does. And then this afternoon I talked to uh Seth Iwasa and asked how he was doing at CI and it was interest. I always wonder how our kids do after they leave Ontario. He said one of the things you really like was student teaching last year or yeah last year with Mr. Williams and so he he he said no I I was I was well prepared although you got to work really hard at
025CFI. So that's all I had. >> Awesome. Thank you. Uh the I'll just start with the the meeting over in Portland or meetings. Uh again, I just like to echo what everybody else has said is that it was an event where we got to probably see ourselves shine through the lens of everybody else because they were looking at the good things that we do on Eastern Oregon and in Ontario. And like you said, the superintendent of the year is from Lrand. And then I believe the teacher of the year is also from Eastern Oregon. And then the board president for OSBA is from Eastern Oregon. So when I say we shine, we we shine because we're present and we participate. And that's that's what I view Eastern Oregon as is you can always find somebody
026to talk to, somebody that is willing to be part of the of the group. So I consider all this as that and I thank you for everything you guys do because I know what we're asked to participate in and I'm sure you're asked to participate participate in more and just thank you for that. So, I also included on your table when you came in and you can add that to the to the board packet for the tidbits, but the board meeting agenda. I added not because um I think you guys should add things to the agenda, but sometimes there's always that question is how do you do that? and uh bringing the policy forward and let you chance to review it gives you an opportunity to say hey it's January 1st and I just thought
027of something over how do we get that on the agenda and this is your pathway to get it to the agenda rather than start asking people um now you guys are in the no and when people ask you this is it uh other things um we do have and we we'll probably not discuss this tonight uh in the sense of planning for it. But the bonds, >> ballots, >> bonds, ballots, and something else >> conference is coming up in February. And uh as we move forward with some planning, we might want to put that on our things that we would consider. Um, and and I' I don't think I've ever been to one of those, but it's been to many conferences, so I can't tell you. Uh, that might be something that you could do
028some research on to see if it's beneficial to us. Other than that, that's all I have. If nothing else, I will move forward. All right. Great. Financial report. >> All right. and talking about bonds and ballots and whatever the other word was. Um, I was wanting to go over bonds and what that looks like for our district and and uh talk about our current bond, timeline of passing a bond and then the option of future bonds. And so, um, so the current bond we have, it's uh 18.5 million and it's 17 years. And so started in 2010 and so it'll end in June of 2027. um in that bond it's 82 cents per $1,00 value. And so in looking at future bonds, um so Nikki and I, we reach out to Piper Sandler. They're an
029agency that um helps districts um come together and and and pass a bond and and help um drive the bond and do all the things we need to for the bond. And so and they're they have lots of knowledge about bonds. And so we met with them and and um >> I think they used to be Piper Jaffrey at one point, but it's been the same person actually this whole time that we've worked with. >> Yeah. Yep. And they helped us um back in 2010 pass the first bond. Um and so they ran some numbers for us and and um and you know they it was kind of last minute but they're willing to help us and and do that. So it was nice of them to to jump in and do that for us.
