001Uh, this public work session on the board of education for July 2022nd, 2025 is called to order. All items being discussed this evening are posted on the PPS website on the board and meetings tab. The meeting is being streamed live on PBS TV services and website and on channel 28 and will be replayed throughout the next two weeks. Please check the district website for replay times. Uh, all right. So tonight we are starting our work session uh and start and we don't want to have this conversation until we have our brand new board members all sworn in and ready to go. So um basically starting the conversation for setting the tone and direction for our board work this year. Um one of the one of the things that multiple studies research has shown you know
002best practices is that when we have a a focused board um that is working collaboratively um that is the most likely to lead to student better student outcomes and that's why we're here today. Um before this meeting month or two ago because it's been a while um I did call around and and talk to each of you about what your priorities were were. One of the things I shared was that my vision as a chair is that if we can just focus on three things and for this year and get those three things done well, that is way better than, you know, focusing on 50 things and maybe doing three things poorly, right? And so, um, and I think pretty much everybody was supportive of that idea. Um, well, when I called around you, there
003were kind of four things that were were kind of brought up and were in common with with the majority of you that I uh talked to. So, I'll just share those really quickly. Uh, one was starting the teaching, learning, and enrollment committee. So, that's done. So, we're good. >> Done. >> No, I'm just kidding. The hard work is just going to start. So, uh, but that is established. So, we did that. >> What's the name of that committee? >> Teaching, learning, and enrollment. >> And enrollment. >> TLE. Sounds like a TV. >> No, no, don't call it back. >> Should have changed it to learning. >> Teaching, learning, enrollment. It's fine. >> Enrollment and teaching. >> Teaching learning and that would >> that would have been better. We better have been smart. >> Teaching, enrollment,
004and learning. And we can call it. >> There you go. Um it was pretty universal that what I heard from board members was uh it was a strong priority on student achievement outcomes and moving the needle especially in our achievement gap. That sound it was pretty universal. So that was really good to hear. Um >> so would that be monitoring board goals? >> Yes. And and we also want to discuss like how that how is that going to look right? >> I have a question about that too. >> Yeah. Let me let me um thanks. Um and then there was also some strong sentiment about continuing the progress towards um uh creating uh change the culture to where schools and school staff feel like they're being supported by a central um I also heard from
005Dr. Armstrong that that's also a big big priority that was a big priority of her 100 day plan. Uh so that that's exciting talk thing to talk about. And then lastly and probably the most difficult one is um talking about school boundary and enrollment and ensuring that the way we do it is done equitably um and focus on in student outcomes of course. Um so that that's kind of the rundown of of kind of when I got a chance to talk and and meet with everyone individually. Um today uh on board books you see it was posted a uh draft and again this is just a draft is kind of the purpose is just to get conversation going um and then I know Dr. Armstrong will be sharing the priority areas pretty soon. Um but
006we you know one of the things that again part of best practice is that creating a very clear work plan helps us stay focused and intentional especially with our limited time and resources that we have and especially with the limited and reducing uh resources the district has right but you know what how awesome would it be if you know again my goal I'm sure all of your goal is that even with this declining resources and funding available to our schools in Oregon. Uh we can still move the needle and that is my goal and it sounds like that's all of your goal and that's that's what we're here to do. Um so with that with that said um I would like to hand this off to uh Superintendent Armstrong to share your priority areas and
007start this conversation. Again this is a work session so we're not making decisions today. uh this this discussion we're starting this discussion and this draft is something that we will be working on now and also in the future. >> Yeah. So I appreciate it. Thank you. Um as you all know the document that you have uh shows topics under a couple of different categories in which we hope to um establish with you of course or that you establish that we can support that we will support um a work plan. So I think one of the things that would be extremely helpful for you all as a board is to hear the priority areas that I have been working with my team on for the 2526 school year over the last uh couple of months. And
008I have a couple of things and um I called it A through E because I just like the um keeping it nice and uh lettered. So, I'm just going to read through some of those and then um at the end I will be available to answer any questions or open up for discussion. And the order is simply by A through E. Um and they're all my number one. So, there's seven. The first is Albina projects. And what I'm looking for with Albina projects from the team as they know is deep engagement and clear action. So, when I say the Albino Projects, I'm talking about um the relocation of um uh this building. I'm talking about Jefferson High School. I'm talking about Tubman, and I'm talking about the Center for Black Student Excellence. Those are all
009items that are open right now. And so, as the team knows, my expectation is that we end this year um having a clear timeline of the action steps and the decision points along the way. um and that there is um progress on all of those projects if not complete by June 2026. The second one is boundaries and just really thinking about the framework that um we will create that really emphasizes clarity and community voice. And so we are looking forward to engaging in essential conversations about school boundaries, especially um in the Jefferson cluster area with the dual enrollment and really moving towards creating a district-wide framework that we can use to make decisions along the way. The second B, just because B is such a wonderful letter, we have a couple of B's, is budget.
