St. Helens School Board Regular Meeting, May 27, 2026

001Call our meeting to order. Order, please. Thank you. Call for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. And uh we'll do roll call. Student Representative Howard. >> Here. >> Glad to see you, too, sir. Director Walker. >> Here. >> Director Killings. >> Here. >> Vice Chair Smith-Reed. >> Here. >> And Chair Yourdan, here as well. Agenda approval. >> So, um >> I don't >> I'll go ahead. >> No, go ahead. >> Okay. I was going to make a um motion to accept the agenda, but with the two following changes. Uh actually, one is to move the public comment number four to just before

002number seven, the consent agenda. Which would move the Community Impact Awards and the ASP Public Relationship Presentation to the beginning of the board. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded that we move Let's see if I can get this right. Public comment number four down to >> Prior to number seven. And [snorts] move uh Community Impact Awards and Public Relations Presentation up instead. >> Yeah. >> Any discussion? >> No. >> Director Walker. >> Aye. >> Uh Director Killings. >> Aye. >> Vice Chair Smith-Reed. >> Aye. >> And Chair Yourdan, aye as well. >> Aye. >> So, let me see if I can make this happen. With that, then, we'll move to Community Impact Awards. And who's doing Who wants to go first? >> She's ready. >> You want to go first? >> Uh the

003first Community Impact is for uh, Joseph Howard. >> [laughter] >> Oh, sorry. Yes, get over here. She's okay. Uh, Joseph Howard exemplifies leadership, service, and compassion through the many ways he contributes to the St. Helens school community. His commitment to supporting others, whether through student leadership, service, athletics, or mentorship, has been a meaningful impact within the school community. Joseph is an active and dedicated member dedicated member of the St. Helens High School community. He is involved in the National Honor Society, where he demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service. He also participates in the Shine Club, serving as a role model and advocate for students with special needs, and is involved in the Principal Action Committee and Student Council as a 12th grade representative. In each of these roles, Joseph leads with thoughtfulness,

004humility, and a genuine desire to make school a more positive and supportive place for others. One of Joseph's most notable contributions this year has been serving as the student representative to the St. Helens School District Board of Directors. As a student representative, Joseph has been a professional, reliable, and thoughtful voice for students across the district. He brings insight, perspective, and authenticity to board discussions, helping ensure student experiences remain at the center of importance and affecting or important decisions affecting both current and future learners. He's especially been a strong advocate for students with disabilities. He consistently represents his peers with integrity and care. Joseph commitment to service extends beyond high school and board room. Each week he volunteers at McBride Elementary where he supports staff and students through behavior support and relationship building. His calm demeanor,

005patience, and empathy make him a trusted mentor for younger students and the relationships he has built there speak to his ability to connect with and support others. In addition to his his leadership and service, Joseph is a dedicated three-sport athlete who participated in football, wrestling, and base- baseball throughout all four years of high school, showcasing his work ethic and perseverance. After graduation, Joseph plans to study biomedical engineering with the goal of designing prosthetic devices and assisted technology. His interest in this field reflects both his academic strength and his desire to improve the lives of others through innovation and service. What sets Joseph apart is his passion. He has a remarkable ability to understand different perspectives, build meaningful relationships, and lead by example. Whether representing student voice at the board table, mentoring younger students, leading as

006an athlete, or serving his peers at the high school, Joseph consistently shows up with character, empathy, and purpose. Please join us in congratulating Joseph Howard as the student community impact award recipient for 2020. >> Joseph. >> Aw. >> That was my chair. >> You want to go next? >> Yeah. Wait, sit down. Joseph, can you give me a high five on the way by? >> Stacy. >> All right, so then you can switch with her when you're done. She's one of my favorite All right. So, this is our staff community impact award. Kathy Gray is still standing for us behind so much of what makes Reed Elementary successful. The daily operations of a busy elementary school require flexibility, problem-solving, constant coordination, and Kathy manages it all with remarkable skill, grace, and calmness. Whether she is

007organizing events, streamlining communication for assemblies, or supporting day-to-day operations behind the scenes to ensure that countless moving pieces come together seamlessly, her ability to manage what often feels impossible is nothing short of extraordinary. Each day Kathy anticipates needs before they arise, communicates clearly with every key person involved, and follows every detail through to completion. She has an incredible ability to see hurdles on the horizon long before the rest of us do, allowing our team to prepare thoughtfully, problem-solve proactively, and keep moving forward together. Beyond her exceptional organizational skills, Kathy's greatest impact is in the way she supports. She brings thoughtfulness, wisdom, and heart to every every day setting and interaction. She has an incredible instinct for knowing when someone needs encouragement, a listening ear, or simply a reminder that they are not carrying the day

008alone. To quietly coach us those around her to be more reflective, more intentional, and more connected in our work with students and learning. Kathy is often described as a quiet ninja on campus and that fits perfectly. So much of what she does happens behind the scenes. Often without recognition, yet her fingerprints are on nearly everything that helps make Brighton run smoothly. She solves big challenges in real time while also keeping an eye on the future, always planning ahead, always thinking about what will help our community thrive, and always finding ways to bring joy and excitement to the school experience for both students and staff. Brighton is stronger because of Kathy. Her dedication, brilliant mind, incredible work ethic, and big heart shape the culture of our school in lasting ways. She brings excellence to every task,

009compassion to every conversation, and unwavering commitment to our entire school community. We are profoundly grateful for Kathy Gray and all that she gives to make Brighton her leadership, service, and care make a difference every day. Please join us in congratulating Kathy Gray as the Staff Community Impact Award recipient for May. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> The next >> I think so. >> I think we do. >> The next Community Impact Award recipient is Tonya Armistead. >> Yeah. >> Tonya Armistead is truly the heart of the Bright community. Over the years, Tonya has generously shared her time and artistic talent with the Bright Start Readiness program. Her commitment has been a steady through every season, and her impact is felt in classrooms across the school. Tonya brings a joyful, creative energy to everything she does. She's

010wonderfully encouraging, deeply thoughtful, and makes every child feel seen, valued, and included. Students are naturally drawn to her because she creates an environment where they feel safe to take creative risks, embrace mistakes as part of learning, and express themselves with confidence. She has a special gift for helping children see the beauty in the creative process, while encouraging them to approach their work and one another with optimism and curiosity. In addition to her artistic spirit, Tonya brings incredible organization and attention to her work. She thoughtfully plans engaging lessons that connect a variety of art mediums to classroom learning, bringing creativity and curriculum together in meaningful ways. While she remains flexible and responsive in each classroom, her preparation and attention to detail help ensure every student has the opportunity to participate and succeed. It is through Tonya's

011dedication that Bright students across grade levels have been able to experience art, culture, and creative creativity in memorable and meaningful ways. Through projects like self-portraits and vision boards, students have had the opportunity to tell their stories, reflect on who they are, and share their ideas through art. Her work has enriched our school community and helped bring learning to life for so many students. McQuaid is incredibly fortunate to have volunteers who give so generously of themselves. And Tonya's contributions have left a lasting impact on our students, staff, and school community. Her creativity, dedication, and heart have made our school a better place. Please join us in congratulating Tonya on her award as the Community Contributor Award recipient for May. >> I think I'll get you guys for a picture going on before you go. Picture 3:00

012a.m. Then I'll let you go. >> Yes, come on over here. >> Come on up there, Joseph, sir. >> Come on, Joseph and Tonya. You got Where's your uh where's your plaque? Got to watch out, Stacy. You can be in charge of your mess. All right, I like it. Thank you. >> Round of applause to Tonya. Uh we'll move up to ASB Public Relations, Casey Warner. >> Is the clicker going to work this time? Let's go for no just to make your life connection. >> Okay. It works. Oops. Okay. Okay. Hello to those of you who do not know me. I am Casey Warner and I'm the ASP public relations for the high school. I come here every month and I present the recent activities and activities that are coming up. It's not working again.

013Okay. Tonight's agenda is pretty long. We're going to go over the Rotary Teen, the Elks Teen, prom that just passed and spring fling spring fling that also just passed, teacher appreciation week, band and choir state, graduation timeline, and introducing the new ASP for next year. The Rotary Teen of the Month was Parker Humberg. After graduation, he plans to attend OSU to major to major in cyber security, hoping to pursue a career in it or computer science. The Elks Teen was Halley Hayes. She's been a part of the cheer team along with the softball team for four years and helped her team win league. For events, prom that just passed was held on Friday, April 24th from 8:00 to 11:00. It was in the Venetian Ballroom in Hillsboro Hillsboro. Our two winners were Evie Peterson and

014Emma Bristol. And the entire court, including the two winners, worked together and raised over $1,000 for the Make-A-Wish program. For Morp, it was held May 15th from 8:00 to 11:00. The two crown winners were Chloe Anderson on the right and Daphne Olson on the left. They were both raising money and toys and food for the um for the humane society. Daphne raised $160 in donations and 184 lb of food, and Chloe raised $382 in donations, 31 lb of food, and nine toys. For staff appreciation week, we kind of wanted to do like a like an entire week like we do with spirit days and stuff like that. So, for this week we decided on Monday was free coffee for all staff. Tuesday was a snack cart where we came to every room and they got

015to pick whatever they wanted to eat for that day. Uh we had a dirty soda bar, staff breakfast, and all throughout the week each teacher was able to pick a student aid from the leadership class. Um band state, the St. Helens jazz band become 4A state champions for the fourth year in a in a row and the wind ensemble placed second at the OSAA state championships this year. And choir state placed fifth at OSAA 4A state champions. Uh the senior timeline, graduation is in 9 days. Um there's not much else on the senior timeline besides the week of of graduation. So Monday and Tuesday are finals and senior clearance. Um and Tuesday is the academic awards ceremony which will be held in the auditorium. Um Oh yes, and the senior cruise. Wednesday will be the

016senior walk and the barbecue and Thursday will be the senior assembly and Friday is graduation. And introducing our next ASB public relations for next year is going to be Lucy Durant. Um she is an amazing girl. So sad that she isn't here tonight. This kind of scrambled otherwise I would have brought her here for her introduce herself but she's an amazing woman and you guys are going to love her. But that is all. Thank you guys for having me. >> Thank you for all the presentations you did for us this year. We appreciate it. Okay, we'll move on to public comment. The board welcomes and values comments from district patrons that improve student education quality. A person wishing to provide a public comment will sign in on the public attendance. Indicate they wish to provide

017public comment. Fill out an intent to speak comment card. When asked to speak, submit that comment card to the board secretary. A request is given as a request to give comment in person or electronically does not guarantee time will be available. The board at their discretion will recognize email comments sent up by 8:00 a.m. the day of the board meeting. Board comment is an opportunity is is Board comment opportunity is not a discussion, debate, or dialogue between the speaker and the board. It is a Let's see. Citizens' opportunity to express opinions on issues of the school board business. We require that uh complaints to be free of abusive language, personal attacks on district personnel, and not directed towards any uh department, which due to the low staffing would amount an attack by naming by an

018effect naming the district personnel. We also ask that you uh the presenters be limited to 3 minutes per person and no more than 30 minutes for public comments. And we'll get started. Oh. >> Absent. There's a blank one. >> Oh. We have student One student? >> No. There's blank better card. >> Okay. >> Do you have my Do you have the comment card? >> She'll bring it up. >> Oh. >> Do you have it? Okay. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry, I'm going to get used to this process. Ready, Preheim? Please. Thank you. >> I uh like your new public comment. I appreciate that you have moved it and changed it, and I think it's a very good move. Um much more open. So, congratulations on that, and thank you. Um I also want to congratulate

019all the people that applied for your open school board position. I think you have a list of a lot of good candidates, and I'm really happy that you have a uh nice list to pick from. I do, however, uh sort of have a bias. I I think that Chelsea Lynn would be um particularly suitable for your board. Her experience with PCC and her involvement with um doing continuing education, I think would fit very nicely in with your school board. And uh I'd just give a plug out. I don't know her personally, but um I thought that she she would be a good match for you. Um I also am concerned about your missing finance director. I know that you have not >> Could I stop you there? We can't use the finance director term, please.