030But um so they said when you pass a bond you have 9 months to sell that bond and they help also with that process of selling the bond. So, with that in mind, um if if we're wanting to to have a bond when this bond end, the current bond ends, so starting in January or July or whatever of of 27, we could pass a bond in November of 26 or in May of 27 because it falls within that nine months of selling the bond. Um, and there's a few things we need to do. Um um well I guess okay so she also said the approval the bond approval the rate in general is higher in May. Um I don't know why exactly but but she said typically um bonds pass at a higher rate in
031in May. property taxes come out in November and it's cranking. >> It's not effective. >> Yeah. >> And so then there's also a um so there's also a grant, the awesome grant that provides funds to match a bond that we pass. And so um so depending on where you're at on the priority list depends on how much matching funds you have um available to you. and we are high up on the list and and we have been um and so with that we get the maximum matching funds for the Austin grant and that matching is um 12.25 million um matching. So if we pass a 12.2.25 bond we get those matching funds. So so the option of having 24 half million dollars to to work with by by passing that bond. And so, and so
032I um I think that's a pretty sweet deal if if if we can get there. >> Yeah. Yep. >> Um let's see. So So looking at the the potential of the Aken project, we were told that that um is around 16 million. And so if we pass a $24 million bond, then we have some more money to do different projects with. And we can talk to to Bob. He has a whole list of of projects, but but there's roof replacements and parking lots and security upgrades with door hardware and there's there's several things that that could be done. So, um but to get that bond or to um to put in for that that grant um we need a facilities assessment, which we have that, but then we need a long range facilities plan and
033we don't have that. So, we can start working on that. And there's grants out there to fund for this plan. So, um that's something >> process it costs money to prepare. >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. So, we can we can look at that. Um they also recommended um having a bond committee um and a third party can run this bond committee, but it it helps bring the community together and and and um evaluate kind of where where we're at and where we want to go. And so um one thing also exciting about bonds now is you can also um equipped and furnish the space um where where before we could do that. So >> yeah, and you can utili use it on technology andor like last time um we didn't have we couldn't use it on
034furniture and so we were really thoughtful. We have built-in desks because we could pay for that but we couldn't buy separate things like that. So um some things have changed since we passed bond back in 2010. I have a question because we talked about bonds a little bit at the OSBA conference and we're talking about the useful life. Is that still >> um do we still have to purchase enough that man that goes over the useful life of like a 10-year bond or >> Yeah. So the maximum is 20 years. This we currently have is is >> 17 years. That's actually perfect segue into the slide that put up for us. >> All right. >> So these are some numbers that ran for us. Um the first column or I guess the the blue column
035um that is um that is the the maximum so 20 years. So these are keeping the rates the exact same as they currently are. So 82 cents per $1,000 keeping those rates the same. And that's what Piper Sandler recommended um we do is keep them the same and and kind of shorten or lengthen the that useful life. Um >> okay. And so the first column, the blue one, is over 20 years. So the maximum that we could get in the bond is 17.8 million. That's maximum over over the 20 years to keep it at that >> for the bond and then we'd still get the 12.5. >> Yeah. Yep. Exactly. >> So your rates don't go up. So there's no increase to taxes and you get $12 million for free. >> And that's maximum for
03620 years. a grant like where does this money and the grant come from? Awesome. >> Yeah, that's from the state. >> Okay. So, it's like state a grant. >> Yep. >> And then the orange column that is um that 12.25 um matching awesome funds >> um that's over 12 years um at the same rates that we have currently. And so um so a few options there. If we were to do if we were to do the orange column the the 12.25 that's the 24 um and a half um over 12 years and they have the rates down below. So that next section is projected um rates and we see currently it's 82 cents um next year will go up a little bit to to finish out the bond but then um then we'll continue with
037the the 82 cents. Deon, just to be clear, so we would we our bond would be 12.25, then we'd add the match for 24. >> Correct. >> Our bond would not be. >> No. Nope. That's the amount that we would receive. >> Has to be a minimum of 12. >> But it if we wanted to do the blue option, which is keeping it what it is now, that still means no, your property taxes would not go up. >> So you would get >> the 17.8 or whatever, then you'd get another 12. So, um I mean really the district would be set for a really long time. Like especially when you think about roof replacements, parking lot replacements, all of those things that we've kind of, you know, could never afford. But um but when we
038so the the 12 million just changed this year, that's why we we were still under the assumption it was six. >> I know that's what we heard at the conference. was 12. So, we were very excited to to hear that. Um I mean I mean really prices have doubled on everything. So it's probably like 6 million was last you know >> 15 20 years ago. So >> yep it's still we went with the 20 versus the 12. So then our average useful life would have to be 20 years whereas if we went for the 12 million dollar our average useful life would be the 12 years. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> we just have to make sure that we had an average useful life for the majority or however that all works out years for those
