001[Music] You can't see my name. Good evening everybody. Welcome to the school board meeting. I'm going to call the meeting to order. And we'll stand up for the pledge of >> allegiance, please. 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. Okay. Um, I kind of want to start off with a couple things. I made a couple errors last time I was up here and I need to correct myself a little bit. Um, one, we really shouldn't be adding hot topic items to the agenda. So, it's fair so everybody gets notice and everybody gets to see it and gets plenty of chances to come in if they want to talk. So,
002we'll kind of try to keep that down to a minimum. Um, and the second thing I'd like to do is I want to switch away from the way we do our voting. Um, I'd like to go to a roll call vote. Um, that way they can see us on the TV. We can hear our voices and hear everybody can hear how we're voting. So, I don't need a motion for that. I just need to kind of take a vote if everybody's okay with that. If you signify by saying I. >> I. And that's the last time I want to say hi. So, all right. We'll move on. Okay. Agenda approval items removed or added at this time. I I don't know necessarily for tonight, but I do want to say is that um considering different
003things that have had have happened again that at least starting after tonight's meeting that the public comment again gets moved to end of the meeting not in the middle especially when we have students here present with both us and in the audience and and we all know that if nothing else the cell phone issue and time could become an issue. So, I just would like to move that at least for a while back to that instead of in the middle of it because it caused us a real problem. But for tonight, I'm not asking you to change it. Just want us to consider it to be that way from now on. >> I'm sorry. Can you help me understand what I I hear what you're saying. >> Nope. Go ahead. I'm sorry. >> I thought
004I was >> I thought I thought I was stalling you. So, I say no. Go ahead, please. And then you got a look on your face and fold. >> I just Okay. So, why are you feeling like that doesn't work? I want to understand what you're saying. >> Okay. Because quite frequently we have students here in the room >> and we've had as you've seen before too multiple guests that wouldn't wait even till the meeting was over or would bring up topics and not necessarily use even good language or anything. So we moved the public comment to the end so that we could get the students in whether it was getting awards or speaking or whatever they're doing and allow them that time to get out of it and go home with parents and then
005then we went on with whatever else we need to do as board. >> So my only thought would be that it then someone if someone had an issue with the consent agenda, we would be voting on that before they have an opportunity to bring up an item on that consent agenda. And so that would be my I want to make sure that we make it available to the community that if they have a problem with the consent agenda what are your thoughts >> which is true I mean unfortunately though but that really has not been the issue all these months it's more been what their own topic was >> so definitely something we can consider I just that's my concern >> we can take it offline and table for a little bit and we can
006discuss it with Michelle at the end we get together at the end of the meeting and figure out a good spot >> or if it becomes an issue. >> Yeah. If it becomes an issue, we can move it. >> Was this when it became an issue the last or in the very first meeting, it was too late to correct it. >> So, I've already been corrected already this morning. This afternoon, >> I forgot to do roll call. >> Sorry. Educator background. >> We'll go back to see who's here. >> So, I see our student representative. I do not know how to pronounce your last name. Well, student representative McKenna is not present. Student Representative Joseph Howard is here. Director Roelle Russell, director Melody Kllins >> here, >> vice chair Christine Smith Reed, >> and chair
007Reed is here. >> Bill's and I'm sorry, director Bill Amos, and he's not present. >> Okay, now we'll go back. Is there any items that need to be added or removed at time for the agenda? >> Yeah, I guess I I just so I have an explanation on the consent agenda itself. some of the things that are on there. Um, not that didn't get to read them, but I guess for me, and maybe it's a way that you've done agendas before for your schools and ours, just all of them are different is some of the things like the marching band contract, financial report, that kind of thing. Um, even the OD, early learning and care team, parent things, the preschool projects, most time those were not on the consent agenda, at least before you had
008told us all about them. So, that that was my only issue with them being here and disapproved. sort of go out the door and I don't even necessarily know about them or the community. So, I just feel like they needed to be in a different part like in the business like >> Yeah. If we had talked about before. Yeah. >> You have we've had preschool promise for a while. Pardon me. Most of these things that we do that we're these things have been here for a while. >> One meeting. So, >> no no no um for years. Like preschool promise. We have a whole we have a whole program and I know I'm a on that. >> Yeah. Um and then teen parent are doing all of the things. Um the you probably weren't used
009to having all the contracts brought to your attention and so contracts usually go in consent because if you're not approving the people, you're approving the contract and we really can't discuss the contract sometimes publicly because there is people involved in those conversations. So sometimes they go to that um and that's why we have um but the marching band contracts or like they're the stipens you all those exist in our teacher and um the contracts, right? Um the bargaining unit contracts, all those things. And so um these aren't new. If they were new, yes, they would go to the um new business. Consent's usually just like if you've already approved the agreements over the years um they would go to the consent >> which I understand and I know almost 99% of what you're saying for
010one party I disagree with but that's okay on the rest of it though. However, we have three new board members that I believe we're being asked to accept something that they may not even understand what it is. I just feel like some of these things usually even like the marching band contract most of the time that's brought up by someone that's in the marching program comes and talks about it for us under new business and then we accept it over here is actually under an action item not under a consent. >> So like I said I know you may do different things where you are it's just harder to follow it from >> Sure. Well, I don't have those people here to be able to have those conversations. And if we put them on we
011delay it, then the they don't have the contracts to start their marching band. So, I don't want to I wouldn't want to delay that. But if later you would like them to come just do a presentation on marching band and what we do in our um community, they can do that. I mean, we can ask them to come and present to the board on some of the extracurricular activities if they're willing to do so. You want to do that? I did go and read all of the reports and make sure that I knew what I was approving in the agenda. Um and so I feel confident with um voting for those. I do hear what you're saying. Um but I had kind of gathered that um that this was something historically done just because of
012the way it was presented. Um, but I mean I don't know that it would make a difference for me if someone was here explaining it just because I did I don't know how the rest will >> well and and like I said and even if there's not a real person even if it's you telling us about real quick it's just always been either new business or if it and then it went right into action item if you needed it accepted quickly for tonight for somebody and I understand they need the monies moved sometimes from grant to grant whatever. I don't feel confident speaking on the marching band typ and I also don't feel comfortable receiving um talking on all of these. I'm not prepared to do that, but I I mean I could if you
013really want me to, but the reality is the reason it's in consent agenda is just to help us not have a long meeting. Um if we were to break everything out and have presentations and conversations about everything, it would it would make for a really long meeting. And so I think that if you're if the board's okay, the majority of the board's okay with the new board members that you had brought up, if they're okay with us moving forward because they've said they're okay with the consent agenda as is. If you would like to um vote um at some point we could put on the agenda that you want some presentations coming to the board. I think they could I would more than happy invite people to come to present on and I'm sure the
014community would love to hear about it too. Well, at this point, I'm pretty much always outnumbered one to three, so it really won't matter. If these three are in the understanding that that's the way it should be done, then it'll keep me in that point. But I don't think it's right. >> Are you worried about something that we aren't going to catch? >> Yep. I will say that because I'm a new board member, the second I got this, I started looking things up uh because I don't know what the heck I'm doing and I want to just make sure that I'm not the dumb in the room. So, I read all of these things and I feel just fine with it the way it is because it's new for me. Doesn't matter how it looks.
015It's all new for me. So, I'm okay with it this way. >> But I want to make sure that you're also feeling heard because I I >> I What are you worried that we're going to miss? I want to know. >> Well, these things tonight hopefully are totally fine, but we all know we're dealing with financial stuff no matter what. So, to me, that really didn't belong there. long later when anybody is going to be doing a presentation whether it's Christy or you or whatever on that. It's just it's different and there's a lot of things that I feel like I was being asked to um say okay to without anybody not only telling us but even the press, the room, the parents in our community. I just feel like that I don't sit here
016and be accepting a whole bunch of things and then we walk out the door and get our cars and drive. So I think that we need to when they talk about being transparent, I feel like that we need to do that for a while if it means a little bit overboard. >> Sure. >> And it unfortunately means you get home to Vancouver later sadly. Sorry. Anyway, so I understand. But um I just want to make sure that we are as best we can up front with everything we're going for a while >> and also to know that everybody's doing really good sharing understanding stuff >> and the different funding streams on where um things come from. So like marching band and how that's being paid, right? Either ASB or fundraising. So you won't we don't
017want to I can understand where you're coming from on that with the budget. So when you say the financial pieces, I think that that's um fantastic that you're considering that because we are we are having a budget. Thank you for that. >> And I'd like to add to a statement you made. It's I know we're three new board members and it kind of feels like we're set up to say whatever we want. >> Your voice is just as important as us and you telling us and hearing your opinions is just as important as what we're thinking too. >> I want to rely on I want to rely on your expertise and your advice and it's just not automatic vote for that. and three are together. I know we're not a team because she knew. >>
018But I just want I just want to make sure >> publicly get thrown a curve because she had no idea that St. Helens did that before. You know what I mean? Just >> and we can always change things around too. >> But to be fair, I want I want to make it very clear that your vote up against three others. Um I do not discuss anything with them. I don't um I just don't. And I want I want to make that very clear to everyone. >> Yeah, I know. I just want to make sure you understand it. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve the final first agenda? I haven't heard an agenda approval. >> I move that the board approves the meeting agenda. Second. >> Okay. It's been moved
019and seconded to approve the board agenda approval. Is there any further discussion? on the topic. No. Okay. I'll go to a roll call. Sorry. And I'll start with Director Kins >> here. I'm sorry. Yes. >> Yes. No. >> I'm not used to not voting. >> Are you good with it? >> Okay. Uh, Vice Chair, I'm sorry. I skipped over Director Russell. Sorry. >> Yes. >> Okay. Vice Chair Christine Smith. >> Yes. and chair re I am yes also take a little bit to get used to doing this. >> Okay, we'll move on to the consent agenda. The board on an individual basis prior to the meeting has reviewed all the material. All financial reports are available to be reviewed by the public in the business office. The board considers the consent agenda items routine business
020and will be enacted in a board in in by the board in one motion. There will be no discussion of these items at this time. 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. >> That's bad. So, we'll move on. Uh 4.1 4.11 this you can just say I accepted >> the whole thing wants to pull. >> Oh, I don't have to read it all. Okay. Okay. Is there a second? >> I second. Okay. >> Well, we need to move. We need to have a motion first. So, what she said? >> Yeah, I said I move to accept. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. Thanks for repeating. >> Thank you. It's been moved and and
021seconded that we accept the consent agenda as is. Is there any further discussion? Okay, I'll call for a vote. Director Russell, >> yes. >> Director Kllins, >> yes. >> Vice Chair Smith Reed and Chair Y will say the same. Yes. >> I guess we're on to new business. >> And you do not have to read every single letter in every single pardon me. >> You do not have to read every single letter in every single word on that. >> Okay. >> We have policies, >> but we do need to discuss it. Correct. >> Uh it's your first read unless somebody has a question. >> Okay. >> I do feel >> 5.1 new business on that. We'll start there. >> I think we should on these for the public. Okay. >> Would you agree? >> Sure.
022>> Yeah. Okay. >> The educational records and students with disability policy for read. Anybody have any topic or discussion on that? No. We okay with that one? >> Okay. Move on to uh 5.1.2. personal electronic devices and social media version one, two, and three. That is a delete. >> So, can you help me understand what you mean? I saw that and I wasn't. I saw like the delete and then the other I think it's because we're replacing it with the executive order. Okay. The governor um we have to replace the old policy with the new stuff. >> So, we're version one, two, and three. And then which one is delete? I'm so sorry. walk you through. >> All of those are being replaced by the >> Oh, and then we're going to do 5.3. Gotcha.