010Uh we really want to be strategic in our reductions and we want to have proactive engagement. I think you heard a little bit of that from Michelle Morrison. And so when we say strategic reductions, we don't want to just reduce in the name of reductions. We want to be clear about um the work that we're doing in central office and the way that we're either phasing that out or looking for replacement practice that is a um a smaller investment in terms of dollars. And so we will be uh moving in that direction. So that's a huge priority. And then bargaining. That's a big one, right? Partnerships and preparation. You know, it will be a central effort this year. And we want to make sure that we're prepared, we're aligned, and that we clearly communicate to
011all stakeholders. As you can imagine, some of these conversations will merge into some themes. Um, I'm going to move to C, which is construction. So for me, my team has heard he hurt me all year and even more so in the last couple of months. Timeline, transparency and trans tangible progress, right? Um we need to move and we need to move quickly in a way that saves us money, saves our taxpayers money and allows us to do the most amount of work um as as possible with the investments that we've afforded. So, we want to organize the shovel ceremonies and milestone celebrations. We want our community to know that there's forward progress and not like smoke and mirrors, right? Like real progress. Um, and we know that that's going to take crossf functional alignment among
012facilities, communications, and school support. And so, that's a a big area of for the team. The D is district improvement plan. So, when we think of our goals, uh, board goals, evidence-based strategies, the data that we're looking to determine how our students are progressing and performing, that all resides within our district improvement plan. And you'll have an opportunity to um hear parts of that over the course of the year. And then it ends with E, and that's excellence and service. uh we will continue to make sure that we're aligned across all of our departments and all of our schools about what it means to show up and serve our students, our staff, and our uh community. So, we want to be responsive, respectful, and reliable. And so when I think of uh year two and
013the superintendency and I had a chance to share this with the team a couple months ago, but when I think of year two, those seven areas is what will drive the work of the cabinet. So as you began discussion about the work plan, some of those elements are on your um your a topic area of of focus. And I just wanted to make sure that I lift up the work that we're talking about every day. So what questions do you have for me if >> Well, when I talk about the bonds today from the audit committee, where does that work fit into your plan? The construction more? >> Yeah, the construction. Yes. >> Transparency >> and excellence in service. >> Excellence in service. Yeah. >> Service. construction budget, some of it albino projects. I mean
014there there are some >> they >> very interconnected. But I think what I want you all to know um not only as my supervisors but as a a strong governing board, if the question is asked is like what is the work of the district team, right? What is the superintendent focused on? these seven areas um are the areas that I would want you to uplift. >> If somebody says, "What do they do all day?" >> Yes. >> Be like, "Well, >> yeah, I like this. I really um the excellence in service is kind of a overarching, right? Um culture change, organizational like change management. Um I think that's excellent. Um of course, I'm all personally very excited about the Albina projects because I live here. Um, and they've been on the table for some time.
015Um, the boundaries framework. I think I had my first dream last night about all night seemed like about boundaries. Um, >> I know it felt like it went on forever. Um, >> usually do >> the budget. Yes. Bargaining. Um, bargaining. I would love to get some clarity on. So, I've been through three bargaining sessions and um the last one didn't go very well. For those of you that weren't here, we had a teacher strike and our board members were in the room which was a little unorthodox. Um because of public meeting laws, we can't be four of us in a room. Has to be three. Um that work wasn't divided equally and it was very confusing for um it was it was just confusing. that led to a longer a longer strike work stoppage because
016the um our labor partners didn't know who they were bargaining with. It it really confused the task somewhat. Um, so I would I would hope we could get some guidance on because that the way that we showed up last time we went through bargaining was very different from the former two times where the district would do the bargaining and they would come back and say for instance um the teachers want a 7% increase and the the board would say great or no that's a little bit too high. So I would love some guidance on about that doesn't have to be tonight but about how we plan to show up as a board in that in those negotiations. Well, then I I will say I appreciate that and what I will say for this work plan
017discussion is there are the committees, right? There's the work session, there's the special sessions, there's the executive session, and then there's the general board meeting. And I think my hope which I believe is the the um hope of our chair is that we are uh moving in a way that is informative that's transparent that is strategic and that gets the results that our community is is hoping and um counting on us to get. >> Yeah. One thing I want to I know um for agenda setting meeting there's been a couple emails about bargaining uh what that looks like for the board. So one thing I wanted to propose and make sure that all of you are okay with it. Uh I think there's kind of two two issues that we need to solve for right
018one is like what is the legal responsibility of the board during bargaining. Um so to deal with that issue um I was going to propose that we have an executive session where we can I don't know how you talk it get trained or or have opportunity to ask questions about the what are the legal >> and executive requirements for board during bargaining. Want to make sure that you're all okay with that because I think that would be very useful. Can I may I ask a question just just for the I know that our our minutes >> sorry I know that our minutes aren't long and I I hope that what I shared was helpful. So the document that we have up before you I think are our hope and understanding from your uh focus area
019and your priorities is um items on here that you want to either add to that you want to revise or that you want to delete. And as we know right the focus area is a topic. it becomes a plan when we're getting into the details of it. And I know that tonight isn't meant to be able to flush them all out, but like for instance, right, we see policies. Will there be, you know, the revision schedule on the policy of policies? Uh will we have a discussion about authority? Will we um look at the personnel section, the five um series? I think that is in need of review. I think that helps us then be able to plan and um really establish something that is an actual work plan that can span the across the
020year. And so um just looking across the board designated key focus area to the required actions board goals. I would just I would love to hear and or and chair maybe if I'm I'm sorry if I'm stepping in your area but what's coming up for you all hearing what I shared and then seeing the um the focus uh topic area. Yeah, I see what you're trying to get at. Um, for that first column for key focus areas, do you you want feedback on like is that about right? I was going to ask you does do these areas I mean many of them align with what you mentioned. Um, >> well they all do. >> They all do. >> Yes. Um I mean I wonder if it would be helpful for just to look at the
021required actions for our new board members to know like these are the things that come up that we have to do that are whether we want to or not. you know the budget approval and adoption which is a whole process and calendar um except the annual comprehensive financial report that's a whole you know it's reporting and you know an update um interd district transfer like all of these things are things that come up every year and they have to be put into a calendar >> does that make sense >> and we figured we do the calendar work once we understand the totality yes of uh the work that the board uh talks about tonight and then we also have some time designated at the retreat I think right >> yes >> so yeah I'm going
022to kind of you know division labor the the expectation for today if you need to sit on this and think about it that it was expected so kind of know that um required action are things that we just have to do it's just can't get out um what the board designated areas is you know I I put in policies these boundaries. Um, and then there's things that we just have to do, you know, like CBR, oh, sorry, um, Center for Black Student Excellence and and bargaining. Um, and then, you know, the thing about moving the student needle that that's in the monitoring board goals, but you know, because we're a new board, we're welcome to have that discussion as well. You know, what does that look like >> when we're talking about trying to move
023the needle? Um, currently we have board goals. Do they need to be revisited? You know, these are questions I I have as a chair. um are you okay with the current goals or maybe could there I mean I I think everyone is in agreement that we want to close and eliminate this achievement gap there might be more effective ways to do it >> right and that is worthy of a discussion so you know I I think um this was you know co-drafted by a lot of people but the I try to implement what I heard from all of you somewhere in this graph now the stuff below just ignore that for now because we we'll talk about that separately uh but just in um chart try to you know I think the team and staff
024Dr. Armstrong with the staff priorities try to integrate all that into this. So the the question for you is also just you know what do you like what would you like to change maybe some things to add or take away. >> Um I have a couple of thoughts in looking at this. Um, one thing for board goals, I would love us to consider like a high school graduation rate slashpostsecary readiness sort of >> that's just missing. That's what we have traditionally provided. >> Great is make sure it's there. >> Graduation and postsecondary readiness information. >> I think having it there for the future so folks know that both matter to us. Um, I think that that just to me um both they're they're two together. We can have another conversation about the board goes overall.
