001Uh start with the roll call. Student representative Joseph Howard I think he's probably got some extra curricular stuff going on in the sports. Where is it? Yeah, I know. Back in the front by itself. Sorry. That's okay. Right here. Oh, I missed it. I'm sorry. Pledge of allegiance secretary With the call to order. 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. So, we'll make a roll call of those Good. Now you're on the Now you're on the record. Student representative Joseph Howard absent. Director Walker Director Russell Here. Director Killingsworth Here. Vice chair Smith is here. And chair Lord is present as well. And at this time we are going to recess into
002executive session. Um the St. Helens School District will now meet in executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660 to act to consider information or records exempt from law by law from public inspection. Representatives of the news media does a staff shall be allowed to attend. Representatives of the news media are specifically directed not to report on or otherwise disclose any of the deliberations or anything said about these subjects during the executive session. Except the statement of general subject of the session as previously announced. No decisions will be made in executive session. Topics discussed in executive sessions are limited to uh ORS 192.660 Um when the Ethics Commission hears a complaint regarding alleged elective executive session violation, uh the commission will investigate all members of the body in attendance even if some of the members are not
003mentioned in the complaint the ORS 199.040.0025. Let me explain. This may lead to a finding of violation by all board members. If the executive session is occurring and unauthorized topics are being discussed, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission guides board members to object to discussing unauthorized topics and if necessary and not necessarily leave the executive session. Then leave. Okay, and we will recess. >> Mhm. >> We'll go back in regular session. Item five, agenda approval. Items to be added may be added or removed at this mic. I move that we remove public record integrity in response to public comments from the agenda. Second. Second. Motion is made and seconded to remove What is the title again? Sorry. Public comments? Public record integrity in response to public comments. Thank you. That's a long title. It is. Is
004there any discussion needed? No. Okay. Director Walker? Aye. Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Vice Chair Smith-Reed? Aye. And I as I as well. And we're moving to item number six, Community Impact Awards. St. Helens School District Community Community Impact Award honors one student, one staff member, and one community member whose commitment to excellent service and leadership truly stands out. First up is Jada. Please don't make me say that last name. Matsumoto? Is that right? Matsumoto. Oh, boy. I'm so sorry. Do you mind if I have you turn around and get a quick picture of you guys if that's okay? Ready? There's a lot to be said for you, okay? [laughter] Jada is an exceptional student who demonstrates determination, focus, and a strong commitment to her academic success. Through her disciplined approach to learning and
005her clear vision for the future, she has distinguished herself as a leader among her peers at the St. Helens Virtual Academy. Jada's dedication to her education is evident in her outstanding academic performance and her ability to thrive in the virtual learning environment. Her success reflects the hard work, responsibility, and perseverance she consistently demonstrates in her studies. Through the flexibility of the online academy, Jada has taken full advantage of the opportunities available to her and is currently on an accelerated path toward early graduation. She has embraced the focused atmosphere of virtual learning, using it to eliminate distractions and fully engage in her coursework. This is intentional. This intentional approach has allowed her to stay organized, manage her time effectively, and consistently produce high-quality work. Jada's dedication has not gone un- gone unnoticed by her teachers. Her
006mathematics instructor, Dan Jeremiah, recognizes her as a model student who consistently turns in thoughtful, well-prepared work and maintains a high level of accountability in her studies. Her ability to manage her schedule while maintaining strong academic standards highlights highlights both her maturity and her commitment to success. Looking ahead, Jada has set her sights on a career in healthcare and plans to focus on medical education. Her goal of pursuing a career in nursing reflects her desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in her community. Jada is a shining example of what it means to take ownership of one's education and pursue goals with determination and purpose. Her drive, focus, and ambition make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. Paul Connelly. Oh. Paul has made an impact lasting impact on the St. Helens School
007District through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to supporting both students and collea- colleagues. Over the past 20 years as a district employee, including 13 years in the facilities department, Paul has built a reputation as dependable and respected team member. His calm presence and strong work ethic are valued by those around him. Throughout his career, Paul has continually sought opportunities to grow in his profession, learning new skills and taking on additional responsibilities to better serve the district. His thoughtful approach and steady leadership has made him a trusted employee among colleagues and administration alike. Paul has been selected in the past to work with students on classroom projects, reflecting the trust and confidence others place in his ability to positively connect with young people. In addition to his professional contributions, Paul has dedicated countless hours of his
008personal time to support student athletics through the district's wrestling program. For 10 years, he served as a coach at the St. Helens Middle School team while also volunteering for team while also volunteering for local youth wrestling club and assisting the high school program. Over the past four year- four years, Paul has continued that commitment as head coach of the St. Helens High School wrestling team. As a coach, Paul focuses on teaching not only the fundamentals of wrestling, but also the important values of discipline, respect, perseverance, and teamwork. Under his leadership, the program has grown in participation and many athletes credit him with helping shape their personal growth both on and off the mat. Paul is known for his calm, positive, and supportive approach to coaching. He creates an environment where student athletes feel encouraged to
009work hard, support one another, and strive to improve. His athletes describe him as hardworking His athletes I'm sorry, describe him as hardworking, caring, and kind. Someone who challenged them to do their best while always making making sure to have their backs. Whether arriving early for extra practices, offering additional conditioning opportunities, or making himself available to students and families who need guidance, Paul consistently goes the extra mile. To many of his wrestlers, he is more than a coach. He's a mentor who's inspired confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of character. Paul's dedication to the students athletes and the school community exemplifies the true spirit of service and leadership within the school. St. Helens School District, please join me in congratulating Paul Connelly as staff Community Impact Award recipient for March. Next up is Jamie Smith. Okay.