023I just want to say that I know that this is a really hot topic and I think it's super important for people of the community to understand that this was not a St. Helen School District choice. Um, literally when the government or the governor issues an executive order, if we do not follow it, we will be withheld state funding and we are not in any position to risk money. Not at this point. Um, so it's going to be a challenge. We all understand that. But again, it is us trying to comply um so that we can continue to get funding. That's really it. So I just want to just remind the public that. >> Thank you. >> So that is passing on the 5.1.3 the new policy. Do we need to review it? It's on
024the >> speak to it. >> Yes. >> If you don't mind, please do. >> So what we we're doing right now is we're gathering feedback from our administrators. We send it out um for folks and they'll gather they've already talked with their educators to educators have given feedback as well about like the location of where we should put the cell phones or um because the governor was very clear that within the policy not the AR because normally like policy is big and then the AR gets really small like the steps. She wants it pretty clear in the policy that's why this looks a little different um step by step. So I think it's really important um because we need to implement at the start of the school year so that everybody un understands um that
025um this is the direction that we have to head and it's really hard to in January all of a sudden say okay now we're doing something different with all different ages of students. So we think um as an administrative body and an educational body is that we really should start right at the beginning of the year. So we plan we we're updating handbooks and you know we're going to start doing things but we're and but we don't have an adopted policy. We could do a read and you could adopt it in the first reading, but I think it would be um really beneficial um for y'all to the first listening and learning session on September 10th to hear feedback into the policy and people maybe could come and share their feedback with um you about
026the policy and how they feel about it. Um, and so that of course that could only be two board members that would come to the listening and learning session with the school and administrators. So that um I just think that would be better to do that than to adopt it in the first read knowing that we're still going to start implementation at the beginning of the year but giving an opportunity for I had somebody ask a question uh how many classrooms don't have phones in them and I didn't know the answer to that. landlines. landmines so that in the event of an emergency if it is all rooms do have it >> all rooms have the landlines >> and this is the proposed it is bellto bell so it means no passing period no lunchtime
027if it you know if it's seen needs to be put away somehow we just don't know how >> we've had feedback around off and away in backpack or off and away in locker off and away in cell phone locker or off and away in those little I want pocket because that's pocket on G's. It really shouldn't be on the person. Um, so like the cell phone pockets. So, we're going to have to make a determination and get maybe feedback. I think at that listening learning session with families too, that might be an opportunity to share. >> And this is also including uh watches, right? That's all. It's all the most >> Well, it just depends on the the ruling is is anything that can you can message connect to the internet that you can message.
028>> So then are earbuds okay if >> Yeah. >> earbud would have nothing to connect to, >> right? >> Yeah. But some people connect to their Chromebooks for like listening to a movie or something for educational. if within our handbook that we're if we in our handbook we're stating that um students can use their um headphones for so I don't know some some in some districts you purchase the headphones for students and in some districts they use their own personal headphones and so in if that's something that we do in St. Helen's that they use their headphones. I mean, we wouldn't change that. You know, they just wouldn't they'd have to just gonna be like a teenager want they have their >> their uh phone and their off and away in their backpack and their
029earbud in and listening to the music of the phone in their backpack, you know. So, it's just I think it's just very I just think it's very that we have to be very clear on >> what what we're Yeah. what the expectation is in our handbook, right? If we were gonna >> Right. Because do we go back to iPods technically? I mean >> iPhones. >> Well, I mean if it's if you're having to run your headphones off of your phone, then I feel like we're we're going to run into some sticky situations. Unless we >> clarify that um it's coming from music that's connected some other route than >> just a or if they're just using it on their school device, right? their your beds for their device. Yeah. Their school device. >> But of
030course, we haven't made any decisions here about how that's happening. We're talking about it. >> Yeah. >> And I I don't know if it was caught, but this the the order has was put into place for January 1 that this weekend, but we and I know that you had said we were starting. I just don't know if people realized we had until January 1, but it >> we have until Halloween to got the policy adopted and until January to enforce it. But enforcing something after we go back from break is seems ridiculation records and records of students with disabilities. There any discussion around that? Okay. Then we'll move on to 5.2 resolution to sell property. >> This is what I want to make sure that the community is aware of. So would you um speak
031to that? >> Yep. We'll do that. Um so uh we're putting resolutions in front of the board to settle two pieces of property um to try to help with our budget deficit. Two pieces of property. Our first resolution uh will be the sale of property on Gable 7.2 acres. Get that put up for sale. And then the second resolution is 10 acres and I call that the golf course over on Ross Road in War and that's what I think the board will be discussing tonight and you know taking a vote on whether we want to do that. I think it's really important. Unfortunately, we have to do that, but we need to, you know, shorten up our budget deficit in any way possible and try to eliminate cuts and everything else that we have to
032do. >> We need to bring in some liquids. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Is there any other comments around that? >> Well, I do have a question because on both pieces are are worth quite a bit of money both ways. Is does it really take both pieces to be sold? >> Yes. whether we're over millions of dollars. >> Absolutely. When we have outstanding claims and policy limits and we're we have furlow days we can't afford to bring back and staff we are laying off. >> We need all the money that we can get in my opinion. And this budget, >> we're not out of the woods come next year. we are we need to prepare >> for our what's in front of us. This is not just a this year problem. And so I I
033would concur with Christine on this that um yeah >> it's my opinion if we sold these properties like right now and they sold it's only a stop gap this year. >> Yeah. >> We're >> and that's the part I bring up is that it's not going to >> fix the problem. It's going to make it be okay. But we're going to still pretty much even the day you sell these, you're going to be looking at what are we going to do next year because it it's not looking good for us to get more money next year or the year after at the moment. It might even be later. But um so the Ross Road one in all honesty probably should have got rid of a long time ago if I wasn't married to a golfing
034husband. Okay. I probably would have pushed that one a long time ago. Um the Gable Road one, the only only issue I have with the Gable Road one is to get rid of all of it. Doesn't mean we couldn't do parts of it, but we are still as a high school when we have big events and we have busing. We are using Walmart's parking lot to park our buses so that we even have any place for our parents to park or visiting parents whether it's especially when we're playing scooters. We all know what happens. They're parked up and down gable in every square inch you can put them. But then I just believe that that property needs to be looked at a little bit before we go just list in all as one big piece.
035And if nothing else, the way it was planned was to go off of Gable right down the side of the um town houses that are there with a a large enough section that a bus could pull off and go around and go out and make it designed at the end of the track that they could go right back out onto Gable. They'd be able to pull into the parking lot, pick up their kids to go back home. Respectfully, Melody, I think that if it costs us one penny to reszone that, it's not worth it. And >> quite frankly, even if all we do is buy us some time, what we're trying to do here is instill hope in our community that they want to bring their students back to St. Helens because butts in seats
036gets us bucks. And right now we need to show that we are putting our students first, our staff first, and that piece of property doesn't help them. >> I think walking, even if we have to walk across the street, um I would rather sell this property and have every penny we can get in the bank. Um and let people walk. I think we have a beautiful new school at the high school. I think there's a lot more to our district. also >> and just the high school. >> I would also say if there was a big problem with safety, students were being hit by cars or, you know, mugged or whatever, like maybe that would be something to consider because it poses a safety issue, but so we don't have that history and >> my
037dad walked uphill both ways. I was going to say and with the new efforts that they just did at the parking that's gotten really big for parking. It's not going to be a fix, but there's a lot. But I actually I think Joseph has a really great point. And also Joseph, I want to bring you into the conversation as a student and seeing um the other schools that you go to and recognizing where we're at in a budget crisis versus what that might look like to sell property and walk a little further for parking and how students are going to feel about that versus keeping our doors open. >> Yeah. And I'd love to hear your >> I like students would prefer something probably if it means even having one or less fur day. They
038might not be excited about that or school. But in the end, right, I think it's smarter to have less fur days. And even if it just gets you one foot at the door or even three feet closer to the door, I think it's smart. >> Perfect. >> Can I back up just a little bit too, Joseph? Our student representatives, you speak up anytime. We will not call on you. You do not have to wait. You have a voice on this board. Interrupt. >> But I will call on you if I don't. >> But we will call on you if you don't. Okay. But I just want to go on the record saying, "Hey, you're part of our student, you know, our board and we want to hear your guys' voice." >> Yeah. >> Can I
039Joseph, can I tell people about at the retreat you took the cell phone policy because you were going to go share it with students and talk to them and I just think that's really great. So, thank you for advocating to help support executive order. >> Are you getting feedback from people or something? But the idea that it is hopefully less than behavior like highly students where even at like elementary schoolers have cell phones. um which is weird. Um but like even that idea of just having students with less behavior in general and having to like a direct correlation between u behavior and like having a cell phone in classrooms or on somebody's body. I think they're more willing to have there is an idea of like is there some way that I can specifically earn
040my cell phone, but I don't feel like >> that's possible. I don't feel like it's necessarily possible just because like it's just going to create another problem again enough you're unless you make the requirement incredibly high you're just going to have a mass number of students still having their cell phone which would just >> thank you for pushing that forward with the your cures >> okay moving on >> I'm sorry >> that's okay I just want to tell you I guess one more thing too is sometimes you don't realize it unless you're actually out there. But the piece that actually runs behind our football field, which is sort of a tail of really the whole bigger piece is the Gable Road front, which is the most valuable part of that property to anybody, whether they
041put a great big fancy house, a police department, or they built a whole bunch of town houses and apartments. That tailpiece back there is actually not considered wide enough to actually be built on. If you built and you put a road to even access any home back there, there wasn't enough width. It was enough to make it wider for a bus to be able to get through or if there was a little corner that we actually needed to finish the four baseball field section. That was really the priority. And all we were trying as a district was to buy that piece, but the owner at the time wanted 3.6 6 million for that piece only and later then passed away and the piece became family who sold us the entire thing for the 1.2. That's
042all we wanted for years and years and years is to be able to have glassing parking and to be able to finish the baseball fields up above. >> Once it's once it's gone, it's just gone. We don't have it. >> I say with any luck, an apartment will go back there and they'll build a road and we can use their parking lot to park our buses. >> You can't you can't get past it. don't go anything backward. That's all I was trying to play. >> Do you have do you have um another option that you could bring to the table that would allow us to get funds to get us through this year and into next year without selling this property >> and without spending a single penny on that right now? >> If you
043had another option to bring to the table, I would >> I would absolutely. >> Okay. Jared said he will talk about it. Did you want to ask Jared some questions? Yeah, just a couple maybe clarifying questions. Your opinion on you know your perceptive of how the property will fit if it work for the school district busing things like that under the bus and backing over you 100 times. [Laughter] >> Sorry I'm learning our financial start there for overriding our financial. sit there so that we called you up to the table as a district as a district expert. >> Um and I'm sorry because I was going like >> sorry every basically um we talked about the um dividing it up. It does cost us to do that, right? And and that um >> take like
044a year at least >> advantageous to sell the whole thing because we've acrew >> Yeah, it would be a bigger asset for someone to develop or to purchase or whatever if that's what the board wants to do, right? Um just to be clear, we haven't made any plans. I know, you know, Melody has had an idea. Um we've met with the community in that area. They have their own ideas. because they've heard a lot of ideas from people. Um, you know, the city, we originally wanted to um sell the upper part. We are working with them to put a police station there. So then contractors on board, they're surveying it because you have to survey and do all that stuff. They had their own ideas. There's been a lot of ideas about this property. >>