020Just >> Um I see finance director without finance director. But um I believe that the school board needs to uh tell us what is going on with that position, whether it's going to be permanently filled and by whom and why that person is missing. That is public information and it does need to be brought out and you shouldn't be hiding from it and the reputation of your board is being affected by the perception that you are hiding something or that there was something inappropriately done and that needs to be addressed and you need to address it. Um finally, um coming up on the comments I made earlier about the continuing education is the issue of Plymouth High School. I think its closure is actually an illegal action by this board. I have actually consulted with

021an attorney. I was the one that school district jailed for not using their funds properly. The um bond for the Plymouth High School specifically says that you will build and operate a high school. You are now failing to do that. You cannot legally do that. Question that I have is whether it's going to be me or someone else that sues the district. You will lose. I think it's pretty much a slam dunk case. Now, my the is I don't know that it's a wrong decision. However, I think that decision was made when you built the high school. And that was a choice that you made to do, and I don't know that you can just go back on it and change it. I think that your proper resolution to that is to put a ballot

022measure on the ballot for this November and ask the citizens to redirect those funds appropriately to say that while we promised you a high school, financially it no longer makes sense, and we would like to change that, and you need to get a will of the voters because they are the ones that voted, and they are the ones that you are obligated to respond to and keep those monies correct. >> Thank you. Good. That was only one public comment that we have for tonight. >> Yep. Just double-checking. Okay. Thank you. That was all the public comments for tonight. Very good. >> I'm going to say that's scary. >> There you go. There you go. Okay, we'll move on to number seven, uh, consent agenda. The board on individual basis prior to the meeting has reviewed

023all material. All financial reports are available for review by the public in the business office. The board considers consent agenda items routine business and will be enacted by the board at one motion. There will be no discussion of these items at the time of the board votes on the motion unless members of the board, staff, or public request specific items to be discussed and or removed from the consent agenda. So, tonight on tonight's consent agenda consists of 7.1, the meeting minutes. Uh, meeting minutes from April 22nd, 2026 regular session. 7.12, April 22nd, 2026 executive session. 7.13, May 13th, 2026 work session. 7.2 HR report. 7.3 independent contract agreement a time to talk SLP contract 2026 2027. 7.4 early lit- literacy success school SD grant ODE grant number 40886. And 7.5 OESA MOA uh SB 968

024payroll deductions. >> Move that the board approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> Good. Then moved and seconded that we approve the consent agenda as presented. Sorry, I got to wipe my page here. Uh Director Walker. >> Aye. >> Director Killings. >> Aye. >> Chair Smith-Free. >> Aye. >> And Vice Chair, sorry, and Chair Your I'm an aye as well. Moving on to new business. 8.1 student representative to the school board for the 2026 2027 school year. I know, it does, doesn't it? >> So, I'm going to I'm going to share about that. Um we've got we're going to be losing Joseph as he graduates. So, as that happens, we're going to be opening up for um applications for next year. And so, just wanting to give you guys a heads-up that those

025applications will be um going out and hopefully we'll get some good students that are interested. >> And there will be clarification for the students that are potentially interested that you don't have to be on the principal something committee, right? Principal action committee. >> removing this year? >> I didn't know that was on there. I didn't think it was. >> Yeah, I don't think so. >> Okay, so we can remove that. We haven't sent it out yet, so that's good information. >> it kind of opens it up to more students. >> Definitely. It limits [clears throat] a lot, yeah. So, currently it So we'll remove that. It also is for 11th and 12th graders. Are you guys good with that? Joseph, your opinion on that, sir? Wait, you're opening up for juniors so That's how it

026was last year as well. To apply. So incoming So current you know, next year they'll be a junior or senior. I think you should apply after that. Why is that? Cuz then you have a chance I think it takes away from multiple opinions cuz you could have a junior who runs then tries to run again, wins again. Cuz they've already been here. You guys they think they're great and then they're going to get Like if you were a junior. I'm a junior. Yeah. I think I think Oh, sorry. Oh, yeah. Pull the microphone a little closer to you, Joe. Joseph, sorry. Because it the odds are like if somebody goes in their junior year, wins, then wins again their senior year. I think it takes away from multiple opinions across years and different perspectives for

027different students. Yeah, what do we Yeah, what if we just limit it to one term, but junior or senior? I would I think that's better. Yeah. I don't think you should be able to rerun. Okay. And and I think before there's been times when people talked about it in junior but everyone assumed that meant because they're going to be a senior next year. So when we're doing them as junior was cuz they're applying for it because they'll be a senior next year. So that one's been interpreted multiple ways on that one. Well, ladies I was thinking what do you guys think? Well, I mean senior every time, but I think so far And if I can remember, he hasn't been a senior. I think they all have They were all leaving for college at the

028end. So It's most in this district it is a senior. Most So maybe your discretion. I personally like the idea of a junior or senior one term. That way if the junior is graduating early, they still have an opportunity to do something like that or >> That's true. >> But I'm just my personal so whatever you guys think. But it's it'll be this super generic process so you don't >> Oh, whatever you guys think. >> Yeah. It could be that way. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you for clarifying that. But it's great to have your I think we do it that way. But it just needs to be open. >> Okay. >> Just just to let you know that I would like to clarify that that actually prior to now now the board

029is actually interviewing the students one by one back in the office because they were a minor. >> We did that last time. Remember we gave a recommendation. I know. >> I know. I'm just saying that has been done before though. >> I don't think we should do it that way. >> closer to you, please? >> Got it. Okay. >> Step to the side a little bit just a little bit. Move over. Thank you. Any other discussion on that? Okay, we'll move on to 8.2 facilities update. Come on down, Jared. >> [laughter] >> I know I thought it >> So just for an overview Facebook so originally was constructed in '58 and we So we're remodeling that last year last year. And then Plymouth as you know was constructed in '19 along with the middle school.

030This is just a review. >> Does he need a mic? I'm just asking cuz we went away from the Can we hear him? Can they hear him now? >> Okay. them? All right, uh McBride was done in '94, and then we added uh six classrooms in '99. Lewis and Clark was constructed in 20 or 2000. Mc- Columbia City originally was 29, and then finally in '99 Sacagawea Health Center um had a lot of remodels done to it. And then here at the district office, we built what you see now in '84. Family Resource Center, '70s. Badger Flat was '29. And then the maintenance shop in '30. So, what you guys have in front of you originally was a 25-year projection um of capital projects. Actually, right now it's a 32 years just because of how

031it worked out um and it's easier for me to do it that way. Um so, it's based on the average lifespan of major systems um that we need to maintain and take care of. So, and then that those costs below are just averages um and they're kind of updated annually. And it should give you a good idea of kind of what we need to do to set set aside each year um for capital projects to maintain our facilities if we don't take on any new facilities. Um and so, typically um businesses or school districts, you would set aside your depreciated value for your capital assets. So, I think last year we depreciated our capital assets at like $1.8 million. So, you would set aside $1.8 million to fix your buildings, right? Um but we didn't,

032and that's okay um because, you know, we're in a budget shortfall. So, because of that and because historically we haven't done that, it's a little bit more than 1.8 million dollars. You can see that I think on average we need to over the next 32 years set aside 3 million dollars. >> This summer or next? >> Yeah. So, it's just a projection, kind of a road map to kind of lead you down and say, "Okay, if we set aside 3 million dollars a year on average, right? You know, 5%. Who knows what inflation's going to do? Um cuz I think when I originally did this in '18, we were talking about like 1.1 million dollars each year setting aside setting aside that for to maintain our facilities. And obviously that's gone up. But um it

033just kind of let you know where we're at and where we're going. The ones I highlighted in green are items that we plan on taking care of this year. So, it's the backup generator at Columbia City, um DX cooling at the high school that you're going to look at today. And then um the varsity field, we've already approved that. And the high school heat this project you're going to look at today. And then the yellow ones, orange, are ideally something that we will take care of next summer. >> This summer or next summer? >> Next summer. Yeah, we still have time. >> The the Columbia City electrical backup generator, that was a little bit of a surprise, wasn't it? You had >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, a little bit over there, too. Yeah. >> Okay. >>

034Yeah. That was a surprise. So, you know, those things are going to happen and then they're going to kind of jump up on the list. Um you know, and that's why like when we put this together, so this is our priority list. Um the generator wasn't on it at all. We were supposed to get at least another 10 years out of it. But when things happen, you know, just surprises happen. So, um that's why we have number one There's like four of them cuz really we've gotten to a point where since we haven't maintained our facilities um, due to lack of funding, um, any one of those really in the top eight are they're a priority, you know. Um, and something that's not on this list could jump up just because we don't know, you

035know, it's a guessing game. >> Right. >> Do you want to finish your presentation before questions or >> Uh, that's pretty much it. >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> I I do have a question. I I'm guessing these fall down >> Yes. >> even to this point. Is there a formula issue under 2028? Do you want to come look at mine? Cuz cuz it's a lot less than I don't think the 1.1 >> is not included. >> Yeah, there is. >> Okay. >> We're going to have to add it. >> Okay, you're good. Okay, you're good. >> Yeah, that would bump it up. So, it's probably just a hair over 3 million on average. >> Okay. >> I'll have to run through that. Thanks. >> What's uh, C R C? You could help me with the

036paint. >> Oh, so that's what it is. We used to call it C R Y C, Columbia River Youth Corps. They ran out of Bachelor Flat. >> Okay. >> So, the Bachelor Flat School. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> It's a lot shorter so it fits in the cell easier. >> The generator surprise was the fire, right? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions for Oh, >> Of these things on here that are green that are being taken care of this year, That is that coming from bond money still? Okay. >> Specifically, I mean, yeah, that's how we're funding these things. >> Yeah. And that will be Will that be the last of the bond money or we still have some bond money? >> still have some funding left over. Um with the

037bond funds we plan on uh still doing the javelin. So, when we put in the synthetic fields, we took out the javelin uh runway. So, we have to move that and then the tennis court parking lot was uh planned to be redone and the main water line to the building at the high school has to be redone. So, um yeah. >> And the air up at Gable, where does that come? >> No, uh they brought it in from Furlong Park. >> That's where I thought it came. >> Javelin field, that's the I thought it was going to be getting shot out by the baseball field. >> Yes. >> So, I one question just because I've been around for way too long. On that post of the public city, I didn't even know that we had

038to do it multiple times since we remodeled. Um it Is that the entire building this time or is it a section that they did last time? >> Uh so, the last time it was painted was over 12 years ago and we painted the whole thing. Yeah. >> It seems like I just wondered if the river wore it off the paint last year cuz it's >> McBride's been there 30 years, that's all. >> Uh yeah, uh school McBride was done uh later than that. Yeah, 2 years before that. Um but yeah, they both need to be done. >> What is the uh the items that are indicated as deferred? Um >> So, with a simple Excel sheet, um and so just so for visual reference, I put a deferred. Typically, we we had I mean, everything

039used to fit on one sheet line. That's why it's so then I just started cramming everything. So, I just put deferred. >> Okay. So, what do you mean by deferred? I mean, are they going to be like after 2057 or >> No, we're just we're just going to stop. I just didn't have enough lines. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we're just you know, I could have put like just 26 26 26, but I just put deferred instead. We just have a list. That's part of the list. >> Okay. But, are they still part of the 26 list? Is that weird? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> I mean, uh yeah, they're not part of like so, realistically, everything here is not a part of any list unless it's in the green. Like, we don't we don't have

040funding. >> Right. >> So, we're just waiting. >> Okay. >> And deferred just means we're just kind of waiting on it, you know. >> So, they will will they in a prioritization, will they be first before some of the other items that are actually cal- cataloged under a year? >> Um it depends on Yeah, so uh we're kind of triaging things to where the uh whatever we need to put kids in school >> Right. >> is the most important. And that really depends on what happens. >> Okay. >> So, the painting um it keeps the moisture out of the building. >> Sure. >> So, that's our highest priority right now. But, if we lose a fire alarm system and we can't repair it, then that would jump up the list. >> Okay. Is any of

041this stuff that you can do in-house with your staff or is this all hired out projects? >> Uh so, to do all of these projects would be hired out. Yes. We can do some of the repairs in small sections by ourselves. And that's what we are doing. >> I see. >> And then >> comments, questions? >> No. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> You should have the two items or something up there. Are you ready for it? >> Did you get your paper put away? Ready? Yep. Uh 8.3 Superintendent policy review committee. >> Yes, we just did it last time uh vote on the title of this and basically it's a pi- when we did it back in summer. Um it's a policy review committee committee that the superintendent runs with an advisory group of people.