010Wait. Jamie Smith is a remarkable community member whose dedication, compassion, and tireless service have made a meaningful impact on the students, staff, and families throughout the St. Helens community. Jamie's involvement spans many facets of local life, and she consistently demonstrates a selfless commitment to supporting schools, students, and staff. Whether volunteering her time or stepping into leadership roles, Jamie never hesitates to lend a helping hand when a need arises. As the vice president of the St. Helens Boosters sports booster club Jamie dedicates countless hours to planning and organizing the annual sports booster auction, the club's largest fundraiser. April 25th Um this important event provides vital support for both high school and middle school athletics. In addition to her leadership behind the scenes, Jamie is also a familiar and supportive presence at sporting events, frequently volunteering in
011the concession stands, and cheering on our student athletes. Jamie's commitment to supporting students extends beyond athletics. She previously served as PTO president at Columbia City Elementary, where she worked diligently to support and create opportunities, activities, and support systems for both staff and students. Her dedication to service also reaches beyond the school community through her volunteer work with CASA, where she advocates for some of our community's most vulnerable children. In addition to her volunteer efforts, Jamie actively participates in local commitments or I'm sorry, committees and community initiatives. She is a strong advocate or advocate for locating I'm sorry. This is a lot of reading. She is a strong advocate for supporting local businesses and believes deeply in strengthening the the community by investing in those around us. Jamie is also known for being a thoughtful and
012courageous voice for students and staff, always willing to speak up for those who may not have the ability to advocate for themselves. Jamie's generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others make her a truly valued member of our community. Her dedication to serving students, families, and neighbors alike exemplifies the spirit of the community leadership. Please join us in congratulating Jamie Smith Smith as the community impact award recipient for March. Uh number seven, ASB ASB public relations presentation takes you March. ASB public relations student from the St. Helens High School presents events and achievements at St. Helens High School, not including athletics, and a preview of big events coming up. Hello. I'm Katie Warner. I'm the ASB public relations at the high school, and I'm here to present recent activities from March and the end of February.
013The agenda for tonight will be going over winter formal, the NHS fundraisers, ASB and class officer campaigns coming up, and next on the graduation timeline. For events, winter formal and at the dance included video games, professional photography, lion's catering, live DJ, and more. Our court winners were June and Landon. Um we had a big show out of people and a large amount of catering. It ended up being a pretty good night. For the NHS fundraisers, they're holding multiple including sabotage basketball, penny wars, dodgeball, and arm wrestling. Um for anyone who's confused, the penny war is basically each class gets a jar. For every penny you put in goes towards the funding, but if another class puts a dollar in the jar, it retracts 100 like 100 pennies. Um and these are all going to go
014towards the senior medallions for those in NHS and for children's hospitals and much more. ASB class elections, the ASB elections just got over with and the voting has been finished. Um class officer applications are now open though, and so if any of your students are curious, they can check their email or the parent square for more information. Coming up, the prom theme just finally came out. It's at last I see the light, so it's like a table theme. Um it's going to be held at the Venetian Hillsborough April 25th, which is a Friday. It'll be from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., and tickets for the first 2 weeks are only for juniors and seniors, and only $45. Um and then after the first 2 weeks, all student body is welcome to purchase them, and they will
015be $50. To all of our senior graduation, um same as last time, the next one on the timeline is March 20th, which should be next Friday, which is the deadline for court applications, honors applications, um staff honor forms, and your senior slideshow pictures. And I also believe that the senior photo timeline was pushed back, so I think it's April 14th you have until to upload your senior photos. And that is all. Thank you. Thank you. I have a question about graduation just because I know PCC is on strike, and I'm wondering how that will affect our students who are um attending their senior year there. I've had a a couple of different parents reach out and ask what that will do. I'll have to look into it. Item number eight, consent agenda. The board on
016individual basis prior to the meeting has reviewed all 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 enact by the board in one motion. There will be no discussion of these items at this time. 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. The agenda to the agenda consists of meeting minutes from February 25th, 2026 regular session, February 25th, 2026 executive session, uh ODE career pathway grant 2025-2027, annual admin license notifications, HR report, and school year calendar 2026-2027. Is there a motion for the agenda? I move that the board approve consent agenda as presented. Second. It's been moved and seconded to approve
017the consent agenda. Is there any discussion? No discussion. Okay. Director Walker? Aye. Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Uh Vice Chair Smith-Reep? Aye. And I'm a yes as well. Uh let's see. Oh, now we're going to move it to new business, 9.1, budget committee applicants. Review applications and make selections. So I think I'll turn this over to Sure. Yeah, so the board was provided um applications and uh the applicants submitted questions. Um I believe we have uh Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. I was reviewing the applications uh the other night, and one of the applicants doesn't currently live in the district boundaries. They live in Scappoose. So unfortunately, I have to disqualify the application, and I'm sorry. So I'm sorry, Ms. Dunn. Yeah. I apologize, but it's board policy at this time. Not everyone's here. No,
018they don't know that they need to come. Oh. So they're here because we're not doing interviews. So um for those that don't know me, I'm Casey. I do the communications, so I'm filling in for exact, so I'm doing the best I can. So um so this is my first time doing this. I brought in um Beth to assist you with our finance department to make sure we're tallying this correctly and doing it correctly. So I gave uh each board member um their directions on how we're going to do this. Um so we'll um right now, so we're going to remove Carmen Dunn from our list. Um and I gave you guys a tally sheet of 1 through I think it was eight. I need to remove Carmen. And then on that sheet, uh that'll just
019be for you. I'll call your name out in just a second. Rank rank your 1 through 7 choices, and I'm going to ask that for you in a minute. I'll read you that for you in a second as well. I'll give you a minute to do that. We're going to rank them um our applicant as well. Do we do it now, or do we do it when we get to the action minutes? No, I'll just I first we have to tally cuz there's only five positions. Okay. So I'll I'll get there in just a second. Let me know when you're ready, and we will draw um randomly what board member we're going to call on first. Let me know when you guys are ready. One is the best. Well, your one is your first choice.