039repair costs. >> Yeah, for the bigger one. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah, perfect. >> And um they have a little bit of a a cushion in here on the interest, but um basically the longer you have the bond, the the more interest you pay over over time, which makes sense. And so they have those numbers here that um the the rate is 6.08% for um for the 17.8 million and then 5.14% for the um the 12.25 million. So and these are all estimates that they put together there. Um and then the next um page, this is just a kind of interesting information. These are all the school districts in Eastern Oregon um and what their bond rates, their levy rates are for that school district. And so you can see quite a few have have
040bonds out there. Um and Ontario is near the lowest end of all the levy rates out there on in Eastern Oregon. We're one of the lowest rates. Um you see um bail is just a little bit higher than we are. N is a little bit higher than we are. But some rates like um I think it was Pendleton or the grand um they're they're clear up you know a$150 60 in that range. So um so quite a bit. So, I thought that that's more of an interesting slide just to see where where we're at with um so anyway, pretty exciting and and uh but it's good. It was really nice to meet with Piper Sandler so we can clearly see the timeline and then they're they would help us with next steps and kind of
041along the way with this process. >> Yeah. And the timeline for that would be um obviously if you went for a a spring election. So, let's say if the board decided we wanted to go out for a bond in May of 2027, um you have to back kind of you back up from that and look at that timeline. Um you have to have all your filings, your paperwork and stuff. I think it's like December one of that >> yeah that previous December. So, if we were going to say do a bond this May, we would have to have everything submitted by December one. Um, but this would allow us to have a long range facility plan in place. There are some requirements under the awesome grant to get that those matching dollars um to submit
042to the state. And if I could, I was going to add on our last bond campaign, we had a superintendent from Middleton that had passed bonds. I think out of 64, but he gave us advice on what we should do. Mainly go out and talk to people one on one. We did >> we did actually after our uh the most recent bond that that we tried to pass after the 2010 one um we we did a follow-up survey with the community and asked um and in that case the first one it was actually pretty close. I think it was it was um it it was a very a pretty small margin. And when we asked um the community why it didn't pass or if they voted no why um really they all came down it
043came down to money. That was the the biggest thing. And um but you know when you look at something like this and think gosh when you can tell the community that you know your your rates aren't going to go up for $12 million. I mean that almost pays for Aken the Aken project itself. That's good news. >> Any other questions? >> I I guess a comment. I I'd like to think a lot of the schools have more need than we do. Did they talk about that when you're important? Did anyone talk about >> we >> need as in what? >> Need buildings. We need to maintain buildings. >> The challenge I think that a lot of them are faced with right now, Mike, is they're laying off teachers. So, they're not even thinking about buildings
044right now. They're thinking of we're doing a 10% staff layoff and so that right then is their first they're not even thinking about building maintenance. >> Well, even there as coral corals was an example there you've been closing >> schools schools because yeah >> so it's not building it's it's more >> it's also it's it's not only the budget cut that that the state of Oregon is contending with. They're also dealing with the loss of enrollment. >> Yeah. >> It's had a huge impact. I mean the combination of those two things has been very detrimental to to public schools. >> Wouldn't you say that was more of a factor is like student enrollment be way down then building >> right and I always you know in my reports I always try to I put something
045about enrollment and what's the most recent and and it just is it it's just continues to to go down and and that's a combination of things. I mean it started during COVID and and now it has I think a lot to do with um online virtual learning opportunities for students privatization of education through vouchers and things for different states and so on and so forth. The other factor was that that was busing. They were talking about busing now because they're having to shut down schools. They're having to redo their overhaul of their busing system because now they're shutting down these bus them to another community school and it's like what is that going to look like for bus times? We're we're lucky over here I guess. >> Well, we had the opposite, right? We were
046busing kids all we were taking picking kids up in town and busing them out to to Pioneer to try to keep that building full. And um so it was actually kind of costing us I mean we were able to consolidate a route. >> Any other questions? >> I believe we have a student of the month out in our crowd. >> [laughter] >> We're so glad you joined us this evening. We were waiting for you. Come on up. [laughter] >> Did you wear that just for us? Talia is an exemplary student with a deep sense of responsibility, especially for her own education. She comes to class with a positive attitude, consistently goes goes above and beyond basic expectations, and is known for her helpfulness and kindness. Talia demonstrates remarkable self-awareness, always asking questions to ensure success.