025I don't have strong feelings other than making sure that I like to have both of those there. Um or would like to have both of those considered. Um I like really really love the framework that the superintendent just laid out. >> And I'm wondering if we can like sort of switch that out for the key focus areas and have alignment between the board and the superintendent versus having >> a different set. And I feel very comfortable with this. I think like I think everybody knows that I have got this like um like culture of change sort of desire for us and so excellence and service has a lot there. I wonder about adding another R that's like I don't know what but like responsive respectful reliable like realistic or I don't know where that could
026then be like like the key to some of the like taking a closer look under the hood at different things. So, there's a third R or fourth R that somebody could consider to kind of add that. Um, I don't know. I can't think of the R yet, but I feel like that's the one thing that I feel like is missing here personally, even though I think you can find it in other places. Um, but I really would like to consider just consistency and I don't have any major concern. I don't have any concerns at all with what was laid out today. I also love having it stated that there's it's not prioritized. So clearly in the document that these aren't in a priority order, I think would really help. We got an email today about
027concern about having school modernization projects on the bottom of the list because people, unless it says it's not in a prioritized order, people will sort of feel that vibe that it is in a prioritized order. And I don't really have much interest in having a prioritized order. I feel like we have a lot of work to do. And I don't think that there is like a we might all have different priorities, but I don't know that it's helpful for us to all spend a bunch of time to figure out what's the most important to all of us collectively because I just feel like that would take a really long time to figure out if that makes sense. Um, so I don't I I like the idea of having it that it I'm I'm going to
028say it's cute like the ABCs think it's cute and like it's gimmick it's gimmicky in a good way. Um, and so I feel like I think it's really great. Um, so those are the things that come up for me. Um, if we're just focusing on the top part of the grid, then I I think that's pretty much all the comments that I have. Although, I think it would be smart for us under informational to add the budget education. I'm calling it the budget education series in my head um that Michelle laid out earlier. So maybe we could pop that under informational or um figure out somewhere else to make sure that we're capturing um the work that she's going to do to help the majority of our board being new to budget. I just went
029through a budget process and I feel like I didn't get that and I'm so glad she's providing it for these three and for me because I felt pretty lost. So I think um that educational series is really crucial and can be recorded here as a way to commit us to following up on um her and her plan. Well, it is under your V. Um, one thing I don't see, but maybe it fits somewhere here is um teacher satisfaction and teacher responsibility, you know, with so much these last year or a while so much teacher absence, so much subbing. Um, is there any way we can and maybe it goes under respectful, reliable, but that seems to be a real problem and I don't, you know, we've talked about it and there's no real answer. But
030maybe we could just do some more research, find out what would be a a plus to give teachers or >> Yeah. >> just not to be out so much. >> Yeah. And are they really that um having such a hard time that they have to be out? >> Can we make it better so it's not such a hard time or are people being lazy? I mean I want a lazy teacher. >> And if they are, how can you support change? >> So I appreciate that. And one of the things that I'll lift up is that as I um rattled off the the A through E um items and began work with the team this spring, we had a retreat around it in June as we prepared for the launch. Many of these um items that
031I listed are a work in progress. So it's still in the formation development stage. And so one of the reasons why I wanted to share with you is that when we come before you with reports or information items or we're on work session, you're going to hear updates on um these items and how we're progressing. These are the things that you know I want you all to hold me accountable for. It's like, hey, I heard you know Albina projects there was going to be some movement and some outcomes in the construction projects. You said you were going to push timelines and what happened and you know where are we at as of January 2026, right? And I want to be able to uh respond favorably to the work that we're doing as a team. But
032that isn't meant to say that we have like service completely figured out and we're executing come the fall. Some of these things are um still under construction for lack of a better term. >> Um I I appreciate that. I um I've been also really curious just the media that came out around the teacher absences. Um but also uh Portland was called out when I went to the Harvard I mean sorry the Howard uh policy institute this spring they were like in Portland has doesn't there's about the substitutes that we cannot fill. We have some schools that are hard to fill and the schools that we have that are hard to fill our most vulnerable students and our blackest students and brownest students. So, um, it concerns me that we have these substitutes going unfilled, uh,
033substitute positions going unfilled in in the neediest schools. And so, combined with the, you know, we've tried to pay people to to show up in these schools, an an extra like an increase. And in other words, like we're agreeing that, you know, this is a hard school to work in or whatever. And but it's really a problem if we can't, you know, fill those spots. So what's >> I'm wondering if there's something if this is a body of work. I mean it would be adding to it but um I also appreciate that this is laid out in a way that when we think about the evaluation side >> that we can monitor. >> We'll orient the new board to the monitoring process but that this is actionable and evaluatable. So what's important about that director
034deass is and with the team here that that's representing is that in these areas that you all have lifted up as a focus area we can fold some of those reports on because we've actually made quite a a large investment in um substitutes and that we've se we're seeing some positive data. Okay. And so instead of it, you know, becoming this like oneoff report or something that we're going to go down a spiral, how can we hearing that from you lets us know that um that is something that we can fold into some of the reports that we bring to you, right? So >> yeah, absolutely. It doesn't need to be a whole body of work. It's something that I'm concerned with personally and maybe it ends up in the teaching and learning space in