020Okay, great. What is the best? I kind of need to ask questions before I do this. On the there's like the three different parts as far as voting threshold, randomizing voting, and priority selection. That's what's in back here. And so the one part talks about just saying them in random order. The other part talks about saying them by the order you put them in. Well, we're going to we're going to tally them based on So like I said, there're five positions, and there's different um terms. And so when we're like the first top three, like if we have one person that gets three votes, that's usually an automatic, so we can take them. If I have two applicants and they both have the exact number of votes, three, so they make it to the threshold
021of the next in that direction, it says that the executive assistant can choose, "Okay, we're going to go for position one and I'm just going to pull one of those names at random and I have the names to select." And they have also the applicants have also stated what position that they were interested in. Are they being read out loud? Or we just handed them to you to get the first one's original? It was my understanding that I'll just let you give me a list and we can just write things down and then I'll call. Pick a random order. Everybody ready? I think so. I'll just say so. Hey, we're going to start with Director Russell, so start with their first choice and we'll start logging it down and count votes. This feels really odd
022to like rank someone over someone else. So we pick our positions. I know, it just it just feels very weird to say one's better than the other cuz I don't know and have them, but I'd rather just say five names. Are we just going down and saying What what Yeah, you say my first choice is so-and-so, my second choice is so-and-so. We're just going to automatically plug it in the system and count up the votes. So truly your top three five aren't necessarily first, second, or third like that, but your numbers um six and seven are saying you don't want some Okay, so I'm not necessarily ranking them by It's But they the points do matter, right? positions, so the last very long. Okay. It is what it is. Um The way I just need
023to make So you can all So you do need a six and six and sevens. Yeah, we need to eliminate people. Oh, we have to put six and seven? I'm sorry. I know it's hard, you guys. Yes, I remember. Yeah, so it's Sorry. I Okay, I'm really hot. I just want to make sure between these two I have my ones and I don't throw a wrench in >> [laughter] >> I know I think I wanted you to know that We would have fought for you. Policy Maybe by the next elections. Kind of weird, it's just like we can't rip through the board if we don't want to stand here. It's like Okay. I have to just change this really fast. Otherwise I'm going to Arizona by winter and St. Augustine. Oh, I just want you
024to know I don't like this at all. Anyway, um Number one, guys, I'm just going off of your applications. Mariah. Uh number two, Tom Weaver. Number three, Tracy Nelson. Number four, Matthew Douglas. Number five, Corey Boswell. Number six and number seven, they can just be eliminated. Sorry. And we have We have to have Okay, well they in no particular order, Patrick and Steve. Thanks. Director Killens. >> [laughter] >> Okay, I'm just going to put what Glenn said. I love them all. Okay, so we're just They were really really good applicants. Okay, so number one is Patrick Berkeley. Which I want to know that I said Patrick Berkeley for the rest of my life. >> [laughter] >> And then number two is Tom Weaver. Number three is Matthew Douglas. Number four is Tracy Nelson. Oops, am
025I going too fast? Number Number five is Steve Toski. Number six is Mariah And then number seven is Corey Boswell. Director Seth Reed. Well, don't be on a jury duty with my mom. >> [laughter] >> Uh Patrick Berkeley. Tom Weaver. Tracy Nelson. Matthew Douglas. Corey Boswell. Matthew Matthew Matthew Corey. Mariah Flannery and Steve whatever Toski, yeah. Is it Toski or is it I know there's no C. It's the spelling. I think that's Director Ybarra Director Cherry Ybarra speaking. Okay, number one, Patrick Berkeley. Number two, Tom Weaver. Number three, Corey Boswell. Number four, Matthew Douglas. Number five, Tracy Nelson. Number six, Mariah Flannery. And number seven, Steve Toski. Whatever it is. I don't know who I'm talking about. Director Walker. Number one, Patrick Berkeley. Number two, Tracy Nelson. Number three, Matthew Douglas. Number four, Tom Weaver.