045It would be in our best interest if the board's goal was to gain uh fi funding then that we just sell this one big piece. It would cost money to do anything to that property. >> I'm sitting on it would not it I just don't see a way to bring funds into our pockets. I if there was another option, I would love to hear it, but I don't foresee it. I would love to give this and entertain that thought. I really would. >> I just don't see it as a feasible. I want to keep our doors open and I don't know that we're headed in the right direction without doing this. >> What what's really hard and I don't think that Jared even knows the piece is that the the sale of the front section
046on Gable Road for how much the city was originally offering us which they no longer can afford and the sale of the piece in Yangden was to reimburse us the entire 1.2 too much and we would have had our piece of property basically for free other than close the cost of it did not turn out that way but it wasn't because of anyone in our district doing something that wasn't okay because it's all planned all worked out and unfortunately as you all know from living here it didn't work too well in the downtown quarters as far as that part of it so >> I think it's it's safe to say that there were good intentions and we are at a point right now where city's good intentions aren't there. That's right. We have to think
047about city is not the gate, >> right? >> We are the gate. >> So, and just so you do know, Ross Road was the exact same thing. The city wanted that also and to continue the road from Furlock Park to go straight out to Ross and be able to basically build homes on both sides where my husband has golf balls. >> Well, we'll have the chance to buy it. >> Well, and here's the thing. We don't know who will purchase this property or if this property is going to sell. >> We can only like as our goal this year is to have hope and like right now I really hope that we can find a buyer and >> um but we don't know. So maybe you will get your wish and we will see >>
048your original manifesting this. >> I did forget to ask you there. I did. >> So, one other quick question for you. How many can you give us a rough idea how many parking spaces were uh implemented there at the high school with the portals going? I saw a whole bunch of new asphalt striping and everything out there. >> So, um on the upper side, right? >> Right. Where the portals used to be and all that work they just did. >> We put the parking lot back exactly as it it was before I were required to. Um, so we didn't if you change the parking lot in any way, you have to follow the new code, which means we have to have a tree every seven spots. So that would not be feasible for us. So
049um, we just kept it exactly as it was except where the entrance got widened. Uh, so we can make it safer for buses. And then the where the old fert tree grove was, uh, we put in six handicap spots. So that's the addition. >> Okay. Which by the way, their very favorite part is the fact that they widen that entrance. >> Thanks for put on the spot. >> Is there any other discussion on the property proposals? >> Thank you for everything that you shared with us. >> How about we move on to uh the English learners OD annual report? So, this was just um it's part of the um law to just have it on the agenda, give you the opportunity to review it and so you had the opportunity to review it. Um um
050we put it in new items just so that you we could address why we're putting it on there and then right after this board meeting um Stacy posts it on the website. Well, not right after the board meeting, tomorrow she's like, "It's okay. You don't have to talk about the EL report on the door right now. >> I call her name and she listens to me. What? Um but yeah, so that was just we put it on there. There's no presentation or anything. It's just you read the report and then we can have it on the record that you did do that. >> Then we'll move on to policy committee. >> Sure. >> Put you on the spot now. So um it is common practice in other districts to um have a policy committee that
051is a board committee which means two board members would be on that committee and then you um would recruit people to be it's such an exciting job to be on the policy committee but you would recruit people to the policy committee and then we would rotate specific department leads in when we were discussing uh departments that they might not be expertise at whoever's at that in that committee and then that way you have an expert at the table that can give feedback or advice. It's it's fairly easy because we have an OS we have an OSBA um agreement that uh they provide us all the you know legal ease and they tell they recommend what we would cross out what we would keep. They quote all the laws below. But the reason you do that
052is because it's very it's a long process. And so if we were to come to every board meeting and talk about every single policy, it would make for a very long board meeting. And so you would pick you would pick specific policies like the cell phone policy, things that are going to cause maybe a little bit of controversy. You bring those kinds of policies and have conversations maybe at the board meeting. But the board members always have um the right during where we're doing a first reading or a second reading to pause and have discussion on it and say, "Well, I agree with that or I disagree with that." And to get um uh like information from the two other board members that are on the policy committee, like why we why the policy committee
053voted in a specific way to um make that that edit to that policy. And so or there's opportunities in work sessions where um if you don't want to do a policy committee that you would do policy during work sessions, right, instead of um board meetings and then you would review and read policy and edit policy during work sessions and then you bring it back to the board meeting to approve, right? And do your first reading, second reading, all those great things. >> So tonight, are we voting? We if we vote yes, right? Are we saying we would like a policy committee? Because I >> Okay. >> And the reason one of the reasons why the policy committees are in common practice too is you're getting feedback from your community. You're getting feedback from your educators,
054your classified staff, um your administrators, your students. Students are on policy review committees. And it's a broader lens with multiple perspectives at the table when you're making decisions around policy. But bottom line is you all make policy. um and we we implement it. So you want to find out how the implementers want to be sure that they're part try to get feedback into that process because you you don't know when you're voting on a policy if that's going to cause an unintended consequence or barrier for the people that are implementing. >> Well, I like the fact that it will bring um more students to the table, more community members. Um it is a lot of work and it's tedious but I do think that >> important. >> So are you basing um when you're saying
055they'll be working on policies are you still basing those on recommendations from OSBA being sent to us or something that we're wanting to do as a district ourselves? >> All OSBA directly because they're um they they're really aligned with laws and um you uh we wouldn't be making stuff up. would be following the direction, but there's some flexibility in a lot of them. You can there's also optional policies that you don't have to have as a district. That would be the feedback from the committee like the committee like why would we need that because we don't we don't do we don't have that right or something. I can't give an example. I also can't think about an optional policy that might in the package that I sent you. I think there was a couple that
056are optional. Um, it doesn't mean that if they make a decision at the policy review committee, like if we say, "Oh, we don't want that one. That's an optional policy." It could was would still come back with board members that are on that policy committee to say there was an they're going to explain what happened at the policy meeting, right? Because you'll see all of the policies as a board. You'll still get those updates with the whole packet so you can read them and do all the things that you'd like to do. And if you have feedback when the policy comes to the table for the reading, you still have feedback. And you could say as a board, we can respect that the committee chose not to have that optional policy, but what happens in
057the future? Blah blah blah. And you could say, we still want that policy and photo, but it's all OSB directed. >> So there would be two board members. Yes. >> Um, and this would be outside of a work session. >> Yeah. Because you can meet in a policy review committee. And my advice is to do that because we're going to be doing professional like we're you guys want to do boards development >> during work sessions >> and as a new board it benefits you to have that time together to do the the development. >> Um and it is a it is where we're trying to build trust and transparency with our shareholders. And so it is an opportunity to do that >> um because then they have input on lots of things you know that
058are going on with district and helping create policy um for the and even have feedback into ARS. >> So the last well I don't I I don't know what month it was but Kelly Smith had brought quite a few suggestions to the table that were not able to be added that I thought were significant and that we do need to address. And so when you say that we would need to follow the OSBA guidelines, we can still go in and offer those changes that Kelly Smith that's think I have an email copy. >> So we could go ahead. That would be the time that we would do that. We would sit down. >> Yep. And you at any time you can even if you were to adopt a policy, you could decide two weeks later
059that you want to change that policy. You would just have to bring it to the board. as we did tonight. But >> yeah. Okay. >> So when you're doing your policy committee the way that you're doing it, then does it still have to go through the first read, second read, third read still? So there's still time to even as a policy committee, nobody's making any decisions to adopt that all happens here. And so the first reading, second reading, >> we're just giving recommend recommendations to >> but you can always I don't recommend it unless there's an emergency. So during COVID, there might have been times where you all voted first reading emergency adoption of a policy. All right? You can always do that um as a board. That's your decision to make. Um but my
060recommendation is always to bring it have it out for the community to read it to because the greater community might not see it in a like a because the work session they would see it, right? But in a policy review committee, they're not going to see it. So that way you could still you're still bringing it into the packet, people can review it, they can come speak on it um prior to you adopting it during public comment. But also if we're on a committee, so Melody and I are on a committee for this one particular policy, we can hear students and community members feedback and if we come here for the first or second, whatever, we can say this is how the community felt. >> Yeah. And this doesn't have to have OSB representative at
061the time and just the committee because that cost that part of it. >> No, it's the prepacket. Okay. >> I know that um just to let you know that one time we did this before co we went through the entire policy books and I think that the guy from OSBA thought he could get us through this in one day. It took three days from morning till night. And because we corrected every cross t and and if and you name it and what would work for our district and what wouldn't. So there is a lot of work that goes into doing all of these policies. >> Any further discussion on the policy committee? We'll move on to the fairgrounds. Has everybody had a chance to read that? >> That's kind of >> we have some people
062that are going to come talk about it. >> Oh, perfect. Thank you. >> We're picking on Jared again. We just felt like um that it would be important for the new board to understand where this came from. um why we would want to sign anou with the fairground >> and yeah interest because this means we're changing what we had already had right >> no >> anou this is new brand new >> this is that's why it's >> I'm thinkingou for like unions is >> no not the same >> no okay >> all right so yeah it's just uh anou between the county fair board and our school way too little. >> Sorry. >> So, uh, in 2013, um, our school district began working with the I Love You guys Foundation. Um, and we adopted its
063protocols for crisis response. So, just to let you give you a little background, I love you guys Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was started in 2006. It was developed by Ellen and John Michael Keys um who lost their daughter to a school shooting. Uh the foundation has developed a standard response response protocols and safety uh standard reunification. So, all schools um in Columbia County have adopted the I love you guys protocols and actually school districts across the nation students. So, right now where we're at, um so in 2023, uh the school district uh presented to the county fair board the idea of using their property as a reunification site um in the event of a school emergency. And so reunification, as you know, um is where we basically get the kids back to their
064parents as quickly and as efficiently as possible. >> We originally did it at Columbia City, correct? When we weren't using that building, >> um we've had two reunifications and yes, both times they were at Columbia City in the last 20 years. >> So currently we would like thisou approved. So, um, in 2025, um, theou was drafted between the school district and the Columbia County Fairboard. Uh, it establishes the fairgrounds as a designated reunification site for our district. This agreement ensures that a safe and accessible and scalable location to manage reunification logistics during an emergency. Um, board approval of theou allows us to finalize our district plans. It provides legal and operational clarity for both the district and the Columbia County Fairgrounds. And it ensures families and staff community members uh know that we have a
065clear organized reunification plan in place. That's pretty much it. Um does anybody have any questions about that? >> No. Excellent. That's all >> just so you know, just so for the government so that you know as a government body that anything any intergovernmental relationship that we're entering into, you all have to approve is why it is coming to you because it came to me originally. Um parent was working on it before I got here. Um and I just want to make sure that you know that's one of the reasons of new business. they're sharing what it's about so you have an understanding of why before you are not approving it or voting on it. >> So, so what's the little piece that's I guess different from before that's having to be changed? >> There's nothing.