035the committee. Um but it is seem it does seem like there's something to solve. >> Yes. And we want we want basically right we want the board to have the data and be able to speak to some of these things that are coming up for them in the communities that they represent. >> Thank you. >> I think that the substitute is a good example. I I example. I'm not saying anything for or against it. >> Okay. But as an example, for example, if us as a board want to prioritize a substitute issue that some of these schools are having a hard time filling a substitute issue, this is an example of like a work plan. Say like what the board decides is that again, this is an example. I'm not trying to promote substitutes. This
036is just the example. Um, we want the substitute situation to have an improvement by the end of this year. And so if us as a board, the majority of us decide that that is some a priority, we would put that in the work plan and then now it is up to superintendent to figure out how to get this done, right? And I think this is an example. But then we have to also be cautious because um the more things that we prioritize, you know, as the list gets bigger and bigger, that means the attention gets divided more and more, >> right? And so again, using this as an example, if substitute is a big issue, we can put that on there. Um, but that also means that what else are we going to be taking
037away from in terms of attention? >> Can I make a suggestion? Um, and like first timer here, I don't know what like what the work plan looks like at the end and all those things, but one thing I like the alpha I do the alphabet thing all the time and it helps me remember things and it's a great way of communicating without, you know, it says everything's a priority when I read it that way, which I really like about it. Um, what's missing for me, um, in the board designated key focus areas, uh, that's jumping right out at me is, um, academic achievement. And I'm wondering if there's a way some of the things I'm hearing us already talk about, if we were to add that are, you know, the teacher substitution issues, chronic absenteeism,
038which we've all talked about a lot, like those things, can they ladder up underneath that? maybe, you know, picking a couple things this year that are solving for um, you know, where we're at. So, that's I think that the public is very concerned about that. So, >> we actually noted that as a team when we were reviewing the work plan and was hoping that there could be that focus area on academics. You don't have to use the language I use, which is district improvement plan. I I get that that may sound like a a buzzword without first unpacking it, but within the district improvement plan is attendance, is academic, um board goals, all of it is under the district improvement plan. >> So that would include things likeism >> is that does that include um
039>> substitutes? >> We were just talking about this Um, sorry, the culture surveys, what are they called? >> Successful schools. >> Yes. >> Um, is that under district improvement plan? Because that's a metric that and catchment rate are the two metrics we talked about that I want to keep an eye on. So, I just want to make sure now that we're talking about it, it just occurred to me we should make sure we're um those two metrics have a home. And I'm assuming the student successful schools survey, >> district improvement plan. >> Yes. and catchment rate. >> It's probably boundaries. That's where we'll we'll be reviewing and tracking that information >> which Yeah. Where would um contracts go? Like contract >> um teachers >> like I mean like the the um >> it's nonrenewal not
040>> that's a that's a require it's under the I'm sorry it's under required actions because you're statutoily required. So it's it's there and it would be in the normal statutory course. Okay. >> It's down there under right next to center for black excellence. Next column over is the non-extensions, non-reneurs. >> Yeah. >> Is that what you're referring to? >> No, I'm I'm referring to the I can't remember the acronym, but the people we hire from outside help in in the districts like helping with flexible excellence. Um we spend an awful lot of money with our culturally specific partners. >> Yeah. Our partners. So our um >> So the contracts for those are the last time the board approved those contracts they were for uh four years and we are working on an annual report that
041would come to the board because there was interest in understanding if partners were meeting their metrics and if they were meeting their goals and how they were supporting us meeting our goals. So that's that's the plan at the moment >> and that's happening this. >> Yes, that'll happen >> and that would probably go under excellence in service, right? >> We're underformational on the work plan of when to expect where we could put that on a calendar of when to expect that. >> I like that being informational because last it seems like in the last couple years we've spent an inordinate amount of time with this back and forth when it could just be a memo or it could be a live session with a presentation. And so I like that there's some things that we
042just need. It's just one way communication. It's this is how the climate, you know, crisis policy is going. This is what we've, you know, these are the metrics that we measure. This is how we're doing against those metrics. Next question. You know, we don't have to have a whole, you know, deep dive into this climate crisis policy. Just it's just an update. So I'm loving that there's just a few likeformational. I'm wondering if there's other things that we just monitor that we don't dive into. >> Well, if we're monitoring something, we want to know if it's working, right? >> Yes. >> We don't just want to >> be updated. >> Update. We want to know, is this something we want to keep doing? >> Well, would that be underformational? >> It would start there. I
043guess >> what I would offer is if there's agreement that the a the ADC's sort of works as a frame. If we understood the areas in which you had interests that aren't captured here, >> we could then organize everything under the ABCs. We don't wouldn't have to do that in this meeting. You know, staff could do that in the superintendent's direction. Excellence in service for example could be where teacher absences gets nested for example. >> Y >> and I do want to call out that the performance audit that will be with uh the internal auditor we just listed out items that um is part of the audit committee I think that was called out. So >> the work plan >> or the work plan from the um audit. So we understand that you all may
044have um different goals, objectives or whatever. We just wanted to pull from an existing document to list that. But what our focus has been the first four columns. I love the letter framework. Virginia mentioned the D district improvement plan. Might we consider D being like district academics or something something but then not because the improvement plan to the public is going to be like jargon even though it's your guiding star >> but I think like we'll know that but I think it might be just worth I'll just like flag it for consideration maybe talk to Candace >> but like from a public reading the document piece it's kind of like a little jar >> like district academic plan or improvement >> could it be academic academic improvement >> we could add another I think, you