042Two board members are on it, student representatives on it, staff members are on it. Sometimes that fluctuates but which policies we're looking at because it could be a specific department. And we want like facilities, we brought Jared at that that meeting when we're talking about policy. And so then we have a wonderful team that reviewed policy last week and this week at short notice and brought the policies or brought to you today by that superintendent policy committee. And so um basically later you would take action on the policies for the first read and you would take action on that part of the committee, the kind of committee that it is. >> Moving on, 8.5 school board and super- Pardon me, 8.4, I'm sorry. School board and superintendent goal setting retreat date. >> So typically set

043times for these things early on. You would um calendar was in the consent agenda. This one? Yep. >> Okay. >> So they >> They're contented justice >> They're When did you come to calendar after? Just curious. >> Since July. >> Right now? Okay. So if we pull up the calendar, do you mind doing that? Unpack it. >> The meeting schedule. Sorry. If I pull out my phone so I can look at my own personal calendar when we do this. I'm sorry. So they were all aligned. The last year we did one on a Sunday and we were trying to find space for everything, but um We typically do our organizational meeting in July. So we need to pick what day that is, too. That's the next one on the agenda. So we'll be doing two

044things tonight. Uh the goal setting retreat and it's usually we have done that in August like the And that was it up there as a draft. That's when we've done it before. >> So what is the organizational meeting? It's >> The July meeting is going to go over all the things like your signers, everything for the following year. You're getting everything in order for the organizing everything for the next year. Cuz July 1 is basically the start of the >> Is that you and your team or is that an >> That's us. Yeah, you we would bring this stuff to you in an agenda so we could go back um If you're interested in knowing what kinds of things go on that agenda, you can go back to the previous folders um the public folders

045and the board folders and you can see what we usually do in July. Um but they they've always called it an organizational meeting for most districts and then the goal setting. So we're here to determine which day in July because we only meet once in July and then the retreat. Whatever the retreat. We don't know if it's here or it's here um for the goal setting in August. So those are the two dates we have to pick tonight. >> So how How time is involved in each of those two meetings, the organizational and >> It's just like a regular I mean, the organizational meeting is a regular board meeting. Um the goal setting or the retreat is usually like a half day or full day. You guys can determine that. >> Okay. >> Um we

046put uh we have a budget to work with OSBA on some of that work. Um so it's been good for you guys to have uh that professional development and it's necessary. So it might be in August where we invite Chris Sorry, Kristen. >> Yeah. >> Kristen Miles to the table or somebody else to go to those things with us. >> Perfect. >> And then the new board member would be there as well. >> I'm out of town the 1st of July through 13th. All right. >> Okay. >> No, that's okay. I was going to say let's just say vacations and get that part over with cuz you really you know that'll throw in a curveball. Damn it. >> All right. >> But if we want to stick to a Wednesday, I mean >> Then what

047about the 15th? >> I'm fine with that. >> July 15th? >> Yeah. >> Anyone else? >> Sure. >> What day is the 15th? >> It's a Wednesday. >> Okay, I'll be fine. >> It's a work session day, right? >> No, it's a day it would be an organizational meeting. We only have one meeting in July. So it's a regular board meeting. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Do you want to keep the time the same, 6:00 like normal? Okay. >> All right. >> And then in August >> I'd like to if we're doing a weekend, I'd like to avoid the weekend of the 21st through the 23rd. >> We need it for as many hours as we have to do >> What did you just say? Sorry, he just asked me a question. I was thinking about

048his question. What did she ask? >> I'd like to avoid the August 21st through the 24th. >> That weekend. >> If we're requiring a weekend or we're requiring a weekend cuz that's a weekday. >> I would prefer not if possible. >> Yeah, it's a weekday. >> All to be here on a weekend. Yeah. >> We tried to do it on a Wednesday again. >> But it's a longer it's a lengthy meeting. So would we want to Are you able to start earlier? At least 5:00 probably at least then to 9:00 or something. Just at least a bigger window. Last time we just couldn't find a date other than the Sunday of the I have a month that matches up. Um I would say if you can start a little earlier on that that particular day

049I would start a little earlier cuz you guys probably asleep by I could push I hear you. I have the grandkids with me. It's okay. Is there another day that works though? That's better for you? As long as I know far ahead I'm good. Okay, so which day was were you thinking about in August? I know that you said you were going to be gone. Um so Uh just that one that one weekend. Anybody else going? At least at this point. I'm gone the 15th through the 23rd. So I could do the 5th or 12th. Um which are also Wednesdays. If that's I could as well. Yep, I can too. Okay. Can you get that off early? Okay, what time do we want to start then? 3:00 4:00? Yeah, I can be here at 3:00

0504:00. I just have Let's do 3:00. Okay, 3:00. Okay. August August 12th. For the full setting retreat. Yeah. And remember at those things we don't do any voting. It's like a work session. We would take that step back to the next meeting in the next work day. Okay. Yeah, so are And what is the Where do you have the first meeting in August? That was it supposed to I'm supposed to be there. Do you have two meetings in August or just the one? Okay, so and can you pull up the the word calendar again? So we already have one on the 2020 regular meeting, so that's fine. Okay. If you approve this. That's fine. So we just took care of 8.4 and 8.5. Now the fun stuff. 8.6 policy review from OSBA April 2026 first

051read. 8.61 BDDG minutes of the board meeting. And thank you for putting these in order. >> Is this the first read or just reading down the >> Yeah, you're just reading down the list. The first read cuz we've already done all the work on them. Okay, so just keep reading. >> Yeah, just review it and >> No, you're reading you're reading three policies. >> Pardon me? >> reading the policies. Just the numbers and the names real quick. >> I'm sorry. I got to read the whole thing? >> Yeah, so read this whole thing. These are the >> Oh, okay. Oh, the whole thing. I'm sorry. >> And the policies are in the packet. >> I'm sorry. >> You can see those. Yeah. >> Okay. Then we got 8.62 CBA qualifications and duties of the superintendent.

0528.63 CBG evaluation of the superintendent. 8.64 EEE integrated pest management. 8.65 EBBA student health services. 8.66 GBA equal employment opportunity. 8.67 GBN/GBA >> GBA JBA sexual harassment 8.68 JBA/GBN sexual harassment Then we have 8.7 appropriations and resolution 2025-2026-010 8.8 2026-2027 the board calendar 8.9 candidates for school board position one >> Wait wait wait wait you're out. You got to do this Alida policy that you read aloud and then you got to stop at 8.7 >> I'm sorry. Okay. >> Cuz Linda's going to share about that. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I'd just stop keep reading on the record. >> That's okay. That's she was just going to sit there. >> [laughter] >> Did you want to come up and share about it? >> Sorry about that. Yes. I'm done messing it up. >> I'm

053going to hand you all my stuff. Sorry your legs are long as the table like yours. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. >> But just the first page of questions. Okay. Um You have a memo in front of you that states why. Let me see if I can find mine. We want to do this. Um You noticed on my financial reports that I've been giving on a monthly basis on the appropriations page we had a couple of yellow items that I was watching. This takes care of those yellow items. So um the memo states the background. Um it's an ORS uh 294.463 that says that you can transfer there can be transfers of appropriations. They may be made with a fund within a fund when authorized by resolution of the governing body. Um it needs to

054state the need of the transfer, the purpose for the authorized expenditure, and the amount transferred. So, that's what this memo states. Um there's two sections. Appropriations need to be adjusted to cover instructional expenses in the general fund. Health insurance budget amounts are to be reduced in support services, the 2000s, by 70,000 and increased in instruction, the 1000s, by 70,000. So, it's just a flip-flop of the amounts. Same thing with the special revenue funds. The changes are needed between the community services, the 3000s, and instruction, the 1000s. This transfer is needed to cover staffing costs budgeted in instructions, but should have been in community services. A transfer in the amount of 400,000 needs to be moved from instruction to community services. I just want to state that I have those amounts are a little higher than

055I think we need, but I want to not have to come back to you in June and do this again. Um I recommend that you approve this resolution and um amend the appropriations as shown on the screen and your next page. Am I up after this or is there something >> I think you're doing the personnel report. >> The personnel report. >> Okay. >> I got it. >> The personnel report superintendent report. >> Sorry, Linda, a little bit higher than we need by like how much? >> Well, you can see when we get to financial I'll I'll Can I talk to you about that? >> yeah, sure. >> Cuz it's on that page. >> Okay. Uh 8.8 2026-2027 board calendar. >> 2020 calendar >> went over it. We can pull it up again. >> Okay.

056>> That's it. We just picked a July date and an August date and and make sure you had it when you do your vote later. Still kept the Wednesdays the same. >> School goes until the 22nd of June next year? Is that right? >> No. >> Oh, the 8th. >> This year. Like we had to get the community calendar, but it doesn't go It goes It goes till the 8th this year. So, it would be a little bit longer next year cuz we won't have furlough days. So, like what? The 10th, 11th? I have to go back and look. >> Okay, sorry. >> Okay. >> Just calendar trivia. >> This one This is the calendar. It's the same as this school calendar. Because we added all the furlough days back in. >> Okay. >> So,

057it makes it a little longer, but yeah. >> And we started later. >> And we start Yeah, because the first day of school next year is September 8th. >> Yeah, we started after Labor Day. >> Okay, sorry. >> All right. >> No, okay. >> All right. >> Let's move on to 8.9, candidates for school board position one, process for selection, interview, and appointment for the open board position. >> I think Stacy is going to help us set up the >> Oh, that's how we're going to set up the >> Let me take a 5-minute and get them set up. >> Yep, we'll take a 5-minute recess while we get set up. >> Mhm. >> Order everybody, we're back in session. Thank you. I will go into the new business portion of the candidates. So, for

058the board members here, good afternoon. During the new business, the board chair will announce the candidate's name who have applied and meet the necessary requirements. We received four applications to the open board positions. Number one, Dalton Strow. Number two, Christina Sol. >> It's Sol. >> Sol, sorry. Uh number three, Chelsea Lynn. And number four, Steven Topaz. Uh the board chair shares the process of the interviews that will take place during the new business. And the process and the action items for nominating to fill the open position. The school board will be given time to review the applications, has been given time. And tonight will be interviewing, nominating, and selecting a new school board member. Interviewers. The candidates will be interviewed while sitting together at the table. Each board member will ask the same question of

059all candidates. Um the board member will rotate who asks the question who asks the question first. And we have selected five questions and each one of the board directors have selected a question as well as Joseph, our student representative. Um, an action item. So, nominations. A motion will be needed to make a nominate a candidate for the school board. If there is a second, there will be a discussion on that candidate and that has been nominated. If there's no second, the motion will die lack of lack of a second. And we'll open the floor for another nomination and motion. There will only there will Sorry, there will be only discussion on candidates whose nomination is on the table with a motion and a second. If there is a tie, the motion will not pass. We

060will open the floor for another nomination and motion and a second and more discussion. All candidates remain in the pool until there is a majority vote. When a candidate has been approved by the majority of the school board vote, oath will be administered and they'll be asked to take a a seat up here with us. So, any questions in that process? Just want to know >> Just to clarify, when they come up and sit up here, the board member or Joseph is going to ask rotate who gets the first question so it's not always the same person up >> Correct. Yeah. And Melody will start with the uh >> first question. >> and we'll go from there. Okay, so can I call up please Dalton Strough? Christina Saul, Saul, sorry. Chelsea Lynn and Stephen Topaz,