026Number five, Corey Boswell. Number six, Mariah Flannery. Number seven, Steve Toski. Sorry to make me rude. I just wanted No, we're against that. We're trying to make sure. I do that for a living. Okay, so give me a second. We got to tally to see if we have more than three as an automatic for the second round and if anybody would leave. We only do another round if there's a tie, right? Uh if I don't have two out of five, that's So who did you get three votes? Automatically you're on to the next round. Regardless of as long as they're in one through five. You know what? I've done a lot of things. You want to ask me how much it costs to take 25% off your shoes? I'm going to tell you. This voting
027system, I can't tell you anything. This is the Yeah, I I think It's crazy. So I'll give you an update on the first round. Okay. So Well, it only is a word of scores are Write them down for you. Not too fast, you get. We got two people with five and they both want the same position. So that sheet that I was given by Rochelle, I'm the tiebreaker and what I do is I have all of their names and I'm going to say I'm going for position two and I will pull that person position two. We're just going to go with it. This is what I was given. Sorry. So I will tell you that um uh Patrick Berkeley Berkeley is in and he's in position five. He requested this five. Can you tell us
028what that is? Like is there a correct like the time frame? It's I could pull it up online so you can see the time frame. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. So we are going to do this. So we're going to go Tom and Matthew. All right. Let me see. I have a kiddo in the audience. So I'm pulling for position two to let you know. And that other person gets their second choice. Okay. And how long is position two? This is 12 years. Okay. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> They're both for position two. Do you want to come pull the name for me? >> [clears throat] >> It's sort of an air tight. Thank you. Who doesn't listen to position two? Did you say that she's going to get her second choice? Position
029one. Position one. So this is Tom. Tom Weatherspoon. So we have position one, two, and five done. Okay. How long is position one? Position one is 12 years. Five years. Five years. Five five Four. Four. So much for a minute. For 2028 budget year 2028 through 2029. So Okay. Thank you. So three years. Right. Are you ready for the next one? Yes. Okay. So we're looking to see who goes around zero one. My vote does have a collapse. So we have four applicants left. Okay? And received one vote. Two. How did you get four when everyone gets three? Appointed person. There's seven total and we've already subtracted three. So that math I can totally do. Okay. I don't know. We have We have five left. I don't even know who I'm voting for. Where are
030all the numbers from? Clearly you need help. So we have four left. Okay. Two have one vote. Okay. So two people have one vote. The two other people have zero votes. They're out. I only have two two positions left. So the two people that got one vote is what we're processing. What we're looking at right now. Give me a minute. Wait. That would be cuz I know that Corey received more than one vote. It It's a because it's in the top five. Because it's your top five. Okay. So if they weren't in the So if they weren't in your top five, they don't get a vote. But they were in our top five. So you had Corey in your top five. Corey I had Corey. And you had Corey in your top five. I had
031Corey in my top five. Sorry. I just That's why it's our first time doing it. I was trying to spread my your votes. I'm just joking. Did you hear me say I was joking? She did. Russell said he was confused. So she starts joking because he What? You're delegated behind the first person. Oh. I said I'm joking. Russell hated to do that to me. I was like I was over here. So she said she was joking. I'm not I'm not bad. I'm I'm joking. I'm probably okay. I can say I'm joking. Whatever it is it doesn't matter. Joe Joe and position three I was position from joking Corey from joking Corey Did you hear that? position from joking Corey Okay. How long is that? One year. And then sorry Position four is Corey. Corey And
032it's one year. >> Position. Which position I'm sorry? >> Four. Four. Thank you. One two three We're just missing number So you just have Yep. We have to do a round two. Seriously? Tracy Nelson was also on a lot of people's So everything I'm very confused honestly because Tracy Nelson was also on almost everybody's top five. Yeah. She was on everyone's top. She checked out of the population. Like I said this is our first time doing it. It's okay. It's all good. I mean we all know how to They couldn't add. It's just It's just automatically in a spreadsheet. That's how they do it. No worries. They couldn't They couldn't I used to practice that earlier. Subtracting was easy. Her name was spelled differently in the in the Oh. The calculator. That's why it didn't
033register. So Is that person here? I don't know any of these people. She's It's just his first year he's been We know. >> [laughter] >> Oh. That's her one. That's Okay. You got her one right. So is it rocked? We need to No. No. It's the same thing but randomly picked. You don't have to vote again. Tracy had enough votes. Had more than three but tied with others. So we have to Yeah. Then we have to choose. So if everybody wants position one and they all got the same amount of votes, you have to choose from there. So we would need to redo some of those other votes. And why is position Are we drawing? Why does everyone want that one? So Okay. So Patrick got four. Corey got four. Matthew got five. Mariah got
034one. Tracy got five. Steve got one. And Tom got five. So three people got five which means we have to draw to see who gets their priority pick. Yeah. Okay. So nothing has to be redone. We're talking this out. Doing the So a lot of what Which one is the one then that would be that is currently missing? It's position One No. One three year. It's just that position. They have to just redo the position. Yeah. What number three would have been how many years? That's three years. Corey. How many years is position Four years. I'm just kidding. Tom Weatherspoon. Okay. Why does Three years. None of y'all wanted None of y'all wanted three You just ignore us. Thank you. I I know why. They all only want one year so they can run. They