047She takes full ownership of challenging material, puts in maximum effort, and is a force to be reckoned with in the band room. Congratulations, Talia. And would Talia's family please stand to be recognized? Great. >> You can be dismissed, Toya. You don't have to >> take her to dinner. All right. >> Thank you for taking it in that we will move on to the superintendent report >> sent out. Other than um today was the day that the um um release of the forecast was supposed to come out. It's been a crazy afternoon, so I haven't haven't even had time to to look to see what that looks like. But one thing that um we did last week was um uh we met with [clears throat] OD um KOSA and and OD and OSBA actually was part
048of that too where we met with um with OD that so OD shared like what their priorities are in terms of of cuts and what that would look like. remember right now it's just an exercise to see what's going to happen but they shared with us uh slides to say that you know if we had to make these cuts these this is where we're recommending they come from. Um one thing that they were thoughtful about was that they were trying not to sort of cutting kind cut anyone's you know arm off right now during the school year. a lot of those would really take place next year. Um, and I would say that um I wouldn't say that a lot of it had a huge effect on us and I know I sent the the
049slides out to you and I don't know if you guys did the same thing in your meeting. >> Yeah. Um, probably my biggest concern is to see if if they were to cut um our SSA funds, our our grant funds funding. And the other really big one that um I'm worried about is probably high school success measure 98. um that that is where we do all of our um like our nursing and our welding and our >> our CTE uh coursework and dropout prevention and other things um because that was already cut and so additional cuts to that um are would we would feel it for sure. So, but I felt better about it than I had initially going into it um than you know originally thought. So, um that's kind of where we're at
050and we will see what happens from here on out. I did you see anything on the budget forecast? >> So, a lot of the grants that were blessed to cut we don't get. Um >> and so that's good to see for us. >> Yeah. >> But then but some like high school success was on there. Um, I was also glad to see that state school fund was getting a cut, but not not the same level as all the other grants. And so, so that was good, too. So, um, overall, not not a great topic, but I was overall pleasantly surprised >> run off crying. Yeah. >> So, >> we'll just see. Um, I don't know. Some people said they they thought that the forecast wasn't going to be as bad. You never know. And then
051of course we had the discussion of you know they those there are reserves and hopeful that if the cuts are to come that they tap into their reserves and then the only reason they wouldn't is if they felt like it were prolonged. Um, and it was interesting because when we were at the OSBA meeting um, a few weeks ago, they were using a completely different number than I had shared with you. And it took me a minute to realize, oh, they were predicting out 10 years, remember? Because theirs was like, I don't knowund, it was like or 73 billion or some big number. And I was like, wait a minute. I thought it was a 352, you know, >> million dollar shortfall, but they were trending 10 years out is what they is what OSBA
052was doing. So, doing that and if if that's how the legislature and the governor look at it that it's going to be a continued downturn, then that might be the reason they wouldn't tap into reserves. So, we will just monitor it closely. So, when do we get the real information for the estimates? >> Um, well, there's like what, five more estimates or six more estimates still? >> Yeah, we won't know for sure until maybe even March. And so, we have >> Yeah. when the legislative comes into session is probably when we'll really know. And um which is still why we're being so cautious because we don't want to get to May and then say, "Oh, by the way, we're going to implement this 5% and we've spent majority of our budget. So, we're just kind
053of in a holding pattern now, only spending what we have to absolutely have to to brace for that. And then if it doesn't happen, then um then we're in in good shape, but still needing to prepare for next year. >> That convention there was a lot of talk of you need to have a plan A and a plan B. Are we to are are you used to that? >> Yeah, we've actually already done that. We've um we've met probably three times and talked through um because there's always a lot of moving parts because we have so we have multiple funding sources. So, for example, we've already began making some adjustments, for example, with our title funding, which Annabelle manages federal funds and um and making changes to those. And you you constantly have to look
054at it because every time we have um something changed. So if a person resigns, we automatically go back and go, okay, what's the position and how do we fill it? And do we we not fill it? And who can you know, it's it's really being thoughtful about that and and what position is it? Is it a general fund position? Is it a federally funded position? Is it um a grant-f funed position? And if they're a general fund position, can we then um and that money is going to continue? Can we then take somebody from general fund and move them into the grant funding to save on the general fund? And and so it's we're constantly playing sort of that card game. And then um and then we've already said, okay, going into next year, for
055example, as we because we're addressing two things. We're addressing um potential budget shortfall from the state, but we're also still having to look at these enrollment challenges that you heard about from other other districts, right? We're still having to address that. And we're just trying to do it in um a smart, thoughtful way where we're not having to literally hand people pink slips and say we're laying you off, but we're trying to do it, as we said before, through attrition. Um, so we're and and so if we have those, we're we're figuring out other ways to manage it. And if a school um and and you saw your packets and if somebody's leaving mid year, then we're redoing the schedule, right? How do we make it work without that person for the remainder of the