061please. Have a seat. >> Come on up and grab their favorite chair. >> And Director Killens, once they all get settled, we'll start with your first question. >> Right. And if you guys are okay, I'll I'll do it in order and then that way we can >> Yeah, please. >> keep them in order. Yeah, keep them in order here. All right, I got to move everybody around on my turn, so. All right. This is the fun question. Are you ready? Are you ready, sir? You can do it. All right, we'll start with Mr. T. But first question is what experience you have working on a board of directors? And that is for you first, sir. >> Uh question, boards or school boards? >> Any board. >> How far back? >> You can go 80 years

062if you need to. >> Well, I would have to go back further than that working on boards for the FDA and for the NIH for medical research. That would be the biggest uh ones in the the that goes back to the '70s and '80s. Uh federal work for some of the courts. Uh not so much boards, but uh information gathering and suggestions for government. That goes into the '90s. >> All right, Chelsea, same question. What experience do you have working on a board of directors? >> Okay. Here we go. Um so, most of my experience in boards has been administratively. So, I've not sat sat on a board, but prior to going to higher education, I ran my own firm where I supported um nonprofit 501c3 membership-based associations where I was the financial support for

063the board. I supported all of their operations and their meetings and their conferences. And so, uh I got a good eye on how to how boards interaction work. So, uh that was part of my job and so I did that for about 5 years. Managed the financial reports, meeting and conference support. Um in the last 8 years I've um mostly been in higher education. I spent 5 years at the College of Education at Oregon State University where I was responsible for professional development through for K through 12 educators. Um so, mostly in that role as experiencing a large higher education institution. And this last 2 years I've been the director of Port of Community College's Scappoose what we call Olympic Training Center. There uh I support in an administrative role and um I've spent a

064good deal of time this last year as we wrestled with budget decisions and also went through a 3-week strike. Had a very in-depth view of how the board operates um and how they support. But really I think um being an instructor myself, I'm currently a part-time instructor for Linn-Benton Community College. Uh and I I dues-paying union member with them. So, understanding from an educational perspective how important that the board is uh in setting policy and um you know, just the foundation of the organizations. That's that's the experience that I have. Thank you. All right, Christina. Same question. What experience do you have working on a board of directors? >> Um Actually, my experience would be a lot of HOA work. I have starting in 2006 I helped create a HOA in our housing development in

065Georgia. And I did two terms. Um And the first term was secretary, second term was treasurer. And so, it would have been probably roughly about 8 years with that. Uh then um when we moved here uh which would have been 2014. I I wrote on to our HOA board here and I've never left. So we're talking 12 years on our current HOA board and I'm the current president. And prior to that I'm going to say 2016 20 something like that. I was on the board of directors for the band patrons for St. Helen's band program and I was a public relations officer as well as their um sponsorship chair. Um any other items that I've done would have been while my husband was active duty. I was a Navy family ombudsman, uh wing ombudsman, command

066ombudsman, assistant ombudsman at large. And so what we are as an ombudsman if those that do not know, I'm the direct report to the commanding officer and the families. And so I'm that go-between. So there's information that I need to have and information that I can release. And so that's my background. >> All right. Sorry, is that to currently is that are you presidentially or presently in that position as well? I didn't I don't remember you saying >> No, I'm just a board member. Just a mom >> Not active duty. >> Not a military sailor at this point. That ended in 20 7. >> And I want to make sure I'm pronouncing it right. It's Shelton. >> Shelton, yes, that's correct. So I'm pretty new to this. Um I don't have any experience as a

067board of directors. Uh what I do have is nearly 26 years working as a leader in the community, working alongside other professional leaders that make frequently make consequential decisions that impact the the community that I serve. >> Great. Thank you very much, all of you. >> Okay. And I will go with the second question. And we'll start with Christine. Uh what are the most important issues facing the St. Helens School District right now in your opinion? For you. >> It's for It's for Chelsea. >> No, you. >> It's for actually should be Chelsea. >> Oh, all right. Oh, my turn. Okay. All right. >> Sorry. Chelsea, please. >> Oh, no problem. >> I can't read my own writing. >> so, I think the most important uh issues facing the district are the issues that are

068facing education. I mean, the district uh that's what our our role is in education. Uh specifically for St. Helens, uh well, I'll Let me take that back. In the or roll it back. There two that I think are most important and um first off, the financial situation that we're all in. So, not just in K through 12, but also in higher education. We all um dip from the same bucket. And um we're doing more with less every single year. And um as you saw earlier today with facilities, I know in my own experience uh watching you all decide what things that you're going to have to fund, I have to do that on a regular basis. Um right now, I'm res- placing our HVAC system at Omat for the third time. Um we had to

069replace a filter bank. It was $200,000. It wasn't something that was on our agenda. So, I'm I'm a very aware of how what a stress that is and what a struggle it is for all of us. So, I think that's that's first and foremost. And secondly, primarily with St. Helens, really has to do with the issue of trust and the rebuilding trust with the community because trust makes everything possible you know under the bonds recruiting and retaining teachers those kinds of things it it you know when it's eroded what happens is is good decisions get second guessed and so you know those academic and operational challenges are even harder making those decisions in an environment where trust has become an issue and so rebuilding trust with the community through transparency through action not through a

070you know communication strategy per se but through the way in which we conduct ourselves in the way in which we support those that are supporting our students because we really have to think about students first so >> Thank you Christine the same question what are Christina >> Thank you for that support >> What are the most important issues facing the Saint Helen school district right now in your opinion >> Chelsea hit on a lot and I agree with a lot of them my opinion my answer would have been different except for things that happened about a week ago and I think the board right now has a way that they can step in and make some changes to a situation that is in front of you right now that was made regarding two teachers and

071some realignment and I understand realignment has to happen but part of the position of the board part of the position as a superintendent or the position of the principal is to have the students come first. And there is a change that is being made in our school right now, both the middle school and the high school, that I think personally is going to be a very big detriment to the programs that are in place. And my understanding what the board does is they put out policy. Then there's other people in place. They take that policy and they make their decisions. The board is ultimately responsible in trusting that person. So my thought pattern is the board then also needs to be able to be available to look at what the community is saying out there.

072And re-look at some decisions that were made. Because I'm kind of would hope that the board was part of that decision. I don't think they were, but I would hope that they were a part and if not, that they would take it back and be able to be a part of it because I don't think it's a good decision. And I think that's the biggest thing that you're going to face right now is what just happened last week. >> Okay, thank you. Uh Dalton, this the same question. What are the most important issues facing the Saint Helen School District right now in your opinion? >> Um so going to kind of pair it off of what other people have said already, but uh fractured trust trust amongst the community members as a result of recent

073investigations that have led to a high turnover rate in staff and administration. Um the trust that was lost is going to take some time to to build back up. It's going to take consistency, integrity, and uh a strong group of people that will that are that are bound together to show that the community that uh we're doing the right thing for the right reason. Uh budget shortfalls uh that have led to a concern over funding for specific programs and classroom staffing. Again, this isn't an issue that is um solely for St. Helens. It's it's everywhere nationwide. Everybody Everybody's having budget problems. Uh we need to be able to persevere through it and um make wise choices with the money that we have. >> Thank you. Mr. Tobas, same question for you, sir. What are the

074most issue important issues facing the St. Helens School District right now in your opinion? >> Well, as you know, I was on the city council. I'm not going to call that a board. And also some of the founding fathers of what we call Main Street, which gave me a view of how let's say the community operates and what they expect of board school boards and city council. They don't expect much. One of the biggest problems our school system has is the state's attitude to education. Now, you got to understand I grew up in Connecticut and went to grade school in Connecticut, went to high school in Ohio, went to the University of Indiana. I was on the faculty at Cleveland Clinic in in Ohio, faculty at Johns Hopkins, then at Rutgers, then up in Massachusetts.

075And all of these states have different attitudes about where they should go with education. Oregon doesn't follow any of their rules. One of the things that we talk about, finance, the number of the universities here in the state is saying they're going to have to raise their tuition again, like they did last year. The university I went to for 12 years hasn't raised the tuition. In fact, if you get to the first year and you can't afford the second year, the university will pay for the second year. So, the state's attitude of how it backs local communities around here is bad. Now, the other attitude that has come up and hurts this community very much, we used to have big mills here. You didn't have to be very smart, you could always get a job.

076So, there was never a push to make the education system in Saint Helens A number one top, let's move up. You could always get a job, you you didn't have to do anything. Consequently, the industry didn't back the schools financially or even politically, and when the um heavy industry moved out, finance and everything left us, and there's a huge vacuum here. Which is, as you know, put a big hole in our money pocket. So, the voting for all those years when the big industry ran things, we really have lost the ability of our council, city council, and the board to run things. We've had the administration run things, which hasn't been very good because to a great extent they followed the Oregon rule, and if you know, Oregon's education nationwide is not at the top,

077it's close to the bottom. But, this background, what are we going to do, how are we going to do it, come after where do we want to go? And if you don't have where do we want to go, you end up like selling Helens with financial problems, with administrative problems, with huge problems of trust. And the other thing that's come up, we don't value our students very much. The administration and school uh members I should say teacher type members. Doesn't only cover teachers. They have more authority and more backing than our students do. And unless we have students that are getting educated and pushed up the there's no reason why St. Helens is going to exist as a town. Thank you. >> Thank you. I sure skipped three. >> Oh, sorry. >> No, you're good.

078Um you have the third question and if I'm back on track, Christina is asked first. >> Correct. What, in your opinion, is the role of the board? >> And unfortunately, I think I jumped ahead with my answer. Um but I think my um I I think the role of the board, again, like I had said, is you they you put out policy. People talk about budgets, right? Well, you guys put out a budget there and you tell and somebody else is responsible for taking that number and making it work. It's not you guys and I want to make sure that people understand. It's It's not you guys. You get This is the budget. Now, you're in place over here to make it work. And so again I hope that the board has the opportunity when

079decisions aren't made correctly, you're able to take them back and talk as a team. I think the The needs to be a team with everybody. Principal, superintendent, the teachers, the students. Because you're you're you're supposed to be a representative of the community and a representative of the students. >> Okay. Dalton, same question. What do you believe the role is of the board? >> Uh I believe the role of the board is to uh they represent the community of that the board members serve. Uh they set goals, create policy, promote success for staff staff and students. Uh they balance and maintain the budget and work closely together with the superintendent to achieve goals and set and create an atmosphere for success. >> Thank you. Steven, same question. What is the role of the board in your

080opinion? >> Well, technically, the board is a in charge and responsible. The board, in fact, should be looking to the future convincing the community and listening to the community of the community where we should go. And what will the students need to handle the future? Not do like we did last year, not just uh handle the budget. If we see that we should be going someplace, we the board we should then somehow find the money to do it. Not be limited by the money we have. Now, that's going to be a hard row, but that's what the board should be here. The board should be here for the heavy lifting. When they say do it and it isn't done, get someone who's going to do it. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Chelsea, same

081question. What is the role of the board in your opinion? >> So, um I think this is a question of governance versus management. So, the board governs and the administration manages. So, um you know, as as mentioned, the board sets policy, it looks over the budget, it um you know, the only position though that the board is oversees is hiring supervising superintendent. And so, that is um and I think sometimes, unfortunately, it people don't have a good understanding of the role of the board and why the role of the board is um such that we don't get involved in personnel decisions. We trust the superintendent and then we trust the superintendent to make decisions around hiring, around, you know, we are there as the governing body to support the superintendent and those that we we

082have hired that she hires and oversees. So, um you know, lines blur when boards drift into operations or administrations make decisions that should be policy. So, healthy boards resist both. Thank you. >> Me. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. >> Yeah, Dr. Walker, can >> It is me, right? >> Yep. Number four and you're starting with Dalton Lee. >> Yes. Dalton, what is the importance of the relationship between the board and the superintendent? >> So, first off, it's it's very important for the board to be strong and cohesive and it's important for them to be aligned with the superintendent. Not that they agree on everything specifically, but there should be a common goal um of a direction that they want to go in. Um that the goal should be linear and target success for the district.