066It's a whole new >> This will be the first time we've done it. >> I don't like that idea. Yeah, that we're setting aside. Hopefully, we don't have to do it, but um yeah, we're just getting a sight so we can finalize our plan. >> What area to get back together >> parking off the road and everything? >> Yeah, >> we will use it as subject. >> From what I remember, they just got our kids on a bus. They transferred them via bus. We might >> just kind of emergency. >> Yeah. So, this is only for an emergency where um we can't bring the kids back into the building. So, like at McBride in the 90s, >> any other questions for Jared? >> Thank you, Jared. >> Again, next. >> Okay. And any discussion on
067the lease agreement with the Columbia County or the school-based health center? >> Yeah, he's presenting on that. >> Okay. So this again would be not a cost to us because >> we'll get to it. >> Yes. And that's okay. So in this situation it's yes, we're bringing it to you for that specific purpose. Um >> and we can no longer use Sakaria. >> He's going to share about that. But I just wanted to make sure that you understand this isn't new business. Okay. But it the reason we're bringing it to you because there's some technicalities to understand. >> So uh we lease a building from the Columbia County. Um, and so the clinic um at 20 uh 2370 Gable Road, which is right across from the high school, has historically been operated by the Columbia
068Health Services or CHS um which they provided core public health clinical services um for a long time. So in 2019 it was determined that a more practical and resource it was more practical and resourceful to expand the clinic to become um a certified school-based health center which is community serving but student prioritized to be a school based health center and eligible for state funds. Um the clinic must be on the school district property. So in 2022 the St. home school district leased the 2370 Gable Road property from the county to satisfy that state requirement. The district at the time had a goal to build a student-based health center inside of the current high school with the bond funds. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. And so just to get some more information, the health center at the
069Lion Wellness Center, that's what it's called, um serves has approximately 300 student K through 12 encounters every month. And then additionally, they take on 500 encounters from the public. >> And this is the one across the street you're saying? >> Yep. >> Okay. So, uh, we had an original lease agreement for a dollar a month that expired in August of 30, August 31st of 20, uh, 24. There was an amendment to that lease agreement put in place in August, early August of 2024 to extend it for another year. Um, that amendment made it so that the school district is now responsible for all maintenance and repairs of that main building facility, not the small portable behind, just the main building facility. Um, that cost under $20,000. >> Okay. Under like 19,99 like what would you
070say under? >> Correct. >> Okay. Are you talking about >> I'm just reading what is in the lease agreement. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Any maintenance or repairs to that facility, >> but there's not like that much money is worth that need to be done tomorrow or last Friday. >> I that's not sure how to answer that. >> Okay. >> So now um so in March of 2025 um so I got brought in late into this. So, in March of 2025, um I worked with uh Dr. Gray and we asked the county for a 2-year lease agreement. The reason we went for two years is because the studentbased health center grant funding is on a 5-year cycle. So, it would get us to the end of their 5-year cycle. Um so, the county amended
071the lease agreement. They send over an amendment. Um, and that amendment would require the district to put on a new roof on the main building before the end of the lease in 2027 and do the continued maintenance cost. Uh, the new roof would cost about $28,000. And so, Columbia Health Service Columbia Health Services is working on coming uh obtaining a grant for that roof replacement to meet that requirement for us. as you guys know, can be um written many different ways and done different ways. There is a very slim chance that if we at the end of our two-year agreement, the county doesn't want to lease us that the district would have to pay out some portion of that grant. >> Okay. So, how likely is this grant opportunity for us? Um I don't know
072but so in 2012 they obtained a grant for 300,000 to remodel the Sakua Health Center half of it right. So they're pretty I mean I'm assuming they're pretty successful at doing that. >> So we're looking at $48,000 with between now and 22. No, we would be looking at >> 28,000. Well, but then we need a roof and then it's 20,000 to keep it running each year. Correct. >> No. So, uh, it's the only requirement is to maintain um maintain and repair the building, which that's a sliding scale. I can't tell you what that is, >> but right now we're looking at about 20,000 a year for that. >> No, >> I'm sorry. We're going to get >> that was in the original the grant that was extended. Not the grant, excuse me, the lease that
073was extended that it said that you would do up to 20,000. >> Oh, sorry. >> So, that's not a conglomerate from my understanding of the contract, which we could bring lawyers and get better idea of that, but any repairs. So, if we had 15 $5,000 repairs, we would be stuck with that. Okay, that's what I >> But that's a very unlikely scenario, right? >> So then we're just looking at a dollar a month on the $28,000 for a roof >> and any repairs that could happen. >> And how old is this building? >> I'm just curious. I have >> It's a really old It's a pretty old building that needs probably for as long as they could. the public health CHS did remodel some of the clinic area. I'm not sure, not not too long
074ago. >> And this money that we might end up owing would be looking at in year 2027. And that's if they so if we Isn't it if we extend a lease for two years and they let's say we don't stay in the building like they that we are after the two years if we're not continuing the program in that building we have to pay back the grant. There is a a small likelihood of that, but I just wanted to make you aware. Yes, because the grant they get it might not say you would have they might get that would say you don't have to pay it back or the grant they I mean they could just look for grant that you don't have to pay back or if they wrote the grant and actually had
075the count they wrote it but they had the county submitted and everything but we wouldn't be you know on that since it is their profitable. >> What are your thoughts? Just curious everyone's thought on that. >> Have no idea. >> Right. >> So, >> it's um >> just like students are the district. So we so I asked for them to separate the numbers because they were say they were we were getting the youth and they were counting 26 and under as youth and so I said I'd like you to separate out I mean yeah that's youth you're young but yeah but I'm saying that if we if we want to look at how many students that we're serving um K12 students were serving 300 estimating you know we're for we don't know how like I
076tried to act like the data that we saw She said around ballpark 300 right students K12 I asked about are those students enrolled in St. Helen's >> there just she we were told they were K12 students so I don't I don't know why we could do some further um >> yeah and then there's also 500 community members that access it right >> and you're serving 3600 I think was the >> something like that so we're serving it's serving a lot of people that's why it's really um >> it's a really good um service. Um, and I really think that we should have a, you know, a deeper conversation around how that impact, right? And that's why it came to the board because I didn't feel comfortable signing off on something that might cost us like
077lots of money later, but so yeah, >> it's really a decision. >> So, just keep in mind, um, just want to be open about everything. Uh the agreement ends at the end of the month. >> That's what I was trying to say. When do we need to Okay. We need to sign by the end of the month. If we're going to >> Friday, >> it would it would be required to get approved tonight >> to be able to sign tomorrow. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, you know, with everything that has happened, this is the first opportunity. >> What's the downside if we don't approve it? >> 3,600 students that don't get served >> and they have to look for another building. move a transfer >> as well as 5% that aren't students. So, it's not just about
078>> No, no, I know. >> I'm just asking if they do get a I mean, if there's a grant like and she's we're going to work with um >> Sherry Sherry's right to get the grants and the likelihood of getting a grant for something like that is pretty good. Like, I mean, it's not, but it's not. We just got to bring it all to your attention that if for some reason because we asked if we could extend the lease past the two years because we read a grant and we're out of there in two years then we'd have to pay it back and they would only approve the two year. So they're not guaranteeing we can stay in that building. So in two years we'd have another conversation if they're not letting us stay in
079that building. However, if we say that we have we paid that much for a roof or any other maintenance, I think the whole community would back us up. >> But I I also brought to um Sherry's attention. I said, I why aren't we sharing some cost? Because if we have 300 of our students, but we have 500 community members. Why are we not splitting that cost for that repair? >> Who who would we split that cost with? >> The county. because it's the county building and the county it's public health serving 500 community members. So I brought that up today but uh was I she agreed and said well I don't want to put her on the spot but she agreed I could go to the commissioners and have that conversation but they're meeting tonight
080I think the same time we are >> so we don't have so so so that's not an option that we could even do this time around. Is that the thought? Because if we have to sign tomorrow, we don't know what the county commissioners is a great idea, but like how do we understand? >> The majority are citizens. Yeah. >> But couldn't the contract be if the county commissioners were willing to that we all need to get on it and it can't be rewritten later? >> I hear what you're saying. Um and so, okay, couple of things. um and you're not a lawyer, >> they're probably going to need a hot water heater very soon. So, you know, you're looking at $7,000, right? But that is just one cost of maintenance, right? Um and I don't
081know if anything else will break. Just want to be completely clear about that. But we uh so I met with the director of public health. I can't remember her name. >> Um yes. Yeah. and Sher and we talked about different options, sharing the roof cost um and different things that was not um received well. And then so we came up with a bunch of different ideas like charging rent. Uh the roof was the option one option. Um you know a couple other options were not in our best interest but we brought them up right. >> And then before uh Jamie got back with us on seeing the taking the temperature of the commissioners for that. Um it was decided by the current the super tip at the time. Uh sorry >> not me. >> I
082know. Sorry, I had to say that out loud. >> Yes, former acting superintendent that we would just move forward with. >> So then all those other avenues were stopped. >> And she agreed on a lot of things that didn't serve us well. So I just want to make sure that this does in fact serve us well. I >> I could see the county commissioners coming back and saying you're not paying rent. These 500 individuals that we're seeing in our community, I mean, does it equal out? I get the share the cost. I'm just I I guess I'm just thinking bigger picture like what they might come back and say. Um >> it's a challenge that we don't have more time, >> right? >> Yeah. And I don't I don't know if other like the hard
083thing for me is that the student-based health centers were supposed to be were not supposed to cost districts money. It was to be developed in collaboration with county health and it was to provide an opportunity for our students to have access to health care and mental health care, right? And so I um I do think there should have been a collaborative process and understanding even you know sharing the expense because it's more what my worry is just an older building. >> Yeah. >> And that it is like I'm aging myself money like I'm really worried that this is going to be one thing after the other. Right. Um, but I also know how important it is. Like I brought a schoolbased health center out to co and how important it is to have that service.
084Um, but I also never where it was a huge expense for the district. I also feel like what our community has experienced in the last year in the last few years. I feel I I just wonder if those numbers have increased in the last year with everything going on. I wish we had that information uh to see if that was something that increased over this last year. Um I can imagine that it was a lot of stress on a lot of students and so that also worries me. What happened to the we won't pay for something over $20,000 for maintenance >> that got struck from when they gave us the amendment number to the current amendment. >> So could we this is this is probably no good. Did you decide already where when we had
085talked a few weeks ago about that money that come came in for the green >> energy >> the green energy could we have put that money or is that money already allocated can we use that money for the roof I thought that it was used for the parking that was something we discussed yet >> currently it is not under contract with anyone um and Currently we haven't applied applied for that. So um >> we haven't asked for the get uh deferment because we had to wait for this meeting for the board minutes to be approved. >> Um and so when we do but that funding and Christie can correct me cannot be used for that because it wasn't a part of the bond. >> Correct. >> I just was preaching. >> Yeah. Oh, I hear
086you. >> Would they would there be an opportunity to say we would like an extension of time or would they could we ask them could we not they are we going to have a big red >> can we do monthto monthth for a minute >> I don't know um I emailed so how it works is I work with uh Sherry and Jamie and everybody goes to their board um and so I emailed her today asking for an extension for three months um just in case as a backup plan in case this doesn't get approved and she just emailed me back that the commissioners already approved amendment two this morning. >> Amendment two is our extension. >> Did she ask in this meeting if you could? >> Um so that was just an email today. Okay.
087>> Um so they had already approved that. So and that's all I was told. That's all I'm giving you everything I got. Right. Um, but when we met earlier uh with Sherry and her um and we talked about splitting it, she was not receptive to that. I specifically I brought that up. She just said that's not something we're interested. >> But I I know I'll be fair. I know that everyone is has budget um shortfalls. I mean, I know there's been cuts across the board because a lot of it's federal funding. I get all of that. Um, it just would be really nice if we could have had it I'm sorry if we could have had the conversation for a little more time. So, I know it's not you. I'm just saying that out loud,
088>> right? Because it feels like right now you're saying to us, you either give us the money or we're being evicted and that our community has no free healthcare center and we are the bad guys for something that we're literally our hands are tied and and >> Yeah. Well, >> well, I'm in your boat with you on this one. >> Uh, >> yes, >> basically. That's it. >> Question. I mean, where would we have money from? >> We do have two years, right, to do it. >> And this isn't a real like this isn't a real scenario either, right? So, like if we were to we're giving like all like all like I guess it's not it could be a real scenario but if we if we do get a grant if um Sherry writes
089a grant and she gets it right it'll pay for the roof the risk is and I'm curious to know why we couldn't extend to a three to five year even a three-year contract then we'd be in there a year past the what is the whatever the grant says right if it's like five years if we could have said can we just have the lease for the next five years because that's usually what those grants say. You got to be providing service because why would somebody write a grant put to repair the roof of a health center that's not a health center in two years, right? So that's why they would make us pay it back. The only way we would have to pay it back is if we got kicked out of the health center
090two years of the round. >> Let's push for a three-year contract. >> I can't even sign tonight. Yeah, it works. >> Hey, can we go back? >> You can always I mean, you could, and I have no clue about this, but uh you could just approve this, but then I don't know, have another meeting with the county >> and we readjusted. >> I met with Amy and I was clear in that meeting when we were just she showed me a bunch of great things. I found out this was Halloween Town, which was fantastic. take a little tour um of the the place and um at the end uh she slid the this agreement across the table to me and said it still needed to be signed and I I said I did not feel comfortable
091signing that till it was brought to the school board. I wasn't told at that time that it was going to the >> because if I would have known I would have gone and I my fault they should have probably maybe every now I go pull up the agenda and see what's posted all the time in the commission what they're voting on I'll need to do that from now on but I didn't know it was this quarantine and so I didn't vote I'm not and I >> you didn't have time >> I could have I would if I would have known I would have went and I would have said something but I'm sorry I didn't do Yeah, I I have an issue. >> What are your thoughts? >> Well, on this one, um I what
092I I counter at the same time is that we might not have to pay the 28,000 at all for a penny. But what will happen is if we have a whole bunch of sick kids who can't get in, can't get their services there. Next thing you know, we've got classes canceled, we've got teachers sick. Do we end up losing that 28,000 in a very short window if we had something around? So, just kind of looking at it both ways and that maybe we might never even pay a dime and then we had time. >> This is the second amendment. >> One second. We got you. >> This is the second. I'm sorry. This is the second time it was amended. So, it's possible it could be amended in two years. I mean, anything's possible, right?
093>> Yes. Yeah. We could talk about a little >> The only reason we would have to pay it back is if the county refuses to really >> if they get a ground. >> Yeah. We have to get the grant first, right? Otherwise, we are on the hook. >> No. Yeah. In any way, shape, or form. >> So, >> I'm gonna go back to this. >> It is used. It's roughly what? There's 500 community members. We have 300 students. That's 9600 people, which is just slightly under 3/4 of the population anywhere 14,000. >> So that's slightly under three quarters to 10. >> We love Joseph's stats. You all know. And I can't I mean >> those are not We were told those might not be as accurate as accurate numbers as >> Yeah. So they're encounters,
094right? >> Encounters. doesn't say their counter. So, it's anybody that walked in the door. >> It's the same person. What do we hear about mental health services or whatever? >> It could be the same person. >> I know that our mental health services in our community right now are tapped and that is probably my biggest concern >> and I students use it now. Where would they go? >> Probably. And I >> I hate to even say, but I feel like we should just pass it because I our our community needs this and >> just I would sure like that when this comes up for renewal next time we get like a six month >> look ahead. >> You feel like grants are pretty were pretty I mean that's my biggest concern. >> Grants are there.
095I I have I um have not looked up roof replacement on on health facilities um before. So I wouldn't know how many grants are out there for that. But Sherry said that she's pretty sure she could get a grant of some sort. Because I asked her, "How sure are you?" And she I'm pretty sure I can. The reality is, which I don't understand why we couldn't ex extend at least longer because why in two years do we have to now revisit it again? Because I have really weird suspicion. Are we going to be paying for a roof? And I mean >> and then kicked out. That's what I was worried about. But I'm not saying that's going to happen. I'm just saying that's what I was worried about. And Jared like did you say that?