045know, the D has to stay improvement plan or Brexit. No, it it feels like um it it's internal phasing um when I read it. So, and maybe there are some goals that in that bucket we need to talk about it. But I agree. I feel like you know academic achievement would go it's another A. It could go right at the top way down. >> Yeah. Between anything academic should start with a >> dedication to service. Exactly. Anyway, >> Divine DNA. >> That sounds like a fun word game. >> Get creative. But I think that even though I realize it's your north star, I think the document, if it's going to be all of us, it'll be public facing and just thinking about the jargon. >> I feel like where we're going, I feel like all
046of the we've got a bucket that everything seems to ladder up under, which is really helpful >> and shows us when it becomes unmanageable as well. Mhm. Absolutely. >> But then Anna, you were talking about three >> Yeah. >> particular things. >> That's a good uh segue. Not to throw a wrench into stuff >> to stress test stuff, right? So, one thing we want to avoid, you know, because we have seven board members and you know, the the state policy says that, you know, only the board has authority, not individual board members, right? the the concern again this is I'm just throwing this concern out there and yeah hopefully you help me problem solve um seven board members if all seven board members list like five things that they are prioritizing on and they're all
047different that's 35 things right which and again this is also a question for staff and superintendent um the direction we're going with this is it starting to feel like things are spreading thin or um again this is the start of this conversation, right? Because my my thing that I I really want us to try to focus on is that you know as a board maybe we do need to prioritize which ones are the most important to us and that gets the most focus because I I I I am a little bit wary that as we keep adding things on there. I mean none of the stuff that was brought up are not important. They're all super important. Like we have to do all those stuff. But there's there's also things that like for example, what
048are we directing the superintendent to prioritize, >> right? And that um that that list I would be really wary and really um about growing it too big. And that kind of makes sense. And again, I don't have the answer here. I'm just throwing this out there, you know, maybe devil's advocate and style type of way. Like how do we keep our focus? cuz you know we we could be here all day long and list a thousand things that we need to improve on because we are public education and kids keep changing and things need to get better here and there where they were fine just 10 years ago. Um so that I guess that's my question is that are we getting too broad and if we are how should we figure out how to prioritize?
049And when you're talking about we, you're talking about board because obviously the superintendent has to do more than three things. >> This is the work for from my perspective. There is it's impossible to think about this year without having conversation on um boundaries on budget on the construction bond projects on um the Albina projects the relocation CBE um service and then of course our improvement plan which is all about academics right which is why you know we're we're all here so I would say I appreciate the note I think we're pretty confident like I know I heard in the onboarding that for instance like community schools was a topic that uh some folks were interested in and may want to go a little bit deeper on that fits within our conversation around academics and I
050can see how like I don't I don't want it to be like so exclusive that some of those things that uh you all are passionate about like you don't see it in this like this is the work for the 2526 school year because we have some some obligations that we have to meet by by June. And so I I don't know. I I would love the team to weigh in, but I'm feeling pretty confident that there isn't any one thing that would sit outside of this because it it captures the totality of the work. But I I have one thought that I have on this or was somebody else going to say something? >> I was just going to say really sorry, I just want to respond. >> Yeah, go ahead. Yeah. Um this is
051also a living document. >> So like we can always keep you know keeping that AB BB CDE E >> uh we can always like adjust like yeah community schools this would actually serve us better and we would uh do that route instead of whatever else you know I I think keeping the idea that this is a living document I think would help. >> Anyway, sorry. Thanks. >> No, you're totally fine. Living documents great. Totally agree. Um, one thing on my mind is like to me I think like looking at it as a cohort of all of this I think again we go back to the committees and so if the board isn't like stressing on as a whole because we know that construction Virginia is all over and we know that the district improvement plan
052is something Relle and that committee I don't know who's on the committee so that's why I'm just saying the chairs um that Michelle is like taking care of that and that's where we're deep diving on that. So it doesn't require us to deep dive as a whole board if we are able to trust the committee process and let go a little bit of oursel of the people that aren't on that committee trusting that that conversation is happening and those that transparency is happening and that work's happening there. But I think what we could do is as we're doing our work plan, which is taking these big ideas, putting them on a schedule, figuring all that kind of stuff out, what committees are taking on what pieces of this? And then also from the superintendent, what
053do you want us to like lead on or lean in on or take responsibility for um versus what staff will like? My understanding is bargaining is staff. I'm looking at Sharon. I don't have my glasses on so I can't see. Um but um but like so that isn't something where we're all going to be we want to track it like it's going to be really important to us. A lot of us care really deeply. I think all of us care really deeply about teachers and so so we all care about it, want to track it, but that's not something we're like >> I'm going to be doing a thing, but like maybe we can figure out as we do the work plan like okay board you're going to focus on insert thing as we do
054so that way it's like we don't we're not responsible for all of this >> but we have more of a like tracking happening in the committees on the whole thing and then like certain things that are like our responsibility um with staff support and I'm guessing like boundaries for example, I think Michelle's doing everything. Um, but that's going to be a huge conversation and that's one that probably does end up with a lot of need for the board to to lean in on. So, I think as we go through the conversation, we could be having those discussions to try to manage our work of like where are we going to agree that we're going to want to hear updates and stuff, but we're not going to like lean in and like be doing as much
055work, you know, as we go through it. to know >> like I I sometimes just remind myself I'm a volunteer. >> Yeah. >> You know, it's my time, but I'm not. Yeah. It's responsible for like a body of work necessarily >> unless you take something on or choose to have >> you're leading the policy committee. So, you'll be doing the policy review work like so you'll have a thing, right? So, we'll each have stuff that we're responsible to do. But I think that helps maybe with me. And if it doesn't feel >> like it's all us, it's just we'll have certain things that we do lift out that are more us than others. >> Um it feels like our committee work is very much the board work. Um and that's then brought like um Patty