083If the relationship between the board and the superintendent is fractured or even heavily strained, it causes a chaotic and a toxic environment, which can lead to failure, uh can lead to higher student dropout rates and higher staff turnover. >> Stephen, same question. What is the importance of the relationship between the school board and the superintendent? >> It's obviously critical. One of the problems that gets in the way with the relationship of this board and our superintendent is some of the strange laws that govern what who can do where, when set in by the state of Oregon. The school board, like it or not, is totally responsible for everything that goes wrong or right in the school system. The, uh, they're not the ones who have to do the, on the sidewalk work, but if their

084policy is not followed, they have to get someone who does it. Now, the superintendent should have a greater background in some things and should share that with the board. And if the board agrees with that sharing, that's what will happen. If they don't, they have to come to an agreement of what should be done. But to a great extent, we don't seem to have anybody who's looking for the future for our students. What's going to happen that students are going to need in the next 10 years? Um, one of the things that we don't have in this, uh, city and we don't have an appreciation for authority. We don't follow state law, we don't follow even city code, we don't follow federal law. We look at it the other way and have great excuses. And

085we teach our students not to care. Why should I? Somehow I can get out. It makes no difference. And that's one of the ethical problems that we're not teaching. And who is supposed to be teaching the ethics to students to follow, not to escape the problem. That is one of the problems that the board and the superintendent have got to come together on. So, we have a bigger problem with the big picture, not the details. >> Chelsea. >> Uh I think that it's the most consequential working relationship um in the district, the board's relationship with the superintendent, and it it relies on three things, clarity, trust, and discipline, truly. And if it's working, our direction reaches the classrooms and vice versa, what's happening in the classroom reaches the board. So, um in a district rebuilding

086trust, this relationship is also a model. So, uh the idea is is the model relationship between the board and that in that there may be differing opinions in this room, but that we all speak with one voice. >> Thank you. >> Can I ask you one question? Can I ask you one question? In the very beginning, you said clarity, trust, and one more thing and I missed >> Discipline. >> Thank you. >> Which question is yours? I don't know. >> Okay, perfect. Question number five is going to go to Oh, I'm sorry. I'm doing it again to you. Sorry. But this is what gets the job done up here. Thank you. I apologize. >> Do you want to restate the question? No. Okay, cuz I'm going to ask everybody They they they put it all

087out there. I'm going to make mine short, sweet, to the point. It's you know, communication, trust, and teamwork. >> Now, we'll move on to question number five. Student board member Howard, would you please start with Mr. Topaz? >> No. >> Yeah, I I went first last time. Yeah, I've got it written down, believe it or not. >> [laughter] >> I got that part right. What? >> What is your method of problem solving when you don't agree with others? >> My business of problem solving is what I've spent a life at. Giving you an idea, first major job I had was building an artificial heart. Timeline 1961. There was a whole lot of things that just weren't known. So, part of the solving the problem was finding out what we needed to know. Not doing things,

088but finding out. And the next part was evaluating what we thought we needed to see if it was correct. The next part was talk to anybody with an idea. Good ideas, bad ideas, it didn't make any difference. You needed the different viewpoints on what people thought the problem was. A lot of problem solving is people already have got the answer, but they've got to be cooperative enough to use their answer, cooperative enough to share their knowledge with other people. So, sometimes you solve the problem by allowing other people with a better grip on the problem to do the work. Uh your business is getting a process of finding out the need, the truth, and the person most capable of doing or group most capable of doing it. And the one word you cannot use when

089you problem solve is it costs too much or it can't be done. Those two things in the beginning of any problem kill the problem even before you get started, no matter how much money you spend on it. >> Does anyone need me to repeat the >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um so, problem-solving when you don't agree, I think it really comes down to the attitude that you have around conflict. And so, um I don't think disagreeing well, you can disagree well, and what that looks like for me really is not about winning the argument, but about getting to a better answer together. So, that you know, that we do rely on each other's lived experience and um you know, as well as expertise. So, I think for myself, it really starts with listening when

090it you know, coming into a new environment, listening is most important for me in conflict resolution, as well as realizing that conflict and disagreement is always an opportunity to get to some better place. And and that's part of the process, as long as we do it in ways that are healthy, um where we set good boundaries and um we demonstrate respect. >> Thank you. >> You can try it if you want to. Just go ahead. >> [laughter] >> I can make it easy. You can go by I go by Chris, too. So, >> [laughter] >> um That's an interesting question to ask someone that's the president of the HOA cuz we get a lot of those. Um and you Like with anything, it's you have to listen. You have to listen to the person, what

091their problem is. But, also ask, "So, what is your suggestion for a change to that?" And we're kind of actually going through that right now on the board. And so, [clears throat] um you know, we're HOAs come with a stigma attached automatically. And so, we have to get past that, right? We have to get past that. And so it's really getting out there, talking to your people and and asking them, "Okay, I understand what you're saying. I get what you're saying. This is our situation and why we get put up against a a brick wall. So, knowing what we're up against, what is your suggestion to get past that? Right? Cuz a lot of people don't understand what the process is. And in in your guys' issue, there's so much stuff or the board's issue

092was there's so much stuff going on that a lot of it's not public knowledge. It can't be public knowledge. And so you have to keep that in the back of your mind that some of the information that you're giving is new. And people are coming to the table with hearsay and not that they've actually done their own research. So you have to educate them. >> Thank you. Uh Mr. Estrada, uh would you repeat the question? Uh so for me, uh the first thing is when I walk into a situation, I know that there there or will be disagreements. I think if you don't go into something expecting that there's going to be disagreements, you get caught off guard. And that's when things get heated or just uh you don't handle the situation properly. Which is

093here, the second one is I don't take anything personally. Uh just because someone disagrees with me doesn't mean that they're attacking me. They don't They Maybe they just don't agree with my idea. Um and the flip side of that is don't make it personal with somebody else. Um it's perfectly feasible to disagree with somebody, remain friends, uh and work together as professionals to resolve whatever issue that there may be. And the last thing is one of the basic fundamentals of being an adult is realizing and accepting the fact that I'm not always going to get my way. >> Thank you. Any follow-up questions? >> Does anybody want to run now? I'll take this one. I [laughter] would like to ask you, Delton, your job in law enforcement, how do you feel like that would interfere

094with or work well with being on a school board and also interacting with the community? Do you think that it would affect you? >> I think it would benefit greatly. You know, I work with community every day, all day, every day. Also all aspects of the community, not just certain aspects of the community. I I go to community events. I I deal with angry people. I deal with happy people. I I deal with people all the time. That's That's that's what I do as a part of my job. Uh I don't see see there being a conflict. I Often times, I mean, we like I said before, we make frequently we make decisions that are consequential that affect the entire community. Um and those have to be carefully, you know, looked through and and then

095you re-evaluate afterwards what did we do right and what did we do wrong? How do we do this better next time? >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Mark, would you go first? >> Yeah, you can go first. I'm going to say the board thanks everybody for applying and taking the time to sit here and discuss and have a conversation with us. Um we're going to move on to the portion where we nominate and discuss and vote and select somebody. >> Can I get a comment first? >> Sure. >> Um Okay. has to do with timing. It was a big vacancy on the board. And then came a questionnaire. It looks like most of the people answered the questionnaire. The first questionnaire was in What do you want to be on the board? Most

096of the people answered why they'd be good on the board. They didn't answer the question. But I want you to know did the board uh sign in on this questionnaire? And when did they sign it? And the next thing we're going to get into now is the election. According to the state, boards are going to be elected by written ballot. And we're having a nomination and then a second and a four-person board, the other two people vote against. Not for. And it's not secret. I know two people right now because they made a motion and they made a second. I know those two people. There's two people left. That's going to be a big secret. So you're violating state law by doing that. And the other thing that we do and that you announced in

097the beginning all the speakers have 3 minutes to speak, but we only have 30 minutes, which means you're limiting it to 10 people. Cut out 11, 12, and 13. Took away their free speech rights. When are we going to use federal law versus state law? The state has some problems with short-term management. I I can tell you that from the uh business down there, the city council. As compared to other states. Now I extensive experience with other states. So that was the question. When did this questionnaire come out? When did you sign off? And did the board sign off on the method? I mean you wanted second and you agreed with When did that happen? When did that happen? After the application for him. >> Yes. >> No, we just going to discuss the process

098before we ask that >> You discuss it and sign in on it. >> I mean I have a I have a question now. Yeah. Okay, so we were kind of given guidance by Oregon School Board Association on the process because the last time we had an open position with where we nominated Director Walker, there was some confusion because we only learned about the process in a leadership meeting right before we had the actual interviews. And it was most of our first time doing this and we didn't want to go based on what had historically happened. We wanted to make sure we were following policy and so we reached out to Oregon School Board Association and they told us what the Oregon policy guidelines were. So that's what we followed. >> State Board of Education policy.

099>> I don't know actually. That's going to be my transparency here. I just listened to what Oregon School Board Association guided us to do because I don't know a lot about being on the board and so I trust them. >> You went over it in a work session. We did apparently in public. You read the applications aloud so everybody knows who's out there you're voting on tonight. And you just have to do it in a public forum. So and you will be voting tonight in a public forum. So you're good. >> But according to state supposed to be secret. If we have two people to nominate or and the second or which takes away the election as far as secret. >> It's not an election, right? It's a nomination. >> When when there's somebody who

100is taking that their position, then the rules are different for putting someone in there. >> It's an appointment. It's an appointment. It's an appointment. Yes, it's an appointment. >> We're done, folks. Thank you. I appreciate everybody's time. The board thanks you. Please go back and have a seat and then we'll start doing the discussion portion here. Okay. Wait, tell me to get set back down. Sorry. Action item 9.1, school board position number one nominations. I want Nobody else is going to go first. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. I want to I move the board nominate Dalton Schrow as position number one St. John's school board. >> Can I ask questions before going? I can't remember. Is when we do it, are we then just voting or are we discussing? Okay. Just make sure we're on

101the same page, right? Okay. Put me on the same page. Okay. So, second on that one for discussion. >> Discussion. >> Do you want to discuss? >> Yeah, well, I think I Yeah, I That's the hardest part is that you want to discuss all of them and that's the that part here. And then you don't >> I mean, we could have a motion and a second for every candidate, right? And have a discussion if that's what what it ends up being, right? I mean, we don't have to I'm sure they're agreeing on the first go, or I think we don't want to. >> Yep. I uh I like Mr. Stroz's application. Um it's uh active with, you know, doing things for the students, doing better for students. Um he's in law enforcement currently, and uh

102he's actually worked, I believe, as a >> school resource officer, so that would be a bonus to help see if we can get something down that line in the future. Um he's accustomed to working with policies, and uh you know, following following command decisions all the way down. >> I like that. I like that. >> Yes, he provided some good answers. >> Uh I like his answer to my question specifically. I feel like that's a good idea or like way to come into a situation knowing that like you might not always be the smartest person in the room or have the most understanding. Like don't take it personal. So like if somebody corrects you or you have a disagreement, I think that's a really strong foundation to start with. And I understand that he doesn't

103have as much experience on the board as he's done it before, but I think it's a strong foundation to start with if he was going to be a board member. >> Yeah, I agree. >> And there's three of us who have been didn't have any experience either jumping into it. >> Well, and I think that when we had our last uh appointment process, we were looking specifically for someone who had some experience because we felt so green and like fish out of water and it feel less like that now, so maybe it wouldn't be that that big of a deal for someone to have not as much experience. Um I do definitely like the answer for to your question, too. Uh I'm on the fence on that one. What I was I was going to

104say something, too. >> Yeah, do it. >> Um I like the response um, regarding the superintendent and board relationship. Um, I feel like that he um, did with his responses, they were student focused. He may not have um, aligned with everything that we might have agreed with, but he did it in a professional way. I also think he doesn't have an agenda. Yeah, and my worry is agendas because we had a rough year last this this year. I said last year, I feel like I've been here for two years and like I felt like I've been here for 20. So, um, I really um, like that he doesn't have an agenda. >> Director Anthony to say? >> No, but I can't believe he's been here this long and I didn't know him before. >> I