056school year? and um because we we're not going to rehire until we are more stable in and then taking a look at that. So yes, always there's there's probably more than a plan A and a plan B. There's really a D through Z depending on what happens. But um >> but again, you started this last May or prior to May. >> Yeah. Yeah. This isn't you're putting this off to a list >> and we are being very very careful. Um what was it the other day? What did who was it? I think it was Lisa sent an email saying hey can we need we need um highlighters highlighters and butcher paper >> butcher paper. And [laughter] because we're literally I said you're not going to buy anything. You ask ask us first. And I think
057my what I said was let's see if that we have any in storage or somebody has extra first. And then if they don't then of course I mean obviously we're not going to let you go without supplies and then there was something else you needed for PE. It was pretty inexpensive and we approved that. So we are literally being that careful um buckling down um limiting travel. Um, we had uh there was a big meeting today around some of the new um uh accountability assessment stuff and um we had Aaron attend that uh because they said, "Well, you're invited to be on this committee." Um, and but you need to pay your own way over here to Portland and really and so we harped on them enough everybody that they did it virtually so we
058could you know like you want us to travel and you're going to cut our budgets like they needed a >> OSBA committee. >> No, it's a it's a a OD committee >> OD cut budget but send all your people over. >> Yeah. Right. And so, especially us from so far, >> that's the thing is is that it's not it's not cheap because if you go overnight, you're automatically looking at almost $1,000 by the time you have flight hotel, food, rental. So, we're just we're just being very very cautious and very careful. And uh that's the trick is starting early. >> But if I could add Tell I mean you said we're going to cut and so what I hear everyone's doing that it isn't like we're going to cut while everyone >> we're are all
059>> ours is pretty still pretty good. It uh like you guys experienced people are having those districts are having to actually lay off teachers and we're not there. We're trying to do it soft landing where that's concerned. >> Well it's we saw two I think two teachers are either retiring or something. So attrition right like that's >> through attrition. So we've already knowing about those we've already had discussion and and options of how we're what we're going to do with those. So the first thing we say is is how's that person funded and um okay what are we going to do? So you know and I think one of them is a middle school or middle teacher. So they've had >> schedules have been a great time adjust their schedule right because of It was
060perfect. >> You know what? These middle schoolers, they need to learn a little flexibility, you know. >> So, so yeah, I mean, we really do um we had another um a person today who determined that they had to, you know, stay home with family. And so, we already were like, okay, how's that person funded? And what are our options to do with that position now? And what openings do we still have? Or, you know, are we still or are we over budget in title 1A? Do we need to transfer somebody? You know, whatever that is, we strategize that every single time. >> I have another comment because I keep asking about when are we going to get the real information. The reason I say that is because the new treasure is against the kicker tax.
061So therefore, he's estimating low income. So there won't be a kicker. But that's all just estimates and it's guess work. It's always conservative, right? >> Their first time doing it, >> but I mean that's his reason to do. I think that's refund like >> set up. So, >> as soon as I um get that out, I'll forward on a summary to all of you what that what the release of that look like. >> So, it's pretty early in our year in terms of budget, what they're trying to figure out. >> Um are they looking at the said the tenure they're worried about 72 billion? OSA was which I didn't >> reality is >> heard that yet. >> You can't forecast out that far. >> You can't >> and you've had one. >> I was confused
062why they did. >> So if if we get something in the next couple days that says, >> "Oh, it's better than we thought." >> Yeah. >> And we don't have to do as much hold back. Has there been any conversation about going flat funding next year? um from this from OD and the state >> typically the superintendents get together and say I'd rather do this than this and start making recommendations. >> We haven't had that discussion. No, >> like I said, it's pretty early, but >> Yeah. Yeah. I would say that um so let's say that the forecast comes out today and they say it's not as bad as we suspected or things start looking good and they say, you know, probably isn't going, you know, doesn't look likely that we're going to um have
063to cut two and a half or or 5% or maybe it'll only be 1%. Again, we're still looking at two separate issues here, right? is one is still funding from the state and our state school funding if there's cuts and the second piece is is that that because of the loss in of enrollment has be has come so rapidly for school districts and hence why all of a sudden um uh what is it Corvalis has to shut down a school. I mean it really it felt like I mean we knew that it came after CO but I think everybody kind of anticipated it was going to pop back and then it just kept happening. So really we none of us have really be been very prepared for it because it's happened so quickly. So right