056today brought the audit committee and some next steps for the audit committee that don't really involve they do involve staff, right? Well, they involve staff, but involve us figuring some stuff out to help staff. I mean, obviously, >> and we >> we've hired staff. We hired Kimberly to hire staff to do most of it, >> right? And >> and we're looking at it and seeing >> help. Janice is a special I mean, we only have two employees, so we we don't boss everybody around. We we have our internal auditor and the superintendent and who we've entrusted both to do, you know, the work. Um, so yeah, I don't know. I I always feel like the committee work is is supportive of the general work, but it's not the work of the district necessarily. >> I'd
057love to respond to director split. I think if I were thinking of the list, when I think of where um am I hoping to lean on um board members the most, it's in the B's. So the work around um boundaries, budget, bargaining, and then of course uh bond, which isn't a B on here, construction, but I'm going to say B just cuz the beast those are the ones that I think are going to kind of drive the work of the board for 2526. I think that's where we're going to spend most of our time. Um and not to dismiss things on the academic side. I think there are items and conversations that we're going to continue to bring before you and discuss, but really we have um a pretty big investment from our voters. We
058have a budget that we know we're looking at another pretty significant multi-million dollar deficit. We have um all contracts open and um yeah, we it that's going to be a heavy lift. um for this this academic year. >> Also, >> thank you. >> Yeah, wanted to also respond too because I I think we have a proposal there, the bees um as a focus area. Um uh I think it'll take a lot of discipline looking at you chairs of the committees um to also have the committees focused on the work plan or the priorities because I think you know we don't my ask I guess is that we don't want it to go messy right like for example like we have a hydro with all the you know five separate brains doing separate things and the
059the problem with that mean although very interesting I Well, I would love to deep dive into how district works and all these things going on. It's also taking up staff time, right? And so when when time is bogged down with a lot of meetings, that means they're less time doing the work that actually helps the district. So if uh you know like do you see this as a potential to kind of keep our conversations especially in our committees focus on you mean how awesome would it be if like facilities and and enrollment committee uh are working together on the same problem right because those are separate questions and and I think that's kind of my hope um and having you know if especially if we have a proposal to focus on the bees um would
060help with it. >> Kind of a B plus a C >> B plus a C, right? Um and so that I I think that's kind of my response to that. I I think you're absolutely right. The communes is where we should have those deep discussions. Um but I also want to be careful like you know there's there's a difference between work that's going to be leading to board work like as a whole and work forformational purposes, right? Okay. >> Just to be clear, right? So, um, >> yeah, I agree. But my my question is, how does that sound? >> Again, we don't have to make any we're not making any decisions today. This is um >> Yeah, >> a really good conversation. I think >> some really great ideas are coming. >> No, you already
061you already said what would be most helpful to you. >> Yeah. Um, I'm talking too much, but I Does anyone want to say anything? >> I know it's all quiet over here. >> It's okay. I'm sure I was real quiet, too. I'm also pretty loud. >> Generally, um, we talked about focusing on the top, and I do want to say a couple things about the bottom. >> Um, there were just the definitions of categories. So, I when I read this, I there were a few things under here that raised some concerns for me. Um, mostly just places where I was kind of surprised to see board leadership taking on things that seem like it would be like either committees or the board as a whole. >> Oh, I thought >> Yeah. So, I just I
062just want to make sure to like put it on the record that I want to make sure we revise and and discuss because maybe other people do want to see um more of the leadership having more power. Um, I personally, um, really trust and have so much faith in you, but I also not >> really particularly interested in restructuring our board to give the leadership more power necessarily, at least without discussing it. Um, and making sure maybe I'm in the minority and having that concern, in which case, of course, we would give board leadership more power. But I just wanted to put it out there that this does this there's multiple things in here that give leadership more power including for example the audit side. Um a couple of us just spent some time diving
063in on like the audit charter and like the other sort of pieces that dictate the audit committee work that isn't mentioned here under performance audit that that's where we would derive the work of the audit committee. And then it says that board leadership will work with the superintendent to determine what follow-up is needed on audits. And that's a pretty big break from I would say the charter um of the audit committee. So if we're going to be breaking from the charter for the audit committee, I would want to have a discussion about it. We do not have to have that discussion tonight. I just want to put it out there that I'm pretty uncomfortable with several things in here that would change my understanding of how things currently work um in ways that I wouldn't
064want to see them changed. >> Yeah, I know that the auditor is concerned about that >> also. Okay. >> The is it the last line board leadership will work with the superintendent to determine what followup is needed. So, usually when an audit is presented, the the superintendent or whoever is being audited would have a management response to the audit >> that says, "I agree with these five things. These two things are already in progress." >> Um, so I don't know like the board leadership will work with the superintendent. >> The district would already come up with a a response. It it doesn't really have much to So why would the audit committee be cut out of it and it would just be between >> Oh, I see. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> No, it should go
065to the committee. >> I I agree with everything you said >> as the board chair. I agree with you. Uh >> you know this >> it should go to >> I think it was accidental. >> Yeah. A lot of this language that's in this part was taken from both both our you know Oregon policy, our board policy or sorry our PPS policy and also our you know only past board um uh protocols >> the protocols >> which we passed in 2022. So this is kind of derived from all those. I'm not necessarily this is one of the things so one of the reasons we're um gonna be talking at the retreat on August 19th is this u because I don't think our board protocols are as efficient and effective as they could be and um