105know. >> I can't believe that. That is a miracle by itself. >> Director Walker, do you have anything to say? I'll put it to a vote. Uh, Director Walker. >> All right. >> Director Feelings. >> I'm I'm off on this one because I thought also there could be open for any other nominations. >> No, you have to vote and then if it falls, we can then go to another nomination. >> Okay. Um, on this one, I'm going to say no. >> Okay. Vice Chair Smith-Reading. >> No. >> Okay, Chair, your vote is a yes. One and one. Next person that would like to make a motion. And for everybody's uh, everybody in the audience. >> Just so that they're aware that >> Yeah, Dalton Dalton Shroll still in in the running. It's just that we're

106going to continue on with other candidates. >> Did you want to discuss? >> Right, because we wanted to discuss. >> want to discuss. >> Not passing that does not mean we cannot vote for him. We could make a motion to vote for him again right now. >> Yep. >> Um, so it's that's how it >> It's not it's not over. >> I mean I guess if there's >> Succinctly, every candidate remains eligible until someone is voted in as a new >> With a vote, yes. >> I move that the board nominate Chelsea as position one seat on the school board. >> I'll second that one. >> Okay, motion has been made and seconded to nominate Chelsea uh Lynn as school board position number one. Discussion. >> I like Chelsea's understanding of uh the role of

107the board versus um uh you know, she knows where what is our responsibility versus what is the superintendent's responsibility. I think that that does get blurred very easily when you want to come in and make huge changes and then you're like, wait a minute, hold on. Wait wait, what can I do? And I think that she gets that and I think that that's really important. She also understands the importance of the student first. Um which I think is important. Uh Yeah, that's that's my opinion. That's my understanding. >> Like a background, I think it's like pretty like extensive, I'll be honest. I think she has plenty of things going for her in that direction. I really did like her answer to before, which was what is the most What is the importance of the relationship

108between the board and the superintendent? I like her term of most consequential relationship. It can either destroy or like let them or flourish. Um and I think that's a really big answer and idea behind that. I think that comes with experience and understanding what that role truly does look like. >> I'll say one of my concerns is that um there would be like some feeling of dominance, not because there is, but that well, I do this, so therefore my opinion is the one. That's not necessarily how she is. Um cuz I don't know her. Uh but I do have concerns about that, but I you don't know until you work with someone. So. >> Perfect. Monica, do you have any? >> Yeah, I mean, the one that um I actually like to think of this

109You got a great question, Joseph. Okay, good. Anyways, but how to work together even if you don't agree and do it in ways that are healthy demonstrating respect. And I that part um is the biggest thing that I think all of us feel on our side of the table and at same time we don't totally appreciate in the audience, also. >> Right. >> So, anyway, so that is to me is a really good one, too. And then rebuilding is modeled cassette and um I think that that clarity, trust, and discipline are model are rebuilding is something we're still working on and may fit be for the next 20 years. >> Yeah, but >> we'll see what we can do. >> I also like that uh she specifically said setting boundaries and understanding them. I think

110that that says a lot about how she works, too, which is really val- valid and valued, I believe. >> Eric Colbert? >> I did particularly like her response to one of the greatest issues facing the school district and building trust. I think she could help us. Um in addition to the financial issues we face. >> [clears throat] >> Um I I think she answered very well on all of her responses. Um I think that she's very um knowledgeable of the board and superintendent roles and responsibilities. I think she um gets it. Um the one thing that I worry about though is I don't want to say conflict of interest, but she um there there could be competition happening um with regional supports for the um skill center um with um community colleges. And so I

111don't know if I just I want to call that out that that's something I'm a little worried about and that it's um somewhat of it's kind of out as somewhat of an agenda and I'm not I'm not saying that straight up that it's something very passionate about that work. Like we're all passionate. Um but I just that's that's my opinion. >> Okay. Meaning you fear that the work that they do via PCC and Omic could be feeling competitive towards the skill center we're hoping to put into >> Absolutely. >> the old plan building. >> That's how I feel. Yes. And there's been some shared about that. But I I think that she's had a passion for it um so that could also be missed through this agenda, but it's up. >> Okay. Okay. >> Any

112other further discussion? >> Comments? >> Vote with two vote. Director Walker? >> Aye. >> Director Killings? >> No. >> Vice Chair Smith-Reed? >> No. >> Chair Yoder-Zeno also. >> I'll make a nomination for Christina and I'm so sorry. Soles. Second. >> Okay. Motion has been made and seconded for Christina Soles to be nominated to the St. Helens or to to the board on St. Helens position number one. Discussion? >> My concern is that uh it doesn't feel like she understands the difference between uh the role of the board um and the role of the superintendent. That's my fear. Um and again we set up a fit and we trust our superintendent to send it. So, I feel like that is unfortunately something that is going to prevent me from being able to ask. >> Okay.

113>> I felt I also I don't felt fully attacked during that interview and if it was a public comment, she would have been allowed to share in a public comment and so I just want to be on record to say that. And she's very passionate. So, I also think that she's a passionate person. I think she has a lot to offer for, you know, the roles. She has experience on boards. I just I'm hesitant because of the year we had this year, right? With our agendas. Yeah. >> Director Billings. >> Well, I mean, everybody has great answers to different things. Yeah, I mean, that's always going to make this hard. Um, one of the things though that I did fill out is um, put it when working on issues of trust, but that at the

114same time to remember that students come first. So, be available to be out in the community and see what the community wants and what kids want. And that is something because of the way it has gone for basically the last year and a half almost, that that has been really difficult to actually be able to do. So, great suggestion. No matter what happens is that is something and also working on the communication and trust with the board and the superintendent is one that is a forever also. And the only other thing was this um, I really like the one part about having to listen to what the problem is from someone, but then asking what they would do to solve the problem. Because I have wanted to ask that of our we'll see our favorite

115fans in our community, whether here or on Facebook, is in a year and a half I have yet one single one of them to come to me with a solution. Um and I wanted to ask her what would you do? So So I think that's another thing that would be great for us as board no matter what is to start working at what what solutions can we all come up >> Yeah, I thought was something I highlighted too for answer saying what is suggestion? What do you suggest we do to resolve this? I also think she has a really great resume, lots and lots of board experience which I think is valuable but again I don't think it's necessary. >> Short order? >> I do appreciate her passion for the school district and support of

116students. Um Speaking personally, I didn't know what the role of the school board was versus a superintendent when I applied. Um I've been educated and been able to you know, I think honor that that boundary in the way that it's supposed to be structured. So I would I would hope that anybody we bring in I I honestly don't feel like anybody any of the candidates truly know that that very distinct role and how the policies govern, how that communication goes but um I do think of everybody that we've interviewed she has the most involvement with students already and has had for years. >> Can I make a comment though? A certain group of students cuz I'm I want to make sure that you hear that there were several listening and learning sessions across the K-12

117pre-K-12 experience where multiple students shared um their opinions on what they needed and wanted in a school district. So um I would say a certain group. >> Sure. Yeah, I concur with you on that. >> Okay. >> And I think she has a good passion. I've just my concern is I don't know that if I'm going entirely the right way about with that passion. And she is passionate for her students, I'm just not sure that it's she's going about it in the correct way. >> Any other discussion? All right, let's go. You'll vote for a vote, Director Walker. >> I. >> Director Killings. >> Yes. >> Christine Smith-Reed. >> No. >> Vice Chair or sorry, Vice Chair Smith-Reed, Chair Yoder is a no as well. >> All right, sorry. Did Did you vote? Yes. Okay.

118Sorry, I'm keeping track of the the >> Yeah, you're right, it's the votes. I got it over here, too. >> I move that the board nominate Dalton Strow to position one, St. Helena School Board. >> I'll second that one. A motion has been made and seconded to nominate Dalton Strow to the position one as the St. Helena School Board. Um any discussion? Director Walker. >> I. >> Director Killings. >> I. >> Vice Chair Smith-Reed. >> I. >> And I'm ayes as well. So, congratulations. Uh would you mind coming forward really quick? And you're going to get put to work immediately. I want to thank all the candidates for taking time and applying and going through the process. >> And also, please stay involved. >> Please, we need help. >> get all the votes this time

119doesn't mean we don't want you to And one year there's >> You're going to take the oath of office immediately. So, he's he's not going to know what the role of the board trust is and stuff like that. Hold on, just go for it. Okay. Oh, sorry. >> Sorry. >> Smile pretty. >> Thank you. I Hilton swear to solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially >> discharge the responsibilities >> of the St. Helens office >> and the duties of the office school board of directors of St. Helens School District in accordance with the Constitution of the United States Constitution and state laws of Oregon >> and the policies of said district to the best of my ability I further swear that I shall respect the taxpayers interests as serving as a faithful protector of

120the school district assets >> I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow board members and others who seek hearing before the board while respecting the privacy of students and employees I shall recognize the board member has no legal authority as an individual and that only by a majority vote only by a the vote at a public meeting. >> And I shall abide by majority decisions. >> And I shall abide by majority decisions. >> Of the board while retaining the right to seek changes. >> Of the board while retaining the right to seek changes. >> And such decisions through technical and constructive challenges. And such >> [laughter] >> Long sentence. >> Such decisions >> And And such decisions through >> technical and constructive challenges. >> Welcome to the firehouse. >> Thank

121you. >> [laughter] >> Okay. >> Not yet. >> We'll get back on back on agenda again. 9.2 Superintendent Policy Review Committee. >> I can't manage to It's the action items. >> Pardon me? >> Action items. >> Oh. Sorry. Do I move or do I close the loop? >> Yeah. I move that the board approve. >> Okay. >> What? >> Wait. No, I'm just saying 9.2. Policy Review Committee. Need a motion. >> Were we going to Do you want to change the name or something? No, it's just we needed to address it what it was called and it's the Superintendent Policy Review Committee. >> Oh, okay. Well, I don't know what that is. So, uh we >> We're to the We're to the part of the >> We're approving the name. >> Yes. >> Well, because

122the problem is there's different The reason why is because if it's not titled a certain way then it's a public meeting. >> Right. >> And so we don't title it cuz the whole top the whole re-purpose of having the committee was not having them during work sessions. Those All of those policies and going through them. So, we go through them and we um per OSBA's recommendations which they're our legal attorneys, and then we bring them to the board for you guys to review and vote like through the reading process. >> Okay. >> And that's what we're doing already. We just have to title it so that it's not considered a public meeting. >> We got it. >> I move that the board approve >> Oh, okay. >> I move that the board approve the superintendent

123policy review committee as the superintendent committee as presented. >> Second. >> How do I mix that one? >> Second the motion. >> Are we naming it the policy review committee or the superintendent committee? >> Superintendent policy review >> Thank you. >> I will state that. >> Start over. >> Okay. >> Start over. >> I move that the board approve the policy policy review No, stop it. I am I move that the board approve the superintendent policy review committee. >> Yay, presented. >> There you go. >> Just say 9.2 then you're already safe no matter what it is. >> Is there a second on that? >> Yeah, second. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded that we approve the superintendent committee as presented. Is there any discussion needed? Director Rowan. Uh, first time for you, Director

124Strow. >> Yes. >> Voting time. >> Yes, I. >> Okay. Director Walker. >> I. >> Director Killings. >> I. >> Vice Chair Smith-Reed. >> I. >> Chair Yortson, I as well. Moving on to 9.3. HVAC contract. I move the board approve the HVAC contract as presented. >> I second. >> Okay, motion has been made and seconded to approve the HVAC contract as presented. Sorry. >> This is very shaky. She's freezing. >> Jeez. >> I'm sorry, I'm shivering. >> I'm sorry. So >> Oh, sorry. I just wanted to say >> Oh, okay. >> I'm sorry, I'm cold. I'm like shaking. >> Well, I was just going to say we don't need to approve it because just leave the door open. >> Yeah. Okay, let's uh any discussion needed on that? >> No discussion. >> Okay, Director

125Strow. >> I. >> Director Walker. hi. Director Killings, >> I. Vice Chair Smith Reed, Chair Yoder and I as well. See, 9.4 EFIS contract. >> Move that the board approves the EFIS contract as presented. >> Second. >> A motion is made and seconded to approve the EFIS contract as presented. Do we need any discussion? Sure. >> I was just going to ask, can someone just Someone just tell everybody, including TV at home, what those initials stand for so that they'll know? Jared, do you Jared, >> I think it's just called EFIS. >> EFIS doesn't stand for anything, Jared, particularly? No, okay. >> [laughter] >> Well, then never mind. Whatever we want to call everything. Just checking. >> One of those acronyms. >> I just like to always point those out so that they're >> Sure.