064now probably priority for us is how do we get in line with that with our loss of enrollment funding. So Devon has some he runs numbers and we look at like student teacher ratios um and we he does that in a per building basis and things like that. So, so we're looking at that piece to get um and we would do that if there were budget cuts or not. We have to stay we have to be able to stay in our lane or or you know, >> even if the budget's driving, >> we still have to we still have to be in in that spot to be able to to to handle that and have the right staffing that. So, that's one thing that we're working on. And um because that happens so quickly, it
065may take us a couple years to get ourselves aligned with that if we instead of just laying people off so that we do it through attrition and because that also impacts scheduling so much and programs. So we want to we want to do that delicately. And then there's this other piece. So we're we're looking at that one. And then this other piece is all about okay um now if we have to what we get in from the state school fund and we have to cut uh 1% of that what that's going to look like and how how deep of a cut that's going to go and where that's going to come from. Am I making sense with that? I don't know. Devon, do you want to add anything to that? >> Yeah. I know that's
066business members that our plan be if they didn't do this that's what we would do and then they do this that's what we would do and we have now size >> um very small 20 like looking back here do you guys have one >> really >> yeah 120 130 >> and it's been 180 >> um yeah we'll ask what was fifth grade last year >> sixth That's our biggest >> kindergarten numbers are down in every district in county. We talked about that last week with the or last month with the birth trends like it's at every school is like oh we got to move a kindergarten. >> So our kinder and our first grade numbers are very small and and by looking at that chart that I gave you, we can expect that next year's
067kindergarten class is also going to be small. So I think it's going to be small up until like five years from now or something like that. We saw a little bit of bump and so it might go up a little bit. So >> is is sixth grade our biggest class of all? >> Yep. >> Melissa like >> yes it is. >> No other questions for Nikki. We will move on to the next item on the agenda which is public comment. I believe we have somebody that's gonna be visiting. >> Come to a meeting in your jammies, Wheeler. I don't know. >> Yeah, >> I will make sure that I put it on my agenda for the agenda. >> I I really um debated whether to participate today because I was like, man, >> Jam is
068in a schoolboard meeting. >> Very professional. >> He has sort of a spiel. He has a professional spiel. Hang on. >> Sorry. >> To ensure that the scheduled business to the board is conducted in a timely manner soon to the public agenda, each person must be li must limit his or her comments to three minutes. The board asks that they provide with written copy of the any testimony given. The public may not use videos or PowerPoint presentations to accompany their testimony. Speakers may offer objective criticisms of district operations and programs, but the board will not hear complaints concerning specific district personnel. Speakers are not permitted to make comment or personal attacks on any district employee, individual student, board members, others test other testifiers, or members of the public. Although the board welcomes public comment, it
069does not respond to citizens concerns at this at its meetings. However, at the citizen's request and the board's direction, the superintendent or designate will respond in a timely manner. Sorry. >> So, if I get on the agenda, then I can do all those things. [laughter] >> I need to stop you somewhere. >> Okay. So, um, couple of things I want you guys to know that through the state, um, the Oregon Education Association, um, has, um, provided grants and the Eastern Oregon Unicurve Council, which kind of serves all of Eastern Oregon, um, applied for and received a 10,000 grant that goes directly to the local food banks in Eastern Oregon. Um, so that will be awarded and sent out directly. Um, I also as part of that because I'm part of the um, OEA applied for
070a grant directly for our district food bank um, to go because they are a 501 3C or CC whatever. >> Um, but I haven't gotten any notifications on that yet. So, we're accessing our resources to help where we can. Um, and I do want and I do wish that the public would know that um, since my time in coming on as part of a union and being part of the bargaining team last year, um, I would want people to know just truly how dedicated the district is to using that sustainably and efficiently. There are long-term projects and there are long-term visions. And um I think that there's been a perception that maybe the district doesn't always use money the right way. And I would say in my experience from what I've seen um that is
071not the case. >> We are effective and efficient and by golly we're working on those numbers and and doing everything we can to meet the needs of our students the best way possible. and I appreciate that because I don't want to be in a district that has to lay off people because they hired people with CO dollars and things like that. So, the only other thing that I wanted to talk to you guys about is the legacy award that we have put out. Um, we have our form ready and going. I have a flyer to hand out to you guys if I can do that. And then um I do have a date coming up with um Lindsay from the Argus Observer to get an article going up about that because what I'm looking for
072is as much public input as possible on names. We've gotten um quite a few already, but I really want to garner like what does our community think? Who were those teachers that just molded generations of people? You know, some people talked about um Lori Grim and Mr. Tagert, like they were iconic, informative. So, that's the kind of input I'm looking for. Um we've got some things that'll be up around in the community. So, please share out that link um that was on the district website and share this with as many people as you can because honestly, we really do want community input to get those legacy awards done. >> Can I see this on Facebook, Kristen, for the post? Okay. >> Yes, it was on the district Facebook page. >> Perfect. Any questions for me?