066I think a lot of our discussion during the retreat will be that because again I see my role as a chair as facilitating the priorities of the board um and that's it and So yeah, whatever parts of this are uncomfortable, yeah, let's talk about it. Let's change it because um I don't I don't think we're prepared to talk about that tonight because I don't think we shared the board protocols and things like that, >> but we should share the board protocols before our >> It just seems this is fairly high level about the audit. >> Yeah, I think it's probably just like summarizing in a way that >> Yeah, that's not quite as clear about what the um >> for what it's worth, I I do I do agree with you and um Again, this
067is all new to me, but you know, items like, you know, board leadership or work superintendent to determine the appropriate level of board engagement needed for each required action. To me, that kind of feels like a, you know, a layer being put in between me and and staff. And I'm not saying that that's the intent at all. Um but as we work through this if we can maybe adjust the language >> it's comfortable with that >> we'll definitely have time at our retreat to talk about how we show up >> all of us will be able to contribute to the conversation >> and there's also at the retreat I think there's going to be some also data and expertise shown about like best practices about like how effective boards function and and their setups that
068they use. Um, but like I said, one of the big reasons for the the retreat is also to relook at the board protocols and update it because it is a little bit deep. >> Yeah. This is just a something to work from, right? >> Yes. Yeah. So, this is a draft. None of this is >> I just wanted to not not say it and then have everybody be like, "Well, you didn't even say anything." >> Yeah. >> No. >> Um, sorry. Sorry. >> No, go ahead. >> No, I was just gonna So for monitor board goals, maybe I'm wrong, but this doesn't feel like the board goals like is like on the wall when you walk in. >> So like third grade reading, fifth grade math. I'm not feeling like maybe these are in the
069right spot. >> Right. So I what I would say is again if you agreed with the ABCs we would put the boardroom monitoring under district academic improvement. >> Perfect. That's what I'm thinking too. >> Minds and then from that we'll figure out what >> you send what the board the board goals once we have that our alphabet framework figured out. Everyone's going to have a lot of fun. >> Probably the board goals are to support all of this, but the question is how. >> Exactly. Right. >> Yeah. Without being scattered. >> You could read into like boundaries is >> working towards poor goals because we're trying to make sure that our especially schools are serving >> our highest needs kids have the same offerings as every other school or more. Um, show like the the
070monitor board goals. The the goals didn't quite feel like board goals like it just says, you know, third grade reading, fifth grade math. But I think what you're saying is like we'll just >> Oh, do you mean the the goal language? Are you looking for the exact goal language? Because these are the goal areas. Third grade reading, fifth grade math, eighth grade readiness. >> Goals. Those were adopted. >> Yes. Those were adopted work goals. >> Okay. Are we >> It is up to the board because as again these board goals are >> forgot when they're actually called board goals for our students. >> Yeah. >> Are you thinking director of for about board goals for the board? >> Yes. >> Okay. Now >> these are board goals for students >> for our students. So these
071were 2019 and there was a whole community engagement process in 2018 that I wasn't part of >> but listening sessions all over the district >> was here >> makes sense share with you the detailed board goals that I thought >> and so th this is what as a board we monitor this is the way that as a board we decided to monitor prog academic process against goals. So you were monitoring third grade reading, fifth grade math, and then high school readiness, I believe, or high school >> eighth grade readiness. >> Um, and that's what we decided as a board would be like tell us where we're whether we're do how we're doing and whether we're doing it. We've had lots of conversations about are we looking at percentage growth? Are we looking at proficiency? you
072know, if if you if you grow 2% or 10% in a score overall as a district, but you still have kids that aren't proficient, >> right? >> So, anyway, we've had many many late nights talking about this >> more important than in the uh in our ABCs that we're calling out academic achievement directly tied to that. Let's >> Yeah. And we we should like review and revisit that because I mean six of seven board members weren't here when the four goals were passed. >> I I've actually recently heard from a community member. He was like I hope you guys look at those goals again. >> So that's you know how can you argue with those goals? >> They're the temperature checks that almost all districts look at. Are kids going from learning to read to
073reading to learn in eighth grade and third grade? are they fifth grade math um sometimes shows up as on track for algebra one >> they have to leave elementary school >> with those skills to really get to algebra 1 and middle school >> okay >> um >> high schools consistently say wherever I've been students are coming to us underprepared and so that's why we thought about eighth grade readiness right am I at the end of eighth grade proficient in reading and math so I can be more successful in high school and then of course we know um we're held to standards around graduation rate and postsecary readiness is a very important >> topic to our community. >> I I appreciate that. Thank you. I I mean I trust you've done this. You have a PhD
074in how to do this. And so >> I mean >> I I mean you you know worlds more than I do. And so if that's the those are the standard things that are measured then >> visiting it though as a group and especially with Dr. Armstrong here now. you won't hear when you're not that you know really talking about like what it means what we're doing like high school graduation rates for me I'd rather see something like you know college readiness and college and career readiness there >> yeah that's the postsecondary readiness that listed okay there you go I think we're all they also include closing the gap in the email >> I mean that's what it was all focused >> thank you >> so I mean to to piggyback on that I guess And
075also thanks Dr. for adding because I guess the question is when talking with all of you I think there's unanimous support for the spirit and the goal or goals. I think the question is now like you know it's been six years are there have there been identified more effective >> or ways to do it or it may need more an update right so I guess that that would be kind of the the main reason to revisit it but I think it is still a good idea to kind of review it as a board and understand what they mean >> um because that is that was adopted in 2019 and that that >> has changed >> we have a has benchmarks these these four are pretty solid. So then my question is about >> the how.