035only want one year so they can tell me. Tell me. Tell me what the word is. >> [laughter] >> I just heard Just give me one vote. My voice has been pretty low. Thank you for the voting outcome. So you have three people that got five votes. Okay. Three people that got five votes. Matthew, Tom, and Tracy. And we are drawing to see what position who I choose as they get their first choice in position. Wait. Sorry. Okay. Matthew, Tom, and Tracy. They got five votes. Correct. >> So Patrick is not our number He got four. So we're good. Oh. Okay. So we are regrouping. He will be Yeah. We're just establishing positions right now. They're already picked. They're just establishing one through five positions that they're all different terms. Okay. Okay. So the one
036I don't know. This is what it was that we had I mean if they were all like the same That's what Tom was saying. They were all They were all the same terms. The person who got the same vote So they all can say their names now. So you just said Okay. Okay. So now We're going to Just hang up there girl. Just stay up there. So Tracy's top choice was four. You can pick this one. >> [laughter] >> Tom Weatherspoon. His choice was his first choice. Department head. Yep. So he is one. And that's his second choice. That's exactly what I wanted. So I emailed all the applicants. So there's five positions. Give me your choice one through five what you want. So that's what we're going off of here. This spreadsheet they provided
037me. So I'm all set to tell them that they will announce So you're saying Reannounce it that way. So Corey and Patrick both have the same first choice but it's but it's four. And then our second choice is Hayden. That one's Hayden and then which one are we going So that was the second choice and then we picked it. So then we're going to go to the third choice and that's Corey as the third choice. While we're waiting for this, I just want to thank all the people that applied. I think it's amazing that we had so many people in the community step up and I I just we had amazing applicants, all of them. Um and it it just was really nice to see those many how many numbers. So And I even remember
038telling you in 24 years of being on the board, we've barely ever had a full budget. Yeah. So it's just really nice to see the community wanting to sign wanting to sign. So here's where we're going to go. So I'm going to select two positions left, three and five and all of those are still vacant seats. So we're going to say this person's position three. Okay. Whoever you pick You're on it. >> [laughter] >> I know. This person's position five. What were you going to say? We don't know. So Um we don't know now. Okay, good. We're writing it their names down with their positions. I will add that to you in a minute and then when we get to go down on the agenda, that's when you go and I'll have them go after
039you. Okay, and then that's how we'll know what positions. Okay. Yep. No, got it. Thank you. Thank you for your patience as we went through that. Okay. And uh we'll move on to item 10, public comment. I did not receive any comment. Oh. Okay. Moving on to item 11 All the cards have to be pulled before the meeting starts. Action items. 1.1, public record integrity and response to public action. Financial report. >> Yep, sorry. Did you just do that or wait wait wait? Oh, you skipped ahead. Public right I I'm sorry sorry sorry. Okay, I'm going to do that again. Yeah, she jumped past the budget and the finance. All right. You're still on the We're on number 11. Okay. Sorry about that. So You've got 11.2, executive session board action on topic discussed in
040executive session. And action. So am I still on the same page and we're on action item 11.2? 11.2 because public integrity public integrity that we Okay, that's what we did. We're on 11.1. 11.1 is public record integrity and we were Yes, it was removed. There we go. Yeah. Sorry. I don't think we renumber agenda items still for clarity and I should All right. I move regarding executive session board action on topic discussed in executive session I move that the board admit that the facts and circumstances described in the grievance accurately describe conduct of the body and articulate why those facts and circumstances do not amount to violation of public meeting law and direct chair to direct to respond to the grievance. Second. Okay. Again. This was number two. Motion has been made and seconded to
041admit the facts and circumstances or described in the grievance accurately describe the conduct of the body and articulate why those facts and circumstances do not amount to a vio- violation of public meeting law. And thereby I appoint chair to to respond All right, yeah. And then thereby appoint myself to delegate authority to the board chair to draft a response to the grievance based on the board's decision in executive session. I'll see. We already did. Okay, any discussion? Uh Director Walker? Aye. Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Vice Chairman Three? Aye. And Chair orders an aye as well. Okay, now we're on 11.3, budget committee. I move that we accept action item 11.3 once we know what it is. I'm worried But they have a separate motions. Yes. Okay. I move the board invite Tom Weaver
042to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position number one. I'll I'll second. Motion has been made to admit Tom Weaver to position one of the school board budget committee meeting mini position. Uh do we need any discussion? No? Director Walker? Aye. Uh Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Vice Chairman Three? Aye. And I as well. I move the board invite Matthew Douglas to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position number two. Second. Okay, motion has been made and seconded to invite Matthew Douglas to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position two. Any discussion? Director Walker? Aye. Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Vice Chairman Three? Aye. And I as well. I move the board invite Corey Boswell to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position number three.