096But um but that's what Jar and I had talked about too. And I'm not it's not that I don't I I really this is hard for me because it's really important that we provide services to our but I'm also concerned about and and we could still write the grant and we could say hey is there a way that you know you accept the grant because it's your building. We'll write it. We get it. You accept it. Then that way they're on the hook if we are in their and that's what Sher had said. Is there a way we can try to get them to be the financial you know when you write a grant you have somebody who owns it financially >> if we can have them own it right we would do the writing
097for them or Sherry I'll just write it for them and then we'd say once we got it you would be the people that post it or whatever whatever you call that. She can still do that, right? We're gonna She's gonna try, but I don't know. >> But then we would still do the work of the grant for the roof, right? That would still >> Well, if Sherry wrote a grant and it got she got the grant, right? But it would be the go to the county and then they would facilitate whoever repaired the roof >> and then if we're not in there in two years, it doesn't get re it doesn't get paid. We don't have to pay it back. What was another thing I was thinking, but >> we don't have time to go
098to them with this. One of the things that I would regret about it not being there too is its location is so accessible to so many especially apartment complexes. >> Um and then also to have the public health itself is down in the lower part of the courthouse now too that was part of it. So they can sort of spread out the whole downtown can get there but they can get each other back and forth. You've got the sack ja center. So there's so many areas other than the poor guys that live in Yang to walk to that they can get to, but it's been there for so long I know that it's it would be a real shame to lose that part of it for everybody. >> Okay, thank you. >> On to the
099next one. Oh, I'm sorry. Any further discussion? I don't want to cut anybody off. >> You're getting good at this one. Okay, let's go on to the board superintendent operating agreement. Is there any discussion around that? I >> know we just we put it together at our last retrieve >> and >> are we going to share with the community that agreement? >> Talk about it. Yeah, sure. >> I think that would be a great idea. >> Sure. >> I want them to see how we will all work together. >> So, the board and the superintendent, we came up with an agreement, operating agreement at our last retreat. uh last Sunday and picked some topics and picked some ideas and collaborated and came up with this operating plan. >> That's why we got these great on
100board >> association. Can we admire that a little bit just the agreement? >> That's why you see me do this. So I know >> not for me but more for our >> the right side of your screen there >> down. on here. There we go. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> You gonna share? >> Are you gonna share? >> Sure. >> Okay. So, the purpose is of the board of directors is the educational policy makers for the uh school district, St. Al School District. This effectively meet the systems challenges. School board superintendent and a school board must function together as a leadership team. We want to work hand in hand together. Um to ensure unity among the team members, effective group assignments must be placed be in place. The following group the following are the group
101agreements with the board of superintendents. One uh the collaborative governance read members of the board and superintendent shall work together as a team modeling lifelong and learning and collaboration together. Not read sorry. Uh board members shall recognize and respect the superintendent's responsibility to manage the school district and to direct the employees in the district and school matters. Our superintendent is the board's only employee and she takes care of everything else. The board shall make decisions only at properly called meetings. Board members recognize that individual members have no authority to take individual action in policy or district or school administrative matters unless so authoritized by a vote of the board. Communications agreement. Board members shall follow the chain of command and communicate directly with the superintendent when questions arise or concerns or complaints is voiced by
102staff members, student, parent or community member. Uh board members shall communi uh comm communicate directly with the superintendent or board chair prior to meetings of the board to address questions andor concerns about agenda items. The superintendent shall also communicate properly and effectively with the board members. Number three, board members and the superintendent shall uh communicate one-on-one when an individual concern arises with the board member with any member of the board and the superintendent team as appropriate. board expectations of the superintendent. Work with the board to establish a clear vision of the school district. Provide data to the board members so data driven decisions can be made. Represent the school district for being visible in schools by being visible. Provide followup with information to the board on concerns and issues that have referred to the superintendent.
103Close to comm close the communication. inform the grower to promptly and effectively of all critical information including relevant trends, anticipated needed coverage and/or more internal and external change and the superintendent expectations from the board assist in gaining acceptance in the support of the community and support of the community. Willingness to abide by its own rules, policies and code of ethical conduct. Number three, willingness to acknowledge and follow the chain of command in the school district. Number four, be carefully considerate. Uh consideration of each recommendation made by the superintendent and practice of avoiding surprises at board games. >> That's it. >> We all wrote down we really worked through that and Joseph was a part of that as well. >> Um and I think that we really encompassed everything. >> We all cheated a tiny bit.
104>> We did not cheat. We cheated too a little bit coming up with some of the things >> and just noticed my expectations longer. >> They were like, "We think this all blends together and you guys, >> we said four goes to three, two goes to three." >> So, we came up with this at our last retreat, like I said, and I think we did a really good job coming up with a plan to work with the superintendent and the superintendent to work with the board. >> Absolutely. And if you're bored, you could rewatch you could watch the retreat. Six hours. >> Yes, all six hours. >> Please do. >> Me, too. >> Okay. Thank you for making me read so long. >> That was great for you to read aloud. >> Oh, I know.
105I need practice. So, we'll go on to number six. The superintendent report. >> Oh, >> all right. Um, >> before I before you start, does anybody need to take a a quick recess or anything? >> Does that mean you do? >> No. Okay. >> I'm just asking. >> Sorry. Go ahead. >> So, um, during this time, I wanted to give an update to the board because you had, um, tasked me with directed me with the last at the last board meeting when we had the consent agenda items for the um, personal service contracts. you pulled them out of the um consent agenda and you uh voted on me either renegotiating um for a better rate or a more reasonable rate and or deter and or to terminate the contracts. So I wanted to bring forward
106that one contract of 25,000 was terminated because there was a termination clause within the contract. So immediately when I left the board meeting, I um emailed the person and then we sent notice in a a mail too as well. Um and then I negotiated with the other um personal service um contractors. Um neither one wanted to terminate and so um we reduced cost. Um, one agreed to assign to actually sign an amendment um to up to 32,000 instead of 40,000. So, we're saving money there. >> Only one. >> No, only one said they would sign an amendment. The second one um wouldn't sign but agreed to um up to 30. We kept this we kept the same agreement um but agreed to only do up to 32,000 um um in services. And so I have
107that in an email um and I we will stick to that and I know that that will be the case. So I just wanted to report back that that's what I >> which what that means basically is because the contracts specifically listed out in line item what each of their services would cost, right? So up to 32,000 mean they'll do these things but they'll reduce they won't do this one as many times or right >> well um one of them sat down with um completed >> uh the person they would be mentoring and developed like this is you know how much time it would take and to do the work and so it's amended where it's up to 32,000. The second one is not amended. Um, and technically because there was no termination clause in
108these contracts, you know, I can negotiate and um, I still can't make I can't change the doctor. >> No, no. And we will I'm going to create a template. I'm going to create help create a template with finance and human resources to that everyone it has a termination clause in it because it's based on f funding really and our own contracts have like a a mechanism in there that says based on funding right and so um anyway that being said the one is not amended but there is an agreement to u this is up to 40,000 to be up to 32 two um thousand. So >> it's an indie mill. Yeah. And I believe that that's the case. I don't think that there's going to be any issue with that. Um >> so that would
109be 25,000 and then um plus 16,000. That's how much we saved in what was originally the original cost of those. >> Thank you. >> So just a quick question on the up to 32,000. Is that considered a full-time position until the money runs out or is that a part-time? You know what I mean? Are they only here two days a week until we get or is it all the time? >> So, it's just an hourly service. Yeah. >> And uh invoice. They invoice us. Um originally there wasn't an invoice option in the contract, but they all um they all they now invoice. And technically we have to have invoices so that we can track for our auditing purposes and that we know because we can't we have we only pay make payment for rent services
110rendered. we would, you know, we would be making >> that was an amendment within their contract that >> for one of them. Yes. But the second one there was no amendment that agreed to be do invoicing. And so I >> hoping that they both agreed to use the same invoice process though. >> We can't terminate. But are they able to terminate if they choose to though? >> Okay. But they chose not to. >> No. But if they did later, even >> Yeah, >> these are contractors working for the district employees. >> Yeah, >> thank you for your work on that. >> Thank you for the Oh, I'm sorry. I was waiting for something else. Say >> something else. >> Okay. So, uh, we move on to board reports. And normally I would go last, but
111I'm gonna go first. >> Okay. >> Wait, wait a minute. >> Was it? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Sorry. There was more. Sorry about that. Um, usually it would say financial report, but she can do it within my superintendent report because I'm not I'm not going to be reporting out on the financials tonight. Well, but she's going to report out on the financials. Um, and uh, so >> um, so prior the what you guys received um, there there are two documents each two pages long. Um there's one that's and one that's 2526. Um so I am going to start with the 2425 general fund revenue which is page one also sharse Um dogs are >> I know Wednesday in the office. The door was shut. >> We were dying, weren't we? >> At least it's cold.
112>> I know. Thank you. >> Okay, so I know those are really small numbers. >> Make it just a tiny bit bigger. Yeah, you got to get rough as this deal starts to start larger. >> So, um what this is is um you know every year we create a budget and then as we wrap the year up we um end up with final numbers. These are unawited numbers and these are still preliminary as we do unfortunately still have some invoicing coming in. Um so it it is they're still preliminary numbers. Um, even they're not even numbers that I would submit to the auditors at this point, I guess, is what I'm saying, but I feel like we're pretty pretty close. Um, I know the invoices that are coming in and where what we're where we're
113expected to pay out. So, those are included in these numbers. So, if we're looking at this revenue page, um I want to uh highlight down at the very bottom of the page, um you'll see the estimated ending fund balance, um is sitting, um as of when I did this report earlier this week, um 400,587. The significance of that number is that uh we budgeted for the 2526, which we'll look at in a minute, um for the 2526 school year, we budgeted a $925,000 beginning fund balance. This ending fund balance for 2425 drives that is our beginning fund balance for the pre for the future year. So that is down a little over $500,000 from what we estimated our beginning fund balance would be for the 2526 school year. Um I have again to the best
114of my ability um estimated the the the invoices that I'm expecting that we would have to pay out between now and these numbers being final final. Um so that's that's kind of where we sit. So, so right now again we're down $500,000 from what we anticipated and budgeted our ending fund balance to be. So then taking that to the 2526 um numbers um if we are looking at so I was going to get new ones done. We were in a meeting that ran a little bit late so I didn't get these updated. So, if you scroll down to the very bottom of this one, you'll see um a little bit above the very bottom, you'll see I've changed the 925 beginning fund balance under other sources from 925. So, that first far left column is
115the 2526 budget, which was $925,000 as a beginning fund balance. um what I'm projecting and the total estimated for 2526 is now 4587 um again change of 524,413 the other thing I've taken out of there is um we budgeted 450,000 for the sale of the property um that was the Yankton property which is still for sale and we are having having trouble selling selling it so I'm estimating at this point that we're not going will be able to sell that property. >> So, can I just make clarify something? So, what you're saying is that the budget that was offered to come into this year had property that was not sold that they used as part of our funds. >> Yes, they used asset. They use our assets as revenue that are not the the proposed
116budget and adopted budget um included $450,000 for the sale of that property that had not occurred yet. >> And we I do want to make it clear that we did reduce it to 350 are it's >> the price. Yeah. Because that's what we were told that it's worth right now. So we're hoping that the 350. So, we're we're still out if it does sell, we still have the we put it as 450. >> Okay. And so, that property to sell, it would have needed to be a church or a school in Yankton to sell on that property. Correct. >> I don't have that. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that >> Okay. >> So, unlikely. >> And we did look into reszoning and all that stuff. It would cost us a lot of
117money and a year >> any year and it wouldn't be worth it wouldn't be worth it. >> Sorry, I just want to make very clear to everyone where these losses are coming from and that we came into this with this question. >> Just to let you know too on that piece of property, the the hard part was it was given with big heart to the community and to school. However, if you ask a bus driver if they want to make the corner count to bring kids up to that school, it's not happening. They're lucky they make it to the lower section when it snows or icy or anything. And neither does anybody from a church or anything else want to have to make that corner. So, only people that live out there anyway. So that
118that property never had anything to >> So that property can only be purchased by a church or >> unless we reszone it which will cost us a lot of money. >> It's an extremely difficult >> we're kind of sounds like we're kind of stuck with it, >> right? >> What can we do with it for the district? >> Well, right now I think the most we'll just move on with this the financial. We just want to make it clear that there was an asset as revenue in the budget. There is a loss. Sorry. >> Yeah. And that's that's why when we did the resolution two conversation that we're even if we post for these properties, we may not sell them. And so we're Yeah. So >> you're welcome. >> Um Okay. So you'll see at
119the very bottom of here, I wanted to point again, I wanted to point out those two revenue pieces. Um, and then at the very bottom you'll see that uh I currently have an estimated 223,954 as a negative ending fund balance to the 2526 school year with our expenses as they sit. Um, recognizing that reduction in revenue that we're seeing already. Um, the one thing I want to note here that was pointed out to me earlier, um, you know, if you work in spreadsheets at all, you know, everybody interprets things differently, right? So, um I had not included the um budgeted contingency reserve for next year. Um when I So, on page two of the expenses or on page two of that document, um you'll see over on the far left of the upper section, there's
120a contingency reserved for next year in the 800 line for 809,806. I did not include that in our projected through 626 because we're already like not going to have that 809. So, I just didn't include it. But for sake of being a little bit easier to read and and understand, um, if we were to take out if we were to keep that 809,000, um, which we need, um, and and I'll talk to that in just a minute. If we kept that as part of these expenditures, which is under the expenditure line, it would then increase those expenditures. So on that kind of middle total estimated expenditures line 39739 it actually brings that up to um the 40,490 which is what we actually budgeted and then we take that on that page one of the revenue.