126No, okay. I was just looking for it, too, myself, so sorry. All right. >> The exterior insulation and finish. >> Yep. There you go. Good. Nice job. >> Google is your friend. Here we go. >> [laughter] >> She Googled it, don't worry. >> Did she chat GPT that? >> No, I just Googled >> [laughter] >> First thing that came to my mind. >> We'll get back on track, folks. Director Strove, hi. Director Walker, hi. Director Killings, Vice Chair Smith Reed, Chair Yoder and I as well. Appropriations Resolution 2025-26-010. >> Before we do this, I believe you had some questions about it. And we didn't actually explain those. Do you want um Linda, do you want to pause and let Linda do the financial statement now? >> She's like, no. >> Okay, that'd be better. >>

127Yes, please. >> questions and my thought was we're going to do it before, and so I want to make sure that you hear it all. The whole shebang before they >> Oh, another package. >> I know, for me. >> Oh, it's giving me the okay. >> This is Yep, we do, sorry. >> Okay, so the appropriate thing might be to make a motion, make a motion, then second it, and then you discuss, and then she'll help you discuss it, okay? Does that sound good? >> Okay. >> I move that the board approve appropriation resolution 2025-26-010 as presented. >> Second. >> Okay, motion has been Motion has been made and seconded that we approve resolution 202526010. Discussion, please. >> Okay, so the question was asked that I mentioned that I had put a little more there

128than I think I needed to. So, if you go to the page Yeah, that memo that I write, and then the next one after that, the appropriations page that has two yellow columns, that one, that that adds up, you'll see that, um, from last month to this month in the 1,000 for fund 100, I'll just get up here. >> Thank you. >> This was about $18,000, I think, last month, and now it's $88,000. It's not a lot, but I put 70 just to be safe. >> Okay. >> And that's with the 70. >> Thanks. >> So, it's about $18,000. And we're taking the $70,000 away from here, which means you're still in good shape. >> Okay. >> And then in the special revenue funds, it's the same idea. I put the 400 in there, that

129gives us a cushion of 243. I didn't have to move that much, but taking 400 out of here didn't hurt it, either. So, I wanted I just wanted to be safe. I have learned through my, um, years of experience that you go a little high so you don't have to come back and say the same thing again to the board the next month. So, that's That's I did it. game. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Any further questions? What? Okay. Thank you. That would be the next one. >> Yes. Do you want me to leave now? >> Yeah. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Leave now. >> Not the building. >> Okay, we'll move to a vote. Uh Director Stroe, Director Walker, Director Killings, I. >> I. >> Vice Chair Smith-Reed, I'm an I as well.

130What do we have here? >> Calendar. >> I move that the board approve the 2026-2027 board calendar as presented. >> Presented. >> As updated. >> As presented and updated. >> Presented and updated. >> Second. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded that we approve the 2026-2027 board calendar as presented and >> Do you remember I saw this? >> Okay. Updated. >> Updated, sorry. No No discussion needed. Okay, Director Stroe, >> I. >> Director Walker, >> I. >> Director Killings, >> I. >> Vice Chair Smith-Reed, >> I. >> Chair York is an I as well. On the board reports, item number 10. Okay. Stroe Director Stroe, I know you're a very short tenure. You can see have it if you want to say anything. Your board report, I'll give you the opportunity. And if not, we

131understand that you want to pass. You're just at the bottom of the list. Go to Director Walker. >> I had something I wanted to share. I can't remember what it was. >> I keep thinking we can put you at the end. >> We can come back. You good? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Director Killings. >> Yeah, I um I well, actually just been great being in all kinds of last activities for all of our things from our sports to whatever. So, and getting ready for graduation. What I want to know is if we could um at least bring it up and if we need to get more information, but this would be um how the board has been at graduations before and we have multiple that we could attend to next week both the first night

132is Thursday at the middle school and that'll be Plymouth and all of our virtual students that are graduating and then the second one is graduation on Friday night and I just want to make sure that we are all on the same page as far as what we're doing as board and being there and attending. So and I don't really have any but the principal for those buildings as far as what they would like. So that's why I have it what they would like. >> They would like for you to join in the audience. We can put you want front row seats, but on stage they just want one board member that we need one board member at the high school on stage to help do the diplomas. And we had talked about the board chair,

133but we know that if somebody has someone there that they want to hand agenda the diploma to, they could do that, but that would be like you guys to discuss now with who you would like. >> I'd like to hand it to Joseph. >> [laughter] >> We could all just have him walk right by us. >> No. >> So couldn't it then just be the board chair then? >> Okay. >> Well, can we can we like arm wrestle or something? >> To what? >> Cuz I'd like to give it to Joseph. >> I'd like to do it too. >> Okay, fine. You win. >> Look at that. You're just You're just on stage the the the principals they give the diplomas. It's if you have a relative or something that you want to give it

134to. Yeah, they so you wouldn't be able to hand the diploma. You might be shaking hands. Yeah. >> Oh, I don't want to do it. >> [laughter] >> It's all shaking of hands. I I'm not going to shake hands with her probably if she's going to be on stage with them. So yeah. A lot of >> I do want to shake hands actually though, but >> I don't know if I can >> sure that there's seats. You had said there was an issue with the seating last year. >> Yeah, last year though. >> So, we'll make sure there's enough seating for staff, enough seating for the board, and then there'll be the invited folks. So, you know, it's you set the dates. >> Yeah. >> I can't attend on Thursday. >> That's okay. >> Okay,

135it's it's 6:00. Is it in the >> Yes, the middle school. It's both virtual and uh at the middle school at 6:00 and then Friday at 7:00 at the um >> But >> It or us are we at the high school we still even if we sit in the front row I don't know how they're doing it here cuz this is new for them having the virtual over there and doing the way that they're doing it with Plymouth, but we still usually meet back in the cafeteria commons, whatever way you want to call it, where they're all lining up. The board walks out. We just go sit down in our seats that we've been told. So, to usually in all honesty, they want you there like at least an hour before graduation to get in,

136be there, getting everybody kind of organized, and >> And you don't have to walk in that way, either, if you can't get there early. >> Yeah, I mean, if somebody can't, but but you could be there at least as early as 6:00 and these guys over here said 5:30 to be able to just be here and be ready to go to do the graduation. >> [laughter] >> I just want to make sure we were all in sync. >> Graduation ceremony is at 7:00. >> It starts at 7:00. >> Like to the minute, so many do not >> Only thing about sitting up front, that's 88. >> That's what? >> I mean, you know, it's a whole another situation. We're kind of off to the side, you know. And and the other thing, too, is if

137somebody can drop you off >> Yeah. >> instead of you trying to find a place to park at >> Parking's going to be full. >> I'll go right >> You can park at Walmart and walk the whole way if you want, so. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I see. >> Oh, sorry. >> Vice Chair Smith, do you have anything? >> No. at O M I C with the R and R program. That was that was fantastic. The trades were there. They had people that they could talk to pipe fitters, to welders, all the way down the line to air conditioning, all that stuff. And the group of people that went through there asked some great questions and got some good answers. I thought it was a great to go there. So, that was kind of

138fun. Yeah, that's cool. Yeah. And that's a great group of kids that we have students. So, okay. Superintendent report. I would like to invite Linda back out. Okay. I have I have more than normal tonight because I just wanted to give you a little run down on purs and a couple other things. But, let's do the financial since we already started on those. >> give you a little rundown on PERS and a couple other things, but let's do the financial since we already started on those. Um you see my updates um you know, we're we're getting close to the end of the year. Uh the ending fund balance is holding at the 3.3, which is good because that's what we back budget it for in the budget. Um Uh remember May and June on my

139monthly is our estimates and they will change. They're as close as I can come. I really can't uh project or guess on substitutes and a few other um costs at the end of the year. Uh we took care of the appropriations as as you said and um I did want to point out on this spreadsheet that Ed has up if you could scroll down just a little. Um that 3.309 uh for an ending fund balance is 8.16% of your revenue and your your policy reads to keep it at 5%. So, that's a good thing. Um on that note, I did notice when I was um moving the budget over from the 26-27 budget from proposed to approved and then approved to adopted that I put all of our um the 5% or the 3.5% in

140in unappropriated, which means you can't spend a penny of it. So, I'd like to move 500 into contingency, which is just a 6,000 count versus a 7,000 count and leave 864 in the reserve for a just in case. If we have something that blows up for Jared and he needs some money immediately, then I want to we want to be able to cover that. So, I know I shouldn't I should never say that out loud, but we do know things happen and we may need something there. If you leave it all in the unappropriated, it's pretty much an act of God that is the only way you can use it. So, I'd rather have somewhere we have a half a million and an 864. So that's how I would propose to do it for the

141adopted budget. >> I have a question. I don't know if this might be silly, but um Are not None of those things covered in your like insurance? Like are >> Oh, some things are. Some things aren't. So yeah. >> So like if the Columbia City's fire had turned into property damage, our insurance would cover property damage but not the >> Yeah, so not the generator. So >> Okay, yeah. Okay. we I've run into situations in my um in my work where um we had a flood at one of our buildings and when they had to tear into the sheetrock, they found existing mold. That was not covered by the insurance because it was existing and they didn't find it till they ripped off the sheetrock and then we had to come up with money to

142pay for that. So I want to be in a in a position to take care of something like that that may come up. Hopefully >> I think that's what happened. Yeah, that's what happened in the past. >> Um so I don't know if there were any questions on any of the financial parts of it. Um it's the same look I've been giving you and I plan to continue with with these pages um from now on. I did want to um go through a little bit about PERS and if you could bring up that I I gave you some dark pages that are about It says um I stole this from Gresham No, I stole this from Yeah, Gresham Barlow. Um they just kind of give you an overview of PERS and what kind of money

143it's costing us and the things that have happened with it. Um the rates of return and those sorts of things. So these are just for your review. I'm not going to go through them tonight, but I did want to give you where Saint Helens is with it. So um I We've talked about a PERS cliff coming up in 2027-28 and I just want put together this um spreadsheet that shows here's where our purse costs are for 5.18 million This is our monthly cost 46 and then you keep going and you have is a reserve we're putting in and we talked about that when we were budgeting for the whole thing for reserve. But the cost for 2627 is going up to 6 million and 9 which is an increase of a million dollars. So 575

144for a month. And then when you go to the this is where we we come into this situation that most districts that did a pursuader bond are are coming into. There's a cliff now for one year because we're not getting any rate decrease from our pursuader bond because it's going to amp it's the it's over so we can't get a decrease in our normal rates are tier one, tier two, tier three also. So that is where this problem comes in. So I'm not going to put more in the reserve in 2728 or or 29. So yes, the person in the position not to do that. But it's going to go up to 8 million and 1 which is up another 1.2 million from the prior year. So I'm trying to get ready with that 574

145I showed up above to cover some of this big increase so that we only 500 about half of that to come up with to to make it. So I'm saying 2728 is going to be the top of the increase. >> Why are you not recommending that we put money in the reserves then if it's going to be a tough year? >> Because we have to pay it back. >> Oh okay. >> So if we put it in we just pay >> We just did that. Okay. Okay, that makes sense. >> Yeah, we're done. >> Yeah, that makes sense. >> And I didn't I didn't think we wanted to cover all of the reserve in this budget year because we already made funding cuts this budget We are working towards sustainability but you're going to have