073>> Is there I didn't look at it closely. Is there a date that ought to be nominations invite? >> Um I would have to go back and look at my email chain. I think we decided February 1st because we want enough time to choose the finalist and then for people in the district to nominate a teacher that meets those those ideals. And then will this be awarded like at a union meeting? Will be awarded at a board meeting? What does that look like? >> The the big idea that I have is during uh teacher appreciation week having a celebration and um looking for a venue to do that at and invite all the teachers, all the school board, the family um and kind of tie that into teacher appreciation week. And then um depending on
074who the award is named for um like let's say it was named for Mr. Tagert, you know, inviting him to present that award to whoever received that. So, not necessarily a board me, but but looking for an event to really honor teachers and kind of um just really celebrate what this district does very well. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> I have a comment. I'm I'm glad you're here. Oh, >> for my 14 years on the board, I don't think we've ever had an OEA person attend a meeting. >> Well, thank you. I appreciate that. I think we've always been here, but I'm just louder and talk more than >> Amen. >> Thank you. >> We'll work to get you on the agenda. [laughter] >> All right. >> Any late? She's gone. >> She's gone. >>
075What >> doesn't want any more questions from us? Any questions for Kristen? >> You're free to go. >> We'll hit her next >> business section. Approval of the December board meeting. Typically, we review our calendar to decide if this is something we want to do as terms of a December meeting. You guys that are new to the board have an opportunity to give input on whether we should have that meeting in lie of a me of not having a me a meeting. Typically board members will find an event out in our schools that they will attend but you guys >> gosh I don't know if I could make it to any going on. >> So u that that's kind of been a practice for the last couple years. It doesn't have to be constant practice,
076but always as our board meeting needs to be changed calendar, correct? >> Yeah, we haven't had a a December meeting for, you know, three or four years. So, but um there's the other question I usually get is is, you know, is there any urgent business that has to be taken care of in December? And not necessarily. Um the audit should be complete and that that can be done in January at the January meeting. Um but we don't have anything urgent that needs to happen. >> So the discussion for us is do we want to have a board meeting in December. I'll start with you since >> I mean December usually ends up bananas. I mean, I can't imagine that all these lovely people would rather um spend their time anywhere else than here with us,
077but I think I would be fine with um skipping it. >> I mean, looking at the calendar, between three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school, there's something posted every single night at least like for a week and a half. So, um I'm >> I will always say I'm inclined to meet so I can stay ineligible, but I can go with the group. Um just because I was thinking January is going to get busy and we're going to be February we're going to be right into your review, right? >> Um yes. I mean we usually do >> that's usually one one evening few hours. >> I think we should meet. >> Do you guys hear that? dark out >> all you just started a note Mike of all the things you want to
078say now and then um maybe Andrea could you >> that's fine um maybe if you could put together like a little cheat sheet of the things going on for us at all the different schools or I don't know how that works but like I only know of a couple of the schools so that's possible >> yeah so we can make our faces. We were invited to >> Oh, and we get to tour Alamita. >> That's right. >> And then we can't wait to tour Aken in maybe January. >> It's more fun if it's official. >> We want the red carpet. >> Yeah, we like red carpet, Toby. >> So, if we are there's a consensus that we should probably not have a December meeting. In order to do that officially, I would need to have
079a motion to Could we have a work session in January so we can kind of like try to get our heads around it >> if we have something to put on the agenda for work session? >> Now I'll >> just to have >> Now a motion to skip the December meeting. >> Motion to skip. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose. Nay. >> I almost did it. I almost did the motion. >> Motion has passed. I know we >> wasn't paying attention. >> Yeah, we have next is our readings of policies AC and JFCEB and the removal of A JHC and then a first reading on policy. We can actually combine two, three and four together. Um, I think we actually do it all together. You want to make