121I know this is really um confusing and I'm sorry I get that updated before in this meeting to make it a little more clear but for the >> um if you um No, go back. Yeah, that that part right there. >> Yeah, right there. Um, so the you'll see that at the bottom of that page again about the middle where it says 39 by15889, that's the total estimated revenue for 2526 based on updated information, right? And so then the less estimated requirements which is expenses is the 39739. If we then include that 809 as our expenditure just because that's what we want as our reserve for next year or our ending fund balance however you want to refer to it um then that brings that which is really shows what our deficit is which is
122um almost 1.2 million. So, um, and that would that would leave us with zero, um, ending fund balance. Like if we made up that 1.2 in some way, that would only leave us that would leave us, um, with no ending fund balance going into next year, which number one is um, does not abide with the board policy, which we actually have a board policy for a 5% ending fund balance. So can every Yeah, I just want to make sure that we understand that there's a board policy at 5% but we adopted a budget that was what percentage 2% and nobody amended a policy. So right now we are out of >> we are not following our policy. Remember our board superintendent agreements >> it says that the board will follow all of its own policies
123and laws and regulations when we didn't when we adopted that budget. I don't know I'm not an attorney. I don't know if when you adopted the budget, right, that you were publicly saying we're changing it to two, you said 2%. >> Which um but you would still want to amend a policy because now we're like out of we're not following our own policy. So I if in fact so the board's going to need to consider if even we're staying at um the 800 and some thousand contingency that's still not 5% correct. >> So you would have to change for policy >> go ahead. This is 2%. >> I just was thinking back to these contracts. Do did you explain this to those individuals that we have these contracts for? I did say that there was
124an a deficit that we were that we were still um experiencing a budget shortfall, but at the time I didn't have the exact I didn't have all of these exact numbers until Monday of this week >> because we were still closing out from last last year, right? And so I think there's all good intentions when we say, >> you know, stop spending. we need to put in mechanisms that you know stop and then we won't like maybe at a certain time we're saying we're not going to accept any invoices past a certain time and then we shut things down right >> but there is in certain I mean it's all over in school districts where invoices come in after the fact but in this space there's a lot more coming in than I >> still
125from last year >> and how long will we be receiving invoices from last year >> so we have to because here's the problem those services took place last year, so they're already done, >> right? >> We're receiving now the invoices to make payment on those things. So, I'm there's nothing I can do, right? Yes. >> I'm just wondering how long we will be receiving invoices that we will continually drop this or >> eventually. We talked about shutting that down, but you're still But you still have to pay for those invoices. It'll just impact us this year. >> Right. So we can't really at some point we have to roll the funds can't over like we can't like stop like say we're paying >> we can't continue to pay from last year is what we're saying
126>> we'll only continue to do that for more than another week or so and then it will >> do why we wanted to do this >> so so basically if you sold the property either one at least you're back in the black am I correct either piece of property >> if they were to sell put into back into this fund immediately, too. >> So, no matter what, if we were to sell it, one of the properties for 1.2, let's say, pay for what we bought it for, um, and then sell another one and it's not going to be a couple million. It's probably going to be more around 600,000 in my mind. So, you add that together, right? 1 point two or 30,000. You know, it's like, okay, we still have to make um reductions
127because over time, we're still we don't have it. We have to build that ending fund balance back up, >> right? Still need 5%. >> So, in typical, I'm just going to say this in most school districts at 7% and I think I don't know what they recommend like I forgot what the recommendation is, but 7% is a solid number. Some districts go to five. I haven't seen many districts go under five. We're at two. >> And we're at two. >> We know not anymore. We were We adopted it 2%. This is lower than two. >> And what will we know about enrollment? That's October. >> October one. So that's another thing is students are our most precious resource. They're our revenue. You laugh at it that we talked about that. students are our revenue and
128so that's where we get most of our funds and so um what each student's funds it's weighted there's weighted ADM but a typical student is what 11,000 I forgot what the 10,000 sorry I speak to evergreen so 10,000 something um and it goes up every year so much um and if there's different way to answer that so for like special students with special needs students who are emerging bilingual all of those things However, we don't know how many, like I always say, butts and seats we have until after we do enrollment in October. So, I'm hopeful I'm going to put that out in the universe that we have a lot more students this year than we did last year. Um, I'm hopeful for that. Um however um we experienced some some turmoil last year that
129projections probably are going to be lower like what we assumed what we had when we made the assumptions around our enrollment we built this budget around a certain amount of students. I don't think we're going to make that certain amount of students most likely, but I'm hopeful that we're but I do think that we need to um recognize that that could fluctuate and go could be more in a deficit. >> Okay. So like we will have less butts in seed. So let's just be realistic. What what happens? How do we what what do we do? We don't have the money to pay to keep the lights on essentially, right? Like I heard that we're not even running AC at the high school. >> That has nothing to do with this, right? >> No. No. >>
130Okay. So, what we what we can't do so what we can't do during a board meeting is discuss reductions when I >> reduction just >> we have to make we have to reduce this year. >> That's the plan. Yeah, that's and I've already talked with um our employee groups and um that means both of our associations and our admin confidential group um about this that there will be reductions this year and so will I would need to collaborate with the group right the groups okay >> to ensure that we're all on the same page and transparently having these conversations but by no means would we be talking about individual people we would be talking about like >> reorganization and what that FTE would look like and hopefully come up with a really great staffing model
131when we're moving forward for the years to come that we're not continually having to make these cuts >> um and that we're building back up that revenue and that um and and becoming a district we can all be out of where kids come back or and then we build up the revenue with students, right? And I guess my I really want I really hope that the community can see that the people that are sitting at this table right now are really putting a lot of hard work into getting students back to where we feel safe, that they feel heard, that that teachers feel safe and heard and staff and that change is happening. And I just have I have so much hope. Um, and I haven't always and I have so much hope for this
132district and I have so much belief in in the people around this table right now. And I will get emotional because I really do. But I I want kids coming back to our schools and I want to be proud of where we live. I want my children to be able to say they graduated from St. Helens and not be ashamed. And I I 100% will stand behind anyone at this table. I just want you guys to know that. >> I'm so sorry. >> I think that it was too like we went to the um summer school board OSBA conference and we were in rooms with people from other districts who have experienced the same kind of tragedy situations that we have experienced and they've come out on the other side. So there is always hope
133that I mean and every one of us at this table does just we just do feel hopeful because we've we've seen that the changes have already started happening and and we're looking at everything and the new superintendent I mean >> and and and she really is like putting a tight collar on people and the way they're spending and looking at policies and looking at procedures. And she is giving people hope. And I think that that like is contagious, you know, just like negative attitudes are contagious, a positive one is as well. And we're all kind of a big rolling boulder right now of positivity. So I just want to keep it going. Keep her from crying. >> I I just But I really do have hope and I I guess I really want everyone to
134know that, right? And I and I I do believe that we have amazing leaders in this room right now with us um that will um be able to come to the table and have great conversations. Um we even um talked about bringing everybody together, right? instead of doing things all separately, bringing people together to have these large conversations around reductions and what that looks like because and we have to we have to also respect that it's not typical for people to start a school year and have this right like the way that it is, right? And so that means that um reduction could impact people, right? And so we want and will impact people. The majority of our funds are in people. So, um, and having a plan for that and I'm very, um, uh,
135hopeful that we can do that together, um, and be very transparent with that. So, and that kids will come back. They will, they will, they will. And I think it just will show it just is going to take time. One of the things um because I don't I don't even know if you know is that um I've been on the team from the school district at the Brock Leaf apartment since they opened a couple years ago along with Lisa Taylor and then also Shirley Brock and one of the things um that will continuously affect our numbers but I think it'd be interesting to see where we stand going into this year is the fact of the amount of turnover in the Broadleaf apartments on a continuous basis because because so many people that moved in
136there in the very beginning two years ago in all honesty when they got told they that was their apartment they had no idea what the gas now cost them to go back to work in Gresham where they came from or clapless where they came from and so many of them immediately put in their one-year notice so that they could then stay on the Noah list because if you don't put in that one year's notice you get shipped off of So the very first summer after them coming in in July and August out of here gone. So then those kids are gone. Now you had new families coming in. But you also can have a year that you have 150 of the 350 kids and we are on that part of what happens over there all
137the time can be we're short 200 kids. We could be 200 over and going back forth. So, I think it would be really interesting because I believe that they could give us the numbers with the names is to have an idea of where the kids were last year and the grades and where we are this year going into this. Well, I would I would recommend that we use forecast five. as we project for next year in the enrollment and where and it's a system that lots of um districts use to kind of project over time like what this has looked like so that we can make a really clear projection for next year where we built the budget and we would do that very um what's the word I'm looking for we would we would
138not up those numbers we would red like we would yeah >> thank you that we are going to um make sure that we are um you know using the data over time one for what we base our enrollment on you know um because the kindergarters we got to know how many kindergarters who come in over the years how many um moveins we've had over the years all those things and the core cost five does a really good job with that and it's I don't think it's very expensive at all >> it's actually part of our core >> it's part of our core oh great there we go that's great it won't cost us any money um but then um I would also So like you know we need to start following our policies where like
139you know we have a 3% enrollment in virtual charters and we were at a 3.48 48 almost 3.5% and so now we're denying that because we have a virtual charter here like we have virtual academy not charter virtual academy K um 12 and that's good because then you give people but it's also hard because we're not giving people choice when we deny someone the right wants to bring who wants to put their student somewhere else and so that hurts to do that but we have to because that's part of our policy and um we have to um initiate anything we can for that cost savings and support so there's not more of a deficit. >> Can I ask about uh activity fees, sports fees, building usage fees? Uh what the plan is to potentially start
140implementing those again so we have more funds coming in or is that something? Well, we it's really that's we will talk about those things, but that really that's getting in the the management piece of it and that and we we will though those are great ideas. We just had that conversation with earlier today as well as with athletics. We've talked about those things because we are using a significant amount of money in our student investment account on athletics and um we we have to figure out how to, you know, balance that out. Um, and I know that there's a lot of, you know, inequities and we can work with PTO's and boosters and PTAs, whatever you call here, PTO or PTA. >> PTO, thank you. Um, to help provide, um, like, you know, what do
141you call it? Um, scholarships or sliding scales for those types of things. Or there's family fees where, you know, a kid plays more than so many sports. We're not charging for families $500 for kids to play all these sports. And I'm not saying that's what we're doing because this takes a team of people to have those conversations, but we are. I mean, we're looking at every last um we're trying to be creative in our thinking. So, we'll see. And then if we do do we do do I did for so many years, sorry. But anyway, if we do that, we have to still bring it back to the board because you all have to approve these. >> Yeah. So if we change anything, it'll come back to you and we'll make sure that we have
142lots of representation when we have a presentation of why we're doing it. We'll want to hear from students from the principles um group and you know making sure when I go do listening and learning sessions because we're going to be doing that together, right? We're with our students that we hear their voices too and all of that. Um it's really important. But >> everything's on the table. >> Everything is on the table is what we're saying. Absolutely. Yes. Are you done with your reporting? >> I'm done. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. I do have I have another question. Sorry. >> That's for sports sports and athletic fees. But what about for building usage fees? Is that also something? >> Yeah, you already have a you guys have a pol We have We