043Second. Okay, motion has been made and seconded to invite Corey Boswell to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position three. Any discussion needed? Director Walker? Aye. Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Vice Chairman Three? And I as well. I move the board invite Tracy Nelson to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position number four. Second that. Motion has been made to invite Tracy Nelson to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position four. Any discussion around that? No? Director Walker, go to vote. Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Vice Chairman Three? Aye. And I as well. And I move the board invite Patrick Berkley to join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position number five. I second. Okay, motion has been made and seconded to invite Patrick Berkley to
044join the Saint Helens School District Budget Committee position five. Any discussion needed around that? No? I'll go to vote. Director Walker? Aye. Director Russell? Aye. Director Killings? Aye. Vice Chairman Three? Aye. And I as well. How long is position three? Full term. Okay. Three years. Yeah. Thank you. [clears throat] So we have two that are one year, one that's two years and two that are three years. I feel like that doesn't Yeah, I feel like that doesn't matter. Two one year, two one two years and two full years. Oh well, okay. Okay. All right, moving on to item 12, the financial report. Uh before I get started, can I just go over everyone who did that wants to be on the budget committee? Thank you. I don't have a press release button on today. Thank
045you. Very exciting. Oh. Well, it's exciting. Information information is exciting. As you know, I'm Linda Marquam filling in and working this year for the moment as interim business manager. So I put together some financial information um that uh is going to pull up. Um we'll just review the top part right now with what I'm going to present. We're showing an ending fund balance of only $224,000. That's what my first blush. It's going to change, I believe, for the better. So we did projections on here's what we know, we've spent to date, here's our income versus there could be other expenses here and there. So there are projections in here. Those will get cleaned up as we go along and as you see some of the detail work behind it, I even wrote still need to
046review by some items. So but those things will change. Um I just can't tell you enough that this is a projection. This isn't something to be totally concerning. What we did in the budget for this year say we would have put a ending fund balance of $809,000. So this is a far away from it. But we have things we're still reviewing as you can see by the steps um that we're being that we're taking to alleviate this this problem. First of all, the special revenue funds have FTE that we paid for and we need to make sure that those FTE are in the right spot. Maybe they're being paid out of general funding and it should be paid out of a special revenue. Those are things that I that take time. I have a couple
047meetings tomorrow to go over some of those to see where we're at and if we can move any of those people and you know, if you're moving any FTE, you know, that's where the money is. So, that could open up some. We've cut off general fund spending as of sometime last week, I think it was. Um so, basically, unless it's super necessary, you won't get to buy anything. We will let graduation happen, but maybe we can pay for it with grant money then for the most part, um Corrine will come to them. Uh we are reviewing any open purchase orders right now that may be able to be closed. So, we do blanket purchase orders at the beginning of the year. They may have too much left on them. We are 2/3 of the way
048through the year, so those things might uh close and that means that encumbered will encumbrance will go away, which will put money back into the at the county fund balance. Um if we have any position openings, they're being reviewed by the superintendent and myself. If they're not absolutely necessary, then we would probably continue for the rest of the year with a substitute because that would cost us less than trying to hire. And as you know, we're looking at cutting for next year, so it doesn't make sense to hire someone at this late year. Given our position at um with our um ending fund balance at the moment, we're going to go ahead and start the application for a TAN. Loan, which is a tax anticipation note. It doesn't mean we have to go through with
049it. We would bring it to you in April if we are going to go through with it, but I hope to have more information and more numbers taken care of by the time we um we come back. April is on April, I think it is. So that we can celebrate Yeah. So, um those are the types of things that we'll be looking at and that's why I say this is my first blush at some financial stuff. This is where we're at. I do want to give you the great news I received today. Our audit is complete. Does that mean we'll get February and March funding from ODE? >> Yeah. Yeah. So, they're they're missing one our um we have to put out uh uh confirmation letters to our attorneys and when they gave it back,
050they missed a check box and so they're getting back to them. They're going back and forth with emails hoping to get that um finished. But basically, it went through compliance review without any changes and that's a a really positive thing to Definitely that. Yeah. I'm really happy about this. Um So, next month in April, we will bring the audit report for you guys to approve. In the meantime, we can send it off to ODE and to the other people that need it and then they'll release our money for that April um state school fund. So, we'll get in April, we'll get what we have left for April and May split into two. So, we should get a little over $4 million in our April I I'm sorry, I have a question. So, when will we
051get February and March? It's will be in with our April and May payments. >> Okay. So, it's all going to come February is owed to us. We will get in two payments, April and May. And May is also the adjustment, so the payments won't be exact because they'll be on May reconciliation. Okay, thank you. Um So, the TAN loan would be something we would do to make sure we can make payroll through November. I don't know that we're going to need it, but I don't I want to be I want the the application in in case I feel like we do after we review all this other stuff. So. So, you said November, but that's for 2027. For the 2026-2027 school year. We want to be ready because you don't you don't get your um