146to come up with a to get to that. And then we'll go then I I kept going up. Then we get much better. Like once the initial amount of money comes in and they get zero and then you go back down to 2 years ago. Now it's um 5880 something that's the actual cost. So the difference is huge when you go from this year 8188 to this year 670 5627. So you it it's you just got to get through the one year. It may be a year where you got to save and then the balance goes back to your 2% to get through part of that or something like that. All right. Or maybe by then we'll be in two more by annuals. Maybe the state will come to us a little bit better. >>

147And that enrollment will be back again. >> And maybe the enrollment will be back again. So then I just gave you fiscal year reviews so that you can look at um what I'm saying. Just I wanted that to be a picture in your mind. So when someone talks about that you'll get what they're saying and you'll hear this around the state. There's plenty of districts that were pursuing a bond sale. I'm not bashing the Percy Julian bond sale at all. We saved over $20 million since 2002 when we did this for this district which could be then used for teachers and staff as needed whatever the students needed. If we wouldn't have we wouldn't have been we wouldn't have been able to worse shape years before this. >> Can I ask a quick question? When

148you were talking about them we are done I was there then when we did that one back then in 2002 and and it's been at this long. What would you say a possibility of a lifetime expectancy of it. This time it's like when it's done paid for, what do you think? >> Like Like if we do it again? >> Mhm. >> Um we are we put our our name in the hat to have it looked at up with a lot of other districts in the state to see if this was the right climate to do a pursuer a long time in. Um it'll be probably 6 months or more before we go get that. But if this is the right time You know, it depends on the interest rates and the bond market, everything that

149I'm not an expert in. We need to rely on the experts to give us the information. I know when I um done it before um we Our district we did it 2003 and we also did it 2010, I think it was or maybe >> To keep it going. >> a little later than that. Um we wanted the guarantee to be at least 75% of the annual annual course. We just didn't want to take a chance of it and get it going. So, the guarantee is 85%. So far it's worked pretty well. So >> I'm signed up to go to the There's a session that they're giving on it, the study. A couple of them. So, I'm signed up to do a half-day session on it. See what happens. >> Yeah. We'll see. We'll see what

150they come up with and when they um they a company does a look for the whole group of people and then they will advise on an individual district basis what it looks like for you. Because everybody's fund development liability is different. You know, our second half is going to be way different than Portland. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Any other questions on that? >> Nope. Thank you. >> Thank you. It's always a pleasure. All right. Students. >> Oh, we'll move it on. Did you have anything you wanted, Don? >> Do we I'm in there. Yeah, he's going first and then I'm going to go. That's what our superintendent reports. >> Okay, I don't have too much. I just finished up last Wednesday at McBryde. Which I finished this year. I really uh really enjoyed doing that.

151I encourage other students to try to take the same opportunity as I did to go work with kids and get that idea for what it's like to be a teacher and understand like how hard it is. It's not It's really beneficial to have young positive role models in kids' lives cuz sometimes kids don't always receive that at home or in other places. And I think that's really beneficial to kids' mental and physical physical well-being throughout the school day. I really do think I had some level of benefit to some of these kids. I'm not claiming I did everything right or like did everything for perfect for these kids, but I do think I did have some positive effect. And I do really encourage other students to try and take the same opportunity not just at

152McBryde but in other buildings, too. And then our softball team just uh won their first playoff game today against Junction City and now we are playing Hedley. So, Hedley? >> On Friday night. They're really good. We're going to win. Our our softball girls are also really good. They're awesome. And I think we're going to go to state again. >> Away or home on that? Are they down near Groesbeck? >> It's home Friday. Friday's home. >> And then Friday night >> Home Friday. Okay. >> Great. >> And if they win, they >> Let's do it my way. >> I was planning I went uh I went there last year while he's fairly the superintendent and I went to the playoffs. It was awesome. >> Yep. >> You have to go with me. >> Okay. I think

153that's all I got. >> Yeah. Uh I just want to thank Joseph because I think you came with me on my first couple of listening and learning sessions with students and that's where you started to interact with the bright students in lunch and some of the other schools at lunchtime. And so, I just it was fantastic to see you do that and then to grow from that. Continue to help serve our kids in our community. Um I'm going to miss you next year. Um I think that you've given me a lot of uh sound advice on many committees. And uh whenever I needed some like what do you think about this? Um you did a great job. Um you sat through policy review committees that are really boring and you sat there with input and

154feedback and um grace when we didn't know policy we were on and you were like, "Hey, guys, we're on this one, and we did talk about that one last time." And da da da da. That was very organized, and I appreciated that. What do you call it, Joseph's? Um that policy review committee. Um and I just want I'm very uh happy to have you here for Sharon and the mom wrestling, going to college, and all those things. Um I'd also like to share like for this you know, it's that time of year where we have to push towards graduation. Um I'm still in schools um 2 days a week and observing, and people are just it's the end of the year, tired, and they're still doing it with grace and supportive kids and each other.

155Um and I we're planning for next year. So, we're talking about what like professional learning looks like next year, and I um I want to um stress uh with the board and the community that professional learning is extremely important um for our educators and our administrators. It's part of how they keep their licensure up-to-date. We provide a lot of in-house and um you know, uh the job-embedded learning for our community our staff and administrators every Wednesday with early release, and we have leaderships that we do. We also have um conferences that we go to. Um, over this year though, we have reduced the outside travel significantly. Um, there's been a his- history of, um, lots of people going on, um, conferences because we had the money at that point to let people, like a whole

156team of people go. Now, because we don't have, um, that kind of budget, we send specific people that come back and do like the trainer of trainer models or do some in-house learning, and I've been very clear that, um, it there's a lot of stuff in the state of Oregon that we can attend, that we need to look at those opportunities first, um, before we start talking about that out-of-state travel, um, because there has been um, trips to DC and to Vegas for which were legitimate because they that was the only place that offered some of those curriculum trainings. Like our early learning, um, crew will be going out of state, um, for a curriculum on towns. They're called the The curriculum they bought was they the only place that they have it is at

157the specific conference, which is out of state, but they will also be going to an early learning conference, um, here in the state. Um, they go after kids are out because they have a job during the um, the year to take care of our little learners, and it's really important, um, that we remember that professional learning goes pre-K 12 for our staff and our administrators. And I want to last thing I'd like to say is that, um, it's also contractual that we provide that opportunity and that we have a growth mindset. We're asking our students to learn, and it's important that we also learn as educators. >> Are those when you have the teach the teacher model where the one goes and comes back, are those not, uh, CE certified courses? Do they have to

158have CE for their licensure or do they continue Well, yeah, so what happens is is that they they still get it like we during leadership they can earn credit if they're sitting in professional learning on a Wednesday afternoon. If they're in their PLTs, they can also learn earn those PDUs on the licensure. The state of Oregon during COVID reduced those requirements but they wanted you to keep track anyway of the things that you were doing because those those requirements are coming back and so yeah, you can earn PDUs in multiple ways. That's why I've said we're going to limit the travel out of state, limit the travel for our administrators like you you know saying you get 1500 for the year that's it, right? So because it is contractual too but they also need their

159work community to grow as others. Yeah. Sorry, are there online opportunities for some of that as well? Yeah, we have online opportunities that I love the vector trainings. There is a lot of vector trainings and it happens at the beginning of the year they're they're emergency response trainings like the yucky ones and illegal ones all those first things that you would have to know as a teacher and a custodian pest management. I could go on and on about you know cuz I did have a mouse in my office cuz I wasn't managing the pest very well with my chocolate. So I got in trouble with our facilities guys and they got rid of it. >> [laughter] >> But there's reasons why we have those and we have the child abuse trainings and the reporting and

160we had to increase those significantly for our action plan this year so they get it multiple times not just virtually they get it virtually and then they have it maybe mid year and then they kind of pace provides which is our insurance company, provides webinars or videos to say, "Hey, if you do these things, you can reduce your um insurance by 5% rather than 25%." And we got it. We need every help. We need all the help we can get because the liability insurance is through the roof next year. Over a million for very little coverage, right? So, those are the That's another reason we have to do training, right? Because of the action. Like, which is good cuz people need to know about it. Yeah. Um you can sign up for online courses, too.

161They have tuition reimbursement. Um our educators do. Or they can take an online course cuz they have so many courses they can take and then they can move up on their salary levels and all those things. So, yeah. >> I don't know what the like protocol is for teaching staff about reporting. I know that like last year when all of this was happening, I heard from somebody as educators that it was like a watch this video and answer a couple of questions, but it was the same education every year. So, they just had to answer some stuff that the in-person I think just keeps people involved. >> And we changed from the previous year to a more comprehensive um where you can't skip this skip all the way through. Right. And we just took a

162cybersecurity You're welcome. So, cybersecurity because that's important too. Yeah, and all the things that we're doing. Um so, and we try to provide the time for them to do it like during a work uh Cuz it's what This one was 20 minutes to be almost 20 minutes to do. Um but we like we have a staff meeting that we give back to them to be able to take it. But with the comprehensive um reporting, it's also we you know, we had a standard operating procedure that we went over with them. We did in-person uh What do you call it? Slideshows we're going over and asking questions. We had scenarios at the beginning of the year that they had we walked through scenarios. Because we have to, right? You're right. You don't sometimes we don't pay

163attention, but our reporting was way up and then went because it first it went up because everybody was reporting everything and which as you should, but but like because if you're in doubt, you do it. That's what I tell people. But it's leveling out to a more what do you call it? A normal Yeah, right. Okay, so okay. >> Hey Jason. >> I read and sign every single one. So I have read every single child abuse report and then I follow up if I don't feel like something has happened that should have happened. I write that and I call the police or we notify families, all those kinds of things. But I think it's a pretty good thing that they've made and done because you don't always report that in the report DHS. That's the

164other side of the conversation. Yeah. >> When is Joseph's last meeting? Is it >> I think this is it. >> This is it. >> [laughter] >> WELL, JOSEPH, FOR MYSELF, I appreciate you being here, what you added to this board, what you projected out to the community, to the staff, the students. Um, you've got big things coming on the horizon. >> Yeah. >> And we'll be watching you do some wrestling. >> Yeah. >> And give your parents a big hug cuz they did something right with you. >> Yeah, for sure. Yeah, I'll >> Sorry, Mom. >> [laughter] >> The example that you have set is uh truly inspiring. >> Yeah. >> You give me hope for our future. So yeah, I really appreciate that. >> I don't have to tell you how many times I

165appreciate so much that you kept the adults under control. >> Yes. >> Yeah, appreciate that greatly. >> She's really good at giving the feedback. >> Yeah. Uh well, we'll move on then. Uh upcoming events. Uh 12.1 June 10th, 2026 work session. 12.2 June 24th, 2026 regular session. Dates of interest. The holidays passed, so I'll just go to May 29th, 2026 district furlough day. Uh June 5th, 2026 we have a graduation. Hey, June 8th, 2026 last day of school K through 11 early release. And if there is nothing else from anybody >> except except middle schoolers. The 6th and 7th graders get out on the 5th. On the Friday. >> Friday. >> Only the 8th graders get out on the Yeah, I don't know. We got an email. Uh it's been that way for a long

166time. >> The last day of school is district wide and then the middle school and the seniors they have a different day too, but as far as like district wide school I meant it's actually the 8th. 6th and 7th graders get out Friday and then the seniors have a different day too. >> So like they're going to >> They were notified on the >> notified the families. >> Uh 8th grade promotion and their like middle school assemblies all happen on the 5th. That is like when the ice cream party and the assemblies happen, but then the 8th which is district wide mostly. Um last day of school of the 8th graders. >> They're going to go to the water park. >> Got it. So that's >> Yeah, so it would have been a half day

167anyway or early release day anyway. >> Got it. >> So we got an email saying that 6th >> Okay. Thanks. Good good to know. >> Nothing further? We're adjourned. >> Mhm.