076>> Yeah. >> Our our um lately within the last year our um academic achievement updates have been in a format of what so what now what so we share the data we talk about the implications that we're seeing in the data and then how we're addressing it through the academic program. That's usually a presentation that myself Dr. the chief of schools and Christina Howard, who isn't here tonight, would give together >> and we're excited to give the report. >> Spoiler alert. >> Am I not excited? >> Look at that. >> I feel like you just need to add in like a like a little >> You just sit into the corner. >> No. >> When do we get to see it? >> I'm sorry. >> When do we get to see what she's on? >>
077Oh, the embargo. Wait a minute. >> So the data is going to we don't have a date yet from OD. It's usually in late September. >> Okay. >> It's a long time from now. There's still we're still doing data cleanup. We've taken some early peaks, but we're still doing data the the state is still doing data cleanup and processing, >> but we are excited to share. >> Okay. >> We can survive the wait. >> Yeah. to be um >> six weeks away >> respect kind of time >> and again asking the board as well but also superintendent and staff >> do you feel like you have enough information now to create an updated draft >> and then we will share that updated draft with the board or future feedback and I I think also after
078this meeting um vice chair to pass and I will follow up with each of you to um kind of get your feedback and and what needs work. Does that sound okay? >> And you will send us your ABC. We're going to incorporate. >> We're going to clean it up a little bit and send it. >> Yeah, that's >> maybe have Michelle Morrison do those graphics. Those were pretty cool. >> Yes. >> You think we could expect that? >> Get it by the end of this next week. Beginning of this week, beginning next week, right? >> Yeah. When when do you want to look at it again as a group? >> What is do we have any meetings before the what's it called retreat? >> Um >> yeah we do >> I think August >> there's
079a general meeting on August 5th. >> August 5th. Sorry. >> Yeah. Do we want to keep talking about it there or do we want to just um at the retreat or maybe do someformational presentations? Maybe that'll there that'll be a question when we follow up with each of you and then we'll plan our agenda accordingly >> because it you know I think >> work towards it if that is the uh >> for the August 5th meeting >> the direction for August 5th that and especially if there's something that like if you all want to have another discussion before if it's something you're going to approve or vote on or you know just um having it in a in a public meeting. I mean, I think really what what I would hope and I assume that
080there's going to be a way for you to share your feedback that you know, when you look at the items and what we talked about that you really see that as uh the work of the board over this um academic year or if there's anything that is is missing. Um we would definitely want you to highlight that. I really like that this is so discreet and it's it provides a north star. I kind of like the way that you framed it better with the ABC through E. Um I mean cuz I've I've been here a long time and I've seen plans that had literally 35 things on it and you just couldn't the staff was so busy responding to requests that were popcorning around that the work of the district wasn't getting done. And there's
081a correlation between how we focus our time and what our outcomes are. So, I like that this is discreet. There's a lot of work here, but it's not all over the place. It's very discreet and very discreet buckets, which I think will make us more successful than like I've experienced. Um because it's not it's not popcorn. There's not a bunch of stuff coming up. It's this is what we're doing this year. And it's not written in stone either, but it's like those big chunks of work, the boundaries, the budget, >> labor negotiations. >> And when you and when you all think of your work as a board and some of those things that you're most passionate about, do you see that reflected in the list, the work of the district, at least as a header?
082And I'm all about the how it's done, you know, because I want to see like quality work and, you know, solid communication with our communities, things like that that are literally like how we're doing all of the things. >> Yeah. >> So, I'll just put it out there that like that's why I think that last item is really important. >> Sure. >> Requires us to that quality of work thing is a big concern of mine. Making sure that when we're doing things, we're doing them well, you know. Yeah, >> but I think that's our job in a big way is like being there for you to come to so that you're have accountability just like >> when I as a state agency have to go to the state legislature. It's like an accountability tool. It
083makes it holds us to the standards, you know, it's the same kind of things. >> I appreciate that and I think that that's what the retreat is going to be about, right? like how do you do the work of the board and um how am I um in the the midst of that and you know how we do that work together and how you direct me hold me accountable and all those other pieces. >> Yeah. Um, the big questions is what actually is the work of the board to actually make that clear instead of wanting to put our fingers in every little cloud. >> And so, um, yeah, I think that's that's something we really want to clarify. >> Yeah, >> I have an idea. >> Everybody gets three sticky dots. We got this out
084there and you only got three. >> I remember those actually. >> And um, >> most of them ladder over to a committee, which is nice. Yeah, >> most of them ladder over to a committee. But I mean just I was being facitious and and also not because I think that that this is a lot of work. >> You just with a smaller staff. >> So um I mean I think we this is an iterative conversation. We probably talk about this a lot more. >> Let's iterate. Iterate >> iterate. >> Um sake of time. Any last questions? I want respect people's time. It is 9:30. >> How does um 4 in the afternoon committee meeting scheduling work? Maybe >> um Rosanne will be in touch with you. >> Okay. >> Yes. And Ros Rose Rosanne sets
085up times for committee meetings. My first mistake was I just set a time and I >> think you're I just because of the the planning for the um this earlier today. I just did not reach out to you just yet on that question. Yeah, we'll get those on as far. >> Yeah, I can say I've got mine scheduled. No, scheduled. >> It's amazing work to >> to coordinate three different people's schedules. It's Yeah, >> a nightmare. >> He does it every week. >> We don't use doodle >> or anyone's feedback on the availability. >> Okay, >> I think with that um we call the meeting. Yeah. >> Great. Thank you. >> Home and sleep. >> Right. With that, the meeting's adjourned. Thank you.