052property taxes in until late October and November for the most part. We pay payroll on the 20th of the month. So, we want to make sure we can make payroll August through November. Yeah. And okay. If we can't, we we need to we need to look at that. So, I'm putting that information together. They require 2 years of financial information and the second year is next year and I know nothing yet. Right, so >> [laughter] >> working hard to figure out what that should look like. Um it it is um it's a hard one to do because you can be audited on it. I can't just guess. I have to show them why I came up with this number. So, um doesn't mean we will be, but I don't want to take a chance of
053uh not being able to prove how I got to the numbers. So. Hopefully, I'll have that by this week. Um So, I have uh appropriation levels in here. We have a couple of them that are out of line right now where we've overspent, but don't don't even flip yet. Let me go over this. So, we're going to deal with that, but there's many reasons for that and until I go through this and give you all of these things that we said we're thinking, we don't know really know where that's going to land and what will happen is we'll bring a resolution or if need be, a supplemental budget, which I don't see that being what we would need. Um in June because whenever you have a resolution appropriation overspend, for almost always, it's because of
054payroll. We always pay two payrolls in June, so that's a big one. So, if I can get it to you at the first June meeting, we'll be okay and within the law. Now that I've gotten this far, I'm going to start the budget process for 2026-2027. Um our year administrators have already started thinking and talking and doing, so it isn't like we haven't done anything on it. I just don't have any numbers put together for them to help them see that. So, let's flip to the next page at >> [laughter] >> There we go. Okay. So, this is um This is a summary of the last two pages in this packet that I gave you because the last two pages are small numbers and a lot of information and it's it's detailed, but I thought
055might be helpful to you. So, um this is basically saying this is what we budgeted in the first column. Um where we are so far through through February 26th and what we're projecting with revenue on the top and expenditures on the bottom. And that gives you our totals. We budgeted 40 million in both revenue and expenditures with a contingency of the 809 and it looks like we're spending 39.9 for expenditures and getting in 40 .2 um in revenue. So, if you go to the next page, if I go to the next page, sorry. This is your appropriation sheet. So, you can see in the red are the two items, one in um instruction in the general fund and one in special revenue. Those are the items that I'll be watching and those will change as
056we go along, but you'll get this report every month now, so it'll kind of give you an idea. I didn't put anything in yellow because the ones that are close to being on the cusp, I don't think we'll they don't matter. So, I think it I think we'll be fine there. The next two sheets are too small to read, um but I do want to point to the green uh area. Those are my notes and they I just wanted you as you look at these and come back with questions maybe next time before we you know what my mind's thinking. So, like the first one it had is the revenue and it says, "Look at the taxes together." One looks over, one looks under. Look at them together and we're very very close. So, I
057put sort of notes like that along more so in the expenses than in the revenue, but it gives you a good idea. Um Like the earnings on investments, this will change. We're waiting for the March bank statements. We'll see what they do. We're going to get our state school fund in April. You know, those sorts of things are going to happen. There's a lot um still coming up. I put in miscellaneous, it's hard to predict. It's hard to predict your miscellaneous revenue. Sometimes you get $42 and sometimes you get 4,000. Um you just do your best. Um One of the um one's close uh to the 2/3 down or 3/4 down on the page is our $150,000 that we don't have anything in with and I kind of highlighted it in a little bit of
058a yellow. That's for high cost disability and we haven't turned in our numbers yet. They're due to uh Friday. And so, when they're in, then I can do a little more calculating to see. That's why I keep saying this is a first blush. We don't have all the information to give it the way that I would like to. The next page is expenditures and it's really small, but it's the same idea. Look at these things together, it looks a little better. Um There's a really high difference in 1131 for high school programs and if you see my note, it says see 1284 and 1285. Those functions were budgeted in there, but they were ac- they're actually being spent in 1131. Put them back in. If you look at them as a whole, they're good. It
059just looks odd on the paper. So, those are the sorts of things I'd like you to look through. And if you can, send me questions if you have them before next meeting. I'd like to give me a good week to This is wonderful. And this is really done so well and made so clear. I just thank you. Yeah, I want to go back just a decent uh revenue page is actually where you'll see um in the fourth column over. I'm really sorry. We just wanted it on one page and now I can see that that's not very good for you. Um it'll be in the public packet. Um I just want you to know this We were down to the wire getting this done. So, I want you everybody to know it will be in
060the public packet to you guys after this meeting. Yeah. Um basically it's showing is that um in here Can you enlarge that for us? That's what we have Can you hear me? We're showing this is our total resources of 40 million here. Those are our expenses. Those are 39 million and change. And basically where we're coming up with the ending fund balance at 220 before. Again, that's not That's not gospel today. Okay. I mean, I Is it even possible to Is it Is it a stupid question for me to even ask you to like guess where we might No. Not stupid questions. There are no stupid questions. I just I mean I I'm not going to hold your feet to the fire. I'm just This is a question. I do believe it will go up.