080a motion to approve all of those? The first reading would actually go to a second reading in June January. >> I'd make a motion to approve the second reading of policy AC. Second reading of policy JFC and removal of policy JHC and first reading of policy EB. >> Have a a first. Do I have a second? >> A second. Motion moved and seconded. All in favor say I. >> Go ahead. >> For sure. >> Okay. Um I was just I don't know. I guess we have one school nurse for the district, right? >> Yep. Correct. >> Okay. Does she have an office at somewhere? >> Um her office is at the middle school >> in the discovery building. >> Okay. >> And if there's like an incident somewhere, does she just get called and go
081there or I don't even know how it works? Serious almost all schools She might >> had a question. >> Yeah, good question. sounds like the bare minimum. >> Really high. >> Yeah. And then she does she trains um school staff to for example if a student is diabetic to and we have to administer medication then they she does the training and then for example our secretaries in the office might administer um the diabetic medication or or whatever that is um or medications in general if they're taking medications at school. So they work under her lens, right? >> Just as this said. I just got a question on the cell phone. >> So the cell phone doesn't have a whole lot on field trips. Are we considering that um like regular instruction? Because it does say
082they can use them on the on the buses, right? Like to and from school. It does say they can. >> Extracurricular type of stuff like activities is a little bit different. It does say students can use peeds during extracurricular, but we're like regular instruction hours. >> Correct. Okay. And that's that includes if we're going So here's why. If we send our kids to um uh the discovery center, >> um they have to provide lesson plans, >> okay, >> for the discovery center because that's how we get reimbursed for it. And so that is considered instruction. >> Okay. Thank you. Great. We've got a motion and a second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose. Nay. Motion has passed. Next item is our future meeting which would be in January. >> The OSB
083election. >> Thank you. I'm glad. >> Item six, the OSA OSBA election. Kevin, I believe, is our only candidate and our and our representative for LP. >> Y >> um he's from Baker >> and he's from >> So um we don't have anybody else to to choose from. So it would be just a motion. >> We we have >> for Brett. No, he's got a severe illness. >> So this So it's one vote for school boards. >> Yes. >> So like motion to vote for Bruce. >> Yes. >> I motion to vote for Bruce Kevin for legislative policy committee position 01. I'll second that. >> Made a second. All in favor say I. >> I. All oppose. Nay. Motion is passed. You can record that on your OPA website. Best wishes. >> Pretty sure he's
084been doing >> future topics. Uh you held something up or nope, that was what we just did. >> Um audit. I I'm anticipating the audit will be complete and ready to be in front of the board in in January. >> Yeah. Yep. I I talked to the auditors on Friday and so they'll schedule be completed. >> So >> um I would love maybe not in January because I feel like the audit might be a little lengthy or no. I don't know. and things on his radar and song and dance maybe >> or any of his >> uh but yeah just a little bit about that and then um I think if it if possible where she go Jody maybe a little update on the online school I've been getting so many texts like oh my
085gosh they changed the sign at um and I just smile um and say they did uh so maybe just like a quick brief update on like that and I've had questions about people ask me and I don't know so I would just love a little >> update. >> Yeah. And that that'll be the right timing because we're launching our Edlex Oregon. >> Okay. And so that'll be good timing to give you an update on where we are at with Edflex Ontario because that's been running for a while, but also it'll just we'll we'll know more about how many students are enrolled and we'll be pulling the trigger and maybe what to enroll your student and that kind of thing. Question that I didn't know what to do. Yeah. And Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Okay. >> Sit
086here >> almost. We should have it on every month. I I think we should have it either work session or in regular session. >> What about Oh, yeah. Absolutely. >> Yeah. So, and if there's enough things to boil up between now and then that we use work session, uh you'll pass that on during our agenda main work session. Any other things that are top list for people hearing? None. I would entertain a motion to adjourn. >> Motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Motion made second. Motion made and seconded. All in favor say I. >> I. All >> oppose. Nay. Smile when I do this.