143>> We have a policy around building usage fees um and all of that. So you you've approved that schedule already. It is in policy and we do implement that. >> Make sure yes. >> There are some organizations that don't that we have agreements with that don't pay fees. We might ask you we kind of wave fees. we have a partnership, but we might ask actually might have to have those conversations of, hey, we're we need you to pay fees because it's costing us to keep the lights on or the air going or custodial fees like that kind of stuff. And um like you know in we had our boosters paid usage fees, >> right? I only did. >> We were on the PTO we never paid usage fees and we have paid Yeah. And so
144I mean it might not be a lot but have fund that's why they raise funds so they should be paying off. >> We just might bring you into that creative talking about it. >> Okay. That's all. Sorry. >> Any other comments >> going on to board reports. So um this this is going to be a time for the board to board members to to give a report on what they wish to talk about. um kind of got sprung on us at the last second when we saw it on the agenda. Um I want to include the students representatives in that portion too. So be prepared, you know, to come to the meetings and we we'd like to hear what you have to say. Um and and you know, speak up, please. Okay. So I will
145go first. Um I normally will go last, but today I'm going to go first. Um 4:30 this afternoon, we received a email from Director Bill Amos and he resigned his position on the school boarded today >> and effective today. And I know Melody probably can have a little more to say on that than me, but I just want to personally thank Bill for his many, many, many years of support to this district as a teacher, an educator, a mentor to students. Um, I'm going to get emotional. I don't know why. >> I don't think he's putting that. >> No, I'm just I'm just thanking him for all >> the board. He's still going to be in the >> and I'm just saying and you know for uh for his RNR program help um I'm asked
146to partner with him on that and see how we can continue to make that move forward but it's a big hole that's got to be filled and you know it's it's a hard a hard thing to swallow. So I'll go to Melody because she probably offer a little bit more. >> I can't do that that Kleenex. So I told Jo came back without bringing >> but that does mean that we will now be taking applications it up and looking for me. >> We do have a policy in place for new board members and we will start that process >> and move forward with it >> and also student representatives be prepared to engage in um interview process with the potential board members. >> There you go. He needs one for my moment. >> I'll stop
147before I start calling. >> We can ask for anybody. We I don't think there's anyone that I can remember my entire lifetime that his gift >> he hasn't died. He's >> still around. I am invite just not sitting here. >> Believe me, he's actually watching right now. >> Thank you, Bill. >> Anybody else want to have a report? Okay. Maybe maybe for next time. >> I just want everyone to know that like I I do plan on being in um visiting every school once a month and I will be present and I want um you feel free to speak to me, know who I am. I want to hear from teachers and I want um I want you to feel like you have um that you have someone in your corner and rooting for you
148and um rooting for your success and your safety and your the growth within your classrooms and um that we we can all do this together. And so I just want you to know you'll see me um that it is a plan to be in every class or in every school, not every classroom, but every school um at least once a month. And I I just think that it's really important and I I want to get to know the kids and every teacher. I want to know you by name. Um and that remember >> I will not remember every name, but um >> I um I believe in this district and I um I was just actually thinking that could probably testify that I'm a crier. um as she has sat through many meetings with me
149moons ago and I get um and I am I am just a passionate person and I do get a little tearary um but I will be there and I just hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to really share um because we have a lot of a lot of listening hearts and ears and and there is good change coming. on what she's saying about visiting schools. The board had been had prior to not being allowed to come in without the superintendent's permission. Even though half the time we were actually volunteering or coming in with our own kids, even to go to sports and I want to know where that stands now going into the school year. >> I think she talked about it this weekend um at the retreat. >> Oh, I know. >>
150Yeah. that you um give notice so that I can notify um buildings that you'll be in on what days you'll be in just because you all um hold and she explained this that you even though you are just one person and that you're um friendly and kind and not there for um trying to see any sort of accountability or anything like that that they people might perceive it differently because you are board members, right? And so she had said that just giving notice so that we can let people know. So like if it's a regular thing, we would just let the administrator know that this is the date that which board member would be coming to visit. You don't all want to go together because then it'd be a public meeting. Um but what we
151have done, what I have done in the past is I include board members on like instructional walks and so they participated in when we did learning rounds with educators and administrators. Um, and that was fun. I mean, it's it's really a cool thing. Um, as well as participating um, in activities that are happening in our school district. Board and superintendent should be seen in they should be seen in school. They should be seen in the community together, working together, and like I'm I'm going to be in high school every Tuesday all day long. Like I said, they gave me an office, but I won't be in that office. I'm going to be in certain classrooms co-eing and cleaning. And then um on Thursday I'll rotate at every other building. So two days a week I'll
152be in schools and I've asked Jeff to do one day a week. So there'll be three days a week that a district is a super super in the buildings because it's important. >> Yeah, it's important that we're there and yes for support. And your roles might not be typically around the accountability piece but my role is and so I'm going to be really clear that I'm there for support. I'm there for lots of things, but I'm also there for responsibility and accountability. Um, and doing listening and learning sessions with students, listening and learning sessions with staff, and then listening learning sessions also with community is part of like the the road show this year, particularly around the budget, too. So, yeah. So, absolutely, we should be in schools. She just that was um her recommendation
153is just giving notice. >> Am I having lunch with my husband or if I'm doing a PTO event? Those don't. >> Okay, just checking. >> You do not have to notify me when you have a date with your husband. Please don't. >> Any other comments? All right. Now we move on to public comments. Um the public comment is not to exceed 30 minutes. Not to seem very minute comes going home tonight. >> I got it. I got it. I got it. >> I got it right. >> Helping you out. >> I got it right for a change. Okay. The board welcomes visitors for our meeting and values the comments from the district patrons and that improves students education quality. The board at their discretion will recognize email comment set 72 hours in advance of the
154board meeting. The public comment opportunity is not a discussion debate or dialogue between the speaker and the board. It is the citiz opportunity to express opinions on issues of school board related business. Um we must require that all complaints go to the administration for resolution. Comments made during the session must be free of abusive language and personal attacks on district personnel and not directed towards any department which due to low staffing would amount to an attack by effectively naming the district personnel. We also ask that presentations be limited to three minutes per person at no more than 30 minutes allowed for public statement. And we do ask you to uh state your name and if you're a resident of the district parts >> I think I might be getting my first one. >> Okay. Yeah,
155>> I forgot. I forgot that >> you got to fill out your card. >> Forgot that. I'm supposed to do that. >> All right, >> I love that you have your timer. We are working on that former board member here. So he's >> I got my timer up on this side of my laptop. >> Okay. Well, maybe I Yeah. Well, just when on city council, we we had one >> we're working on getting one of those two get donated. >> All right. Patrick Berkeley, St. Helen's uh resident and great supporter of St. Helen's school district. Uh I I have to get one thing off my chest though. Uh earlier in the uh meeting it would have been pained me to hear the misprononunciation of the Chicago way. Uh but that that we were very deliberate
156in the choice of that name years ago. Is it is it Saka? Is it anyway we we chose sak Chicago way? Well, whether you call it Sacka Julia or not, but anyway, the the official the official choice was for Chicago way. That's why it's it's up there. Okay. But, uh, hey, um, so basically I want to speak not so much to you all, but to the, uh, to the public. Um, I had the opportunity to meet with each of the individual new board members. I had the opportunity to meet with u our superintendent and our assistant superintendent. Um my interest as a as a 30-year resident, newly retired teacher, former school board member, etc., etc. Um who's um has always believed um in the possibility of of great potential and things happening in our school
157district. And obviously we're really struggling, but I I came away with with from my meetings uh with a belief that each of the new board members um it's definitely although they ran for their own particular reasons um is truly committed to making decisions in the best interests of all of our community to truly listen uh with their hearts and with their their heads. And I had the same uh confidence when I left the meeting with both of the uh the superintendent um that we that the uh board hired the right people to do this job at this time. Um and I really do hope and encourage members of our community to um get involved. Make your voice heard. I believe in these people present here and and I don't mean to overlook Melody who's you
158know served for for many years believe too that you know she is one who is here for our children for our community and it is time to um not uh forget the past. We have to keep that in mind. But it is time to move beyond it. That um now is the time for our community to come together to support our students, our staff, uh all the employees, everyone so that uh we can see the potential finally achieved that our our district is capable of achieving. Thank you. >> I mean from online. >> Okay. Well, thank you for that the comment. Appreciate it. It >> was nice meeting with you, too. Um, okay. We'll get on to the action items. This is where I guess we get into the meat of stuff and making the
159decisions. Action item 9.1, policy committee. Is there a recommendation or >> I move that the board approve a policy committee as presented? >> Okay. Is there any discussion on this one? I think it's really important that we get a committee going and >> Okay. Any other other questions? Oh, they can discuss policy, right? Just discussing like >> I like the idea of a rotation. >> Okay. And then it finish. >> So, would you like to be on it for like >> Yeah, it would be too hard to come in. three months, a quarter month, >> just however long. >> If you just want to do a rotation, we can figure out a rotation. >> Most of them come quarterly sort of anyway. >> And if it turns out you're really in, you know, got your
160teeth into something and you need to want to go over again. Go ahead. >> I would like a quarterly. That would be my vote. >> I like what Joseph said. Joseph, you sign up for a specific policy until that policy is done. there quite frequently multiple lots of all of these >> right like you're talking about time based like if you ran out of time like somebody else it just do the >> group that came through >> yeah started this one let's say went too long you just continue it yeah don't tell the other people now they have to All right. >> Okay. >> Moved in second. >> Further discussion. >> Okay. I will go to director Russell. >> Yes. >> Uh, Director Killings. >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Smith Reed. >> Yes. >> Chair
161York. Yes. Moving on to 9.2 to resolution to sell properties. >> Maybe he needs to move over here like because I want to be able to hear him. Thank you for saying something. Maybe you sit over >> here in between. No, next time. But I was like I was I want to be able to hear you, but I didn't hear you. So talk up and yell at me. >> Nobody squish. I want to go to heroes. >> Great idea. >> Fantastic idea. >> So, do I need to read? >> So, I move that >> Oh, I just move to approve. Hold on. Now, I lost my space. I move >> that the board approve resolutions 20 2025 26-003 and 2025-26-004 to sell property as presented. I second. >> Okay. Is there any discussion? Yeah, I'd
162like them to be separated into the two different resolutions that they are. >> Oh, and then2 >> or 22. >> Okay. So, then I would move that the board approve the resolutions of 2025 or 9.2.1. >> Yeah. >> 8.2 >> to sell property as presented. >> I second. >> Okay. Any discussion around that one? on that one particularly. Um what I would like us to do e even if we prove it tonight it's which is okay is that at the same time that we also look at other options with it at the exact same time even though it's going on the market is there's someone or at least be open to that if there is someone that only needs half of that piece of property and somebody else needs the other half for multiple reason
163not just us even otherwise that it doesn't have to be sold as one big piece and then we're open to that. Also, >> I think that what we determined was that that cost too much money to be able to do, >> but you can make it part of the sale agreement that they have to pay for the um going in and doing all the different costs. We don't have we won't pay for it, but we would say it have to have somebody else have all that happen. All that cost to be paid up front in a year to separate the property at least >> to to subdivide the property. Well, if we don't sell, we got discussion. So, she can just she can share her her truth and then you still can >> Yeah, you
164vote as is with the resolution either way. I mean, she gets >> I'm just clarifying. That's what I thought it is anyway. >> Yeah. But um >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Okay, we'll take a vote then. Director Russell, >> I approve. I Yes. >> Okay. Director Killings. >> Okay. Vice Chair Smith Reed. >> Yes. Chair York. Yes. Let's go to uh resolution 9.2.2. >> I move that the board approve what? >> Sorry, the motion passed. I'm sorry. Jeez, don't I miss something in my ear over here. >> Sorry. No, no worries. I move the board approve resolution 2025. Oh, number 9.2.2 to sell the property as presented. >> I second. >> Okay. Any discussion on that property? Just making sure everybody is clear. That's the Ross Road one even though it's in front of