061Okay. Uh it'll double or triple, probably. But again, I don't have that until I go through. You'll see I still need to review. We're We're looking at this and those sorts of things. There's a lot that happens. Whenever you put out a financial report for a school district, it's good for about a day. It's good It's When you put out a budget, it's wrong the time but after you print it. The things change all the time. It's the best you can do with the numbers you have. We don't know what our sub costs are going to be from now to the end of the year either. I don't know who's going to be on the maternity leave. I don't There's a lot of costs that can happen that we don't know about. So. Okay, then
062you also say we could get more income and it won't be this bad. Could I just heard costs, so that frightens me more. So, what could be the positives that could come in? We're going to get some money for our neighbor consolidation. My first calculation on that is 55,000 for last year and this year difference. But that doesn't income um encompass high cost disability where they reconciled last year and this year. You don't know what you're going to get. Like I said, we don't have our reporting for high cost for 25 26. Excuse me, for 24 25. And until we see that number, it's really hard to know because that number is put in with the whole state. And the whole state has $55 million to divvy up of your additional over your 11%. So,
063you're not guaranteed a lot. Maybe 25 cents on the dollar. But we already got some last year. When I When I looked back last year, we got 200 and some thousand for one year and got it taken away for the other year. So, basically it was a wash. So, you can't count on um the high cost disability. It's probably the trickiest number to get because you're half of a percent of the state school fund. And so, you're up for it We're a pretty small fish in the sea. You know. The older the bigger districts are more likely You know. This is This is beautiful. Yes. And so well set for us to understand. So, thank you so much so so much. And so, come back in April because that'll be a time we go deeper
064into what we've considered. Yeah. And please if if you want more information on any of this, give me a good week. I um you know, I've been doing 24 25 Now I'm getting into 25 26. But I'm really good people from 26 27. Give me some time. Is there Are there structures that we can put in place to help this go smoother or prepare us better for next year so that we're Cuz I feel like we went through this a little bit last year, kind of the same. And I'm just wondering what structures can be I think we have some good things in place. I really do. It's uh um There was someone who helped last year who put together some really good folders regarding audit and what you should do and when and what
065needs to get done before it goes to the to the auditors and that kind of thing. And I think that um As far as I can tell, um We're good with this. >> look very much different than what I had. prior district that I grew up with. I know we could We also we were having great conversations and I've had having conversations with our budget team and labor management that we've had this steep decline over the years in enrollment and our staffing has not. And so, we are inflated as a district for staffing. And so, those are the things that we talk about when we come together for our budget conversations. For most districts in the state, I guess not. For a lot of districts in the state, it's the same thing. High personnel costs,
066lower enrollment, and higher per student rates. That's what you're facing. Well, and we had a PERS bond, right? That quit and that's kind of The PERS bond. That That Yeah, but over the years you saved millions with that millions. But then don't we have to catch up on it all at the end or now? Yeah, he'll Yeah, he'll take some thought when I put that budget together for that. I haven't looked into that one yet. Uh but luckily, this district was chosen by the group group for our PERS. But our all of our information was shared at the conference. So, it's Well, that's cool. So, I can use that. >> [laughter] >> That's kind of a beautiful thing. Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Item 14, superintendent report. Oh my gosh. Bye. >>
067[laughter] >> So, um I had the best time on Friday of last week. I popped into the game um and basketball game was amazing. And I heard that we did great and I don't want to get back to the way that's my personal opinion. But I've just It's been really exciting to participate. I was in I was at the high school this week. I've been at the try. It's a really great opportunity. Tomorrow be at the open board to visit classrooms and students and spend time with kids at lunch and just have great conversations with staff too. So, I'm I'm just excited to be part of this community. And it's awesome. I can talk some sports stuff. We had our boys play on Friday in the tournament. They won that. And then our girls played
068It's worth saying that we did see them as well. So, both teams tomorrow are playing in Forest Grove in brackets. Boys play Patriots. Girls play Seaside. So, It's all It's all in Forest Grove. Yeah. For the whole entire like tournament? It's the district championships in Forest Grove. Oh, well the state This is This is state. This is state. The championship was in the Dalles. I don't know. I don't know. I think it was a child center. >> Let's give the boosters a round of applause. I'll tell you what. Whoever's doing Whoever is doing your online I will tell you that I have had people come to me and say whoever's doing that is really kicking it up and it's it's eye-catching and it's grabbing and it's just phenomenal. And so, I wanted to just throw
069that out there to you guys. It's So, shout out All those people that come to you, direct them to here. We raised We just raised $2,100 for students to go to the basketball games. First 50 The lesson in there are plenty of kids driving over at the games. We had a wrestling state. They came home with local placers. So, we had one of our boys take sixth. Girl takes sixth and girl takes fifth. And then we did have a couple of two state champs. Wow. Do you know their names? I don't know their names. Oh, really? I can't say their names. Sorry. We We can mention their names when we do You can. It's on social media. Uh it was Damian Scott and Jayden Pence. Oh, yeah. Our girls ended up taking sixth overall. And
070we have more coming back next year. So, you could be looking at a state champion. So, I'm taking state as a whole entire thing. And we had two coaches of the year. Which is awesome to hear. Three? Three. Coach of the year. Boys basketball, girls basketball. Yeah. That was huge, too. So, Player of the year. Two of them are girls and guys. Both won for Forest Grove this year. Two-time player of the That's awesome. >> Awesome. And will you tell us the names of the coaches that were coaches of the year? Scott Rattus Trent Trent I don't know the coaches. Trent Minut and then Jillian Ross. Yeah. So, really, really exciting to see St. Helens up there. Oh, yeah, we got a couple of something that went fantastic. Um, trying to start and build that
071culture at St. Helens is and pushing hard. They're harder than starting to feel like So great, actually. You know what would be awesome is if it could be not just during school, but like available to the community, too. That was my opinion as well. That's a good opinion. That was my first thought. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Joseph. Reach out to Joseph's mom. Isn't he in the running for something? I saw you post something on Facebook. What is he in the running for? Joseph was the male senior senior male. One senior male, one senior female for a scholarship in the quality um scholar athlete. Nice. Item 15, upcoming meeting and board meeting agenda and plan. 15.1 Okay. April 8th, 2026, we'll do a work session. April 22nd, 2026, we're on a regular
072session. May 13th, 2026, work session. When is the next budget meeting? We had it on it. Yeah. So, it's not there. Your calendar I got to pull the calendar up. >> Okay. But it's not written. Okay. I think I know what the next one is. Take a picture. Probably everybody that was on the team needs to know what they made it show up. I don't have my computer up. I can't pull it up right now. I got to search for it. It's on our last Yeah, I can get you the basketball schedule. All right, let's turn to the athletic calendar but I don't know. Um, that's it. Nothing else? This is a fascinating folks. We're We're done. All right, thank you. Thank you.