165us. It's not just a vote. Director Russell. Yes. >> Director killings. >> Yes. But don't tell any golfers. >> Vice Chair Smith agrees. >> I vote yes. Also, >> you might need to read it again. I just think that when they make a motion, you should be repeating what they're saying, making it very clear within each resolution, like they had it separated out like Melody said, like you should be repeating even the address. >> Read the whole property. >> Yeah. So that the motion >> because the public doesn't know what we're looking at. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So should we >> do I need to move to do that again? >> Read the whole thing. So, do you want me to read the property? >> I think that you I mean I think you
166should read it aloud again with the property on it like say the whole thing just so it's practice. >> No, that's fine. We do. >> No problem. >> okay. So, 9 point or Yeah. 9.21. >> I move that the board approve the resolution of 9.21 2025-26-003 seller property 7.2 28 acres at 2675 Gable Road, St. Helens, Oregon. >> I second. >> Okay. Is there any discussion around that one? [Laughter] >> So now, is he going to >> I'm going to ask for a vote and then I have to restate it at the end. >> Okay. Uh Director Russell, >> I approve. >> Okay. Director Kellings, >> no. >> Okay. Vice Chair. >> Yes. >> Chair York and I also have to >> say motion passes. >> Okay. Motion passes and do have to read it
167again. It's okay. >> You're good. >> Okay. Motion pass. Sorry. Moving on to 8.22. >> 92. >> Oh, I'm sorry. 9.22. >> Okay. So, but here's what she was um suggesting because it's the So, when she gives the motion and she says it out loud, you repeat that. I have a motion on the floor and then you repeat it. >> Okay. So, we'll try it this one. We don't have to repeat it again. This will be a redo for the second one. >> If she just said, >> you have to say the whole thing. >> No, she just say motion for 8.22. >> Read it. >> No, she would do the whole thing. >> And then he repeats. >> There's a motion on the floor. >> Okay. to um approve the resolution of 9 to
1689.2 to read the whole thing. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Try it again. >> I thought that you're practicing. Yeah. Yeah. So, I move that the board approve the resolution 9.2.2 2025-26-004 sale of property 10 acres at 58610 Ross Road, Warren, Oregon to sell property as presented. Now I have a motion on the floor. Okay. >> I second. >> Okay. Repeat it again. >> Repeat. >> Oh my goodness. >> There's a motion on the end. >> Go ahead. Second. >> You're good. I have to repeat it at >> Oh, great. >> And you just have to ask if there's any discussion. >> Is there any discussion on this one other than I'm getting it all messed up? >> He's coaching us. I need or something. >> There's a motion. There's got a motion
169made and seconded on 8.22. >> It says nine. >> Mine says 8.2. >> Oh, it's >> it's under the >> It's 9.22. >> Right here. Say this right here. Okay. >> Oh, yeah. Mine is. >> All right. 9.2.2. >> Okay. >> 2025 2026004. Sale of the property. It's 10 acres at Ross Road Warren, Oregon. I'll call for a vote. >> Director Russell, >> I approve. >> Director Kellings, >> I approve. >> Vice Chair Smith Reed, >> yes. >> Chair York, yes. I approve. And the motion carries. I can see what I'm talking about. >> It's different. Yeah, that's why I'm like very confusing. >> Okay, let's move on to 9.3. Personal personal service contracts. Personnel service contracts. >> I move that the board approve the contracts as presented. Second. >> Okay, there's been a motion
170and a second on the 9.3 personal service contracts. Any discussion? >> Any discussion? >> I'm going to hold a sign like this. >> Any discussion? >> I have it on my phone >> and I'm going to crawl under the table. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded that we approve or take a vote for 9.3 personnel service contracts. We'll go to vote. Director Russell, >> I approve. >> Okay. Director Killings, >> I approve. >> Vice Chair Smith Reed, >> I approve. >> Chair York, I approve also. >> The motion has been passed. >> Are we getting there? >> We're getting there. You're doing great. >> Yeah, right. >> That's only because the sentences get shorter. >> Okay, we'll go to 9.4 fairgrounds. >> I move that we accept action item 9.4 fairgrounds. I second. Okay,
171it's been moved and seconded that we approve 9.4 of Fairgroundsou. Is there any discussion? >> None. >> I want to, but you know, it doesn't matter. Go ahead. >> I'm just I'm just worried about the money. We don't have any money. >> Oh, okay. I'm so sorry. Forget it. Was another Jerry conversation. Okay, >> I'll go again. A motion been made that we put to a vote 9.4. >> Okay. >> Director Russell. >> Uh I approve. >> Director killings. >> I approve. >> Director Smith chair Smith Reed and Terry York. I approve also. >> 9.4 roundsou motion has carried and passed. >> Okay. This is the one. 9.5 The amendment to lease agreement with the Columbia County for the school-based health center. Is there a motion? >> What's that mean? Amendment two. Two. Is it
172just amendment to lease? >> Second amendment. >> It's a second amendment. So we have a discussion that we >> need to be a motion second. It's hard to hear over here. So you'll need to actually make the motion. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. I move that we accept active item 9.5 the amendment to to lease agreement with Columbia County for schoolbased health center. >> I second that. Is there a second? Okay. Uh, it's been moved and seconded that we uh amend to lease agreement with Columbia PL County Schoolbased Health Center. Is there any discussion around this? I mean, I just feel like we we saw the budget and now we're taking a leave and if if the water heater goes out and we have $7,000, we just I just it just makes me sick.
173But I So there, that's it. >> Yeah, that's it. I mean, I feel the same way. >> Yeah. But I also >> we have no choice to >> I also my I just don't know that I can deny the mental I know that it's more than mental health services but I just know that I would have loved to have had um numbers for what increased this last year versus the year before. But it is what it is. I just I just needed to say that >> and we have to have hope. >> We have to have hope. So, >> I would ask that um we be brought in like six months before the next agreement expires. >> I was here six months. >> No, I know. I'm just saying >> I I think it would
174be very nice that the board we brought in at least six months before so we could discuss this organized man >> with a little more information. I do wish that our community that was here tonight would have like shared their thoughts on this with us and that next time we have something this big um on the agenda that I would love to hear from the community and where your your voices are with something like this when we are looking at a budget deficit that we are and the chances we're taking but also I believe that we that building probably saves lives. Um, and so I just would ask, >> yeah, >> I think that a lot of people are sitting here feeling the same way as you guys because it's that balance. It's >> it's
175a hard decision, but also >> I think it's also >> we were all kind of just going, "Oh my god, this is what I got. I got a call point order back. We're not supposed to be having comment back and forth." Okay, I just learned that, too. Sorry. >> But just in the future, I would really I >> fill out the white. Yeah, because I think it's important that you share your voices when it's things like this. >> Okay, that's been any further discussion. Moving along. It's been moved and seconded that we take a vote on amendment two to lease the agreement with Columbia County for the schoolbased health center. Moving to a vote once I get to and we'll pick on Director Russell first. I'm not picking on you. Sorry. Just calling for your
176vote. You're just the first person that pops up on the list. >> I I approve. >> Okay. >> Director Killings, >> I approve. >> Vice Chair Smith Reed. >> Okay. Chair Y, >> I approve also. That's a hard decision on that one. Sorry. >> Okay. Motion passed. Sorry, I'm having a hard time with that one. Okay. 9.6 board superintendent operating agreement. >> I move that we accept. The board superintendent operating agreement. >> Second. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded that we approve the uh board superintendent uh operating agreement. Is there any discussion around that? >> Want to run? >> You want to run? >> Are you ready to run? >> No. here for the long haul. All right. >> Okay. >> Just stop chasing me. >> It's been moved and seconded and I call
177for a vote. Um, director Russell, >> this one's so much easier. >> I know. >> I approve. >> Director Killings. >> Christine Smith 3, vice chair. >> I approve. >> Chair yours. I approve also. >> Motion has passed. I'm getting there. >> I approve, too, but >> I was waiting for you to approve. Okay, that takes care of the board business tonight. So, uh, item 10, upcoming meeting and board meeting agenda input 10.1, September 10th, we're going to have a community listening and learning session. Please make yourself available because we do want to hear what the public >> I will be there >> and I'll be there also. >> Yes, the two of you. >> Two of us are start >> 4:15 to 5:15. >> Yeah. Take your turn. So, >> and is it here?
178No, it's at Plymouth. >> Plymouth, right? Okay. Thank you. They're hosting. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, and Oh, 10.2 September 10th, we're going to have a work session right after the community listening. And, uh, 10.3 September 24th, turn 65. Um, we're having a regular session. >> I'm so old. because we keep changing the times of when our meetings were starting at least compared to where they used to be because they were always at 6:30. >> So there's no time there. I just want to know at 5:30 again looking at 5:30 for all work and >> make it a little easier on everybody. >> Yeah. >> Well, at least to lock into something. >> Yes. I I will have nights like I did tonight that not a single daycare parent showed up on time. >>
179Luckily, my husband got there and I told him bye-bye. Okay. So, um at community listening and learning sessions, are we having like general topics like or like we're going to talk quite a bit about the cell phone ban, but >> well, this time definitely because it's this cell phone thing. We want your feedback with that. But there's what why I don't why I've always called them listening and learning and not just listening because you don't want to you want to go it's like a reciprocal relationship right so if there's something that somebody wants to bring to the table there really shouldn't be like an shouldn't have spirit agenda that someone that's there wants to talk about something >> yeah so we we want to make sure that that's the place where because we can't have
180the dialogue when people are here um that we can have the dialogue in these spaces um and so yes And we didn't really weren't going to have an agenda this time. We just wanted to hear from the community and talk about the new school year a little bit and but because of this executive order, we really do think it's something we should focus on this time. >> Yeah. >> But if there's something else somebody brings to the table and then are these going to be recorded where people that can't be there are able to watch them or not? No, because when when it's hard because when you're having that open dialogue just with those the equity um the district equity committee that the laws changed so that that didn't have to be recorded because there's
181some vulnerability when people want to share something they want it to be sometimes safe space to be able to share and so I don't >> not yet anyway but that doesn't mean that in the future if people are okay with that that we wouldn't do that. I'm just saying I think in building trust back with the community that we're able to have those conversations openly and um also encourage people to come. If you don't come then you know what you want people to come. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. I think the the only thing I had trouble with before was when even though rotated is that sometimes two people were up to date on on those parts that were all being discussed and then two more people are on a whole different part and we
182never got back together. >> No. To sort of update each other. what was even talked about. >> Well, we'll do that at the work session. So, they're scheduled so that we get to there's a meeting right after so we can just we can bring you up to speed on what we talk about at the at the listening sessions. Um, but I also have four 2 by twos with you that I can share information and we won't be taking unless it's an action that we're bringing to get um feedback on that we want to say we really need your feedback. We're going to take action on something. Um, then there's really it's really about listening before we make big decisions in a board meeting, right, on things. >> Yeah. >> I just think especially your topic
183though that you were saying at least for this very first one that whoever's not there needs to be filled in on what the community is thinking before we because we're going to go right into voting on putting a policy in place by the next >> true and but at the work session on the 10th we'll talk about what we heard at the listening session and share all this never got shared. I'm gonna say I love that you have a history with being on the board, but I think it's also really important that you understand things are going to be done differently now. Um, >> would you like to not know what's being said before you vote on it? >> Absolutely not. I want to know. >> That's all I'm bringing up. >> But because it
184hasn't in the past, we all want everyone to know what's going on. >> I do too. That's why I'm saying part of the vote on something. And part of the agreement is my agreement that you've asked for me is to bring you know have that direct line of communication and bring information to you. That's why we have 42s but we strategically put the listening and learning prior to those meetings so I could we could bring that information back to you all. Right. So even if it's Yeah. And even if it's at a work session in a board meeting, I would still be able to my superintendent report be able to speak out about the session that we just had and the wonderful things people shared and you would make comments. You could make comments during
185that time with me. But my intention um as superintendent is to keep you all informed and want I want you present in in in the community and part of these listening and learning sessions with the community. Right. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, just at the same time, sometimes um those meetings are not going to line up with where it's still even weeks out. Like my next meeting even with you is not till October 6th, which if I we didn't talk about it in the meantime, I'd be going into voting on what September 24th on it, not knowing even what the community necessarily thought about it at least at the learning sessions. That's all I'm just saying is passing on what is talked about at the learning sessions for all of us to be on the right.
186They're all going to go right before the work session. It'll be us talking about these people and then talking with these people and then immediately >> directly after make sure that it's on agenda. Yes. Directly after. Yes. It's all >> Do I have to >> Yes, you have to. >> Do I need a vote? somebody.