2025 Sept 22 Regular Meeting of the TTSD School Board

001Thank you so much. I'd like to call to order this regular meeting of the Tiger Talon School District Board of Directors. We'll start tonight with the approval of our agenda and consent agenda. Are there any changes to our agenda tonight? Mr. >> I do have one modification to a title on the agenda item on seven section 7A reports and discussions. The Aro charter school presentation is also a public hearing. And that was something that we added over the course of the weekend. >> Okay. So that should be correct in the updated sheets at everybody's desk. But if the the one we got earlier was different. Okay. Hearing that the chair would entertain a motion. >> I move to present or uh to approve the agenda as amended. >> I'll second. >> It's been moved by

002Vice Chair Urban, seconded by Director Weston that we approve the consent agenda as presented. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> Oh, sorry. All those opposed. >> Did everybody get a chance to say I? I totally botched that. >> Sorry. >> All right. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. We now move into our recognition and good news. And given all of the faces I'm seeing in the crowd, it's going to be a doozy. >> Director Pilotsky, would you please come forward? So good. >> I've never known politicians to be this bashful. >> Yeah, take a seat. So, uh, with us tonight, as you know, are four of our local legislators. Um, Dr. Udo is going to lead the charge on on recognizing them, but I'm really pleased to have

003them with us today and and thank them for coming. We have some gifts I'm going to drop with you that were made by some of our Tiger High students, but Dr. Udo, take it away. >> Yeah. So, I get the the good fortune of leading um our recognition and good news today. And for today, what we'd like to do is recognize our local elected legislators. Um, we have four legislators with us today. We have Representative Jules Walters, Representative Sue Ricky Smith, Representative Ben Bowman, and Senator Courtney Nuron Mistlin. And um I just have some remarks to prepare. We're really excited to have you all here today. And and traditionally what happens is once a um once a year we have our representatives come and provide some updates and that normally happens in June. Well, this

004year our representatives were um and legislators were working so hard during the the long session that we gave them we gave them the this June off and we hope to have them back um next time around when they can kind of pick their heads up for some air. So instead, what we want to do is just recognize them for all their really good all the hard work they do representing our school districts. Um, so for me in my role, I get a liaz with our with our legislators and I get the um the good job in the school districts and that I get to be in the classrooms and and see what's going on in the classrooms and in our buildings and um so I'm able to see the profound impact that our policies have

005with our students. And um this year, one theme that I've had has been around telling our own story. I've been adamant about telling our story uh because I believe in the power of public education. And we're not always as fortunate or not every district is as fortunate to have um people in Salem, politicians who get pulled in every single direction um who can really represent um school districts and tell a story. But we're fortunate that we do have some legislators who get schools, they get public uh education, and they get PTSD. And we're really thankful that and fortunate for and fortunate for that. Um and not many other school districts, I can say uh have legislators who have been the past superintendent of the school district, the past board chair of the school district, and

006we're not talking like a long time ago. We're talking about in the last couple years, right? and a past teacher of the school district. Right. So, um we're really fortunate that you all understand us and you get us and and you advocate on behalf of us. Um it's really refreshing and um you all are an asset to our community and I hope you know how much we appreciate you all um just doing the right things for kids. And so without further delay, I'd like just to say a couple things about about each one of um our legislators that we're representing today. And let's start with Representative Jules Walters. So Representative Walters is a mother of four who serves as co- vice chair of the House Committee of Revenue. Her jurisdiction straddles both TTSD and Westland

007Wilsonville. And sure what two just the two. Gotcha. Representative Walters is an advocate for PTSD families and is always willing to help. Um, we appreciate her efforts on behalf of our school community and we're grateful for your leadership. Um, Dr. Sue Sue Ricky Smith needs no introduction. Everyone in this room is very familiar with all the wonderful work she's done for this community. um she's a strong advocate for students and during her tenure here at TTSD um she did remarkable things for our school district and she also represented my old stomping grounds um in Springfield and was an outstanding superintendent in Springfield as well. So she understands public education and we also both served in Salem. So I just kind of follow you around everywhere. I'm not going to be a representative don't worry. Um

008so Dr. Ricky Smith has always had a priority of engaging school communities and advocating on behalf of schools. And though she's only been in this role for a short period of time, it's really comforting to know that um you are in this role and you are going to do your best to advocate for our school district. So, thank you for your leadership. And then, Representative Bowman, again, needs no introduction. Um he's both a graduate of TTSD schools and a former member of our school board. Representative Bowman currently serves as the House majority leader. Um Rep. Bowman was also instrumental in bringing student voice, these position, these roles right here to our to our school board so that um we were elevating the voice of our students and our student body. Um during my first week

009of working here, I got a phone call from Representative Bowman and he was um a, as you know, he's a big advocate for affordable housing and he wanted to make sure that we had plans for when Gardens opened that there were no barriers for students being able to access um schools and and he ensured that there was a partnership uh for between us and a neighboring school district. so that um no matter what a kid's disposition was, transportation or just um their disposition wasn't going to get in the way of their of their um them accessing their education. Um also, uh Senator Bowman or not Senator yet, Representative Bowman. um he was he worked his tail off during the um the long session and he uh most notably ensured that our state uh fund reached

01011.4 billion. I remember um him being uh very open and receptive to feedback as we lobbyed for that and he spoke on behalf of our district. So, thank you for doing that. And then he's just always somebody who's willing to pick up the phone if you call him. So, we appreciate that about you. Thank you for your leadership. And now, Senator Nuron Mistlin, another TTSD graduate as well as a former teacher in our district. Senator Nuron Mistlin has distinguished herself as a staunch advocate for students and as a member of the House of Representatives. Now, Neuron Misslin serves as or when you were a member of the House of Representatives, you served as a chair of the education committee. Now, as a state senator, Nuron Mistlin continues to be a champion for education and instrumental

011in elevating the discussion for increased spending for our students with high-cost disabilities and dependable funding throughout our state. Um, similar to Representative Bowman, um I don't need to worry about you picking up the phone when I when I call because you actually always call me when there's something going on and so I need to make sure I'm picking up the phone. she um does an outstanding job of making sure that she has a strong pulse on what's going on in the school community so you can make decisions on behalf of us. Thank you very much for your leadership. So um I just want to close by saying you all make it uh very easy um to know that uh to speak on that or let me rephrase this. Sometimes we take things for granted and

012I rest easy knowing that you all are representing us and I just want to say on behalf of TTSD, thank you for everything you do and we look forward for to your continued partnership and for your um updates next June because it's only a short session this time around. Um would you all like to say anything? >> It's up to you. Bowman always has a speech ready. I've always got a 15minute speech ready to go. Uh, no, I I think I would just say um first of all, incredibly kind of you um to say all of that. Um but I also want to thank schoolboard members who are incredible partners for us as legislators. Um we hear frequently um from school board members. Uh I continue to think your job is harder than our jobs

013on a lot of days and I appreciate you all showing up um in a really continuing difficult time uh to do the work that you do. Um so proud TTSD alum appreciate the recognition and hope we can continue to have a strong partnership. >> And I would echo um Majority Leader Bowman's comments. Thank you so much for your kind words. Um it was an honor to serve as your superintendent. Um and it is an honor to continue to serve you um as your representative. Um the work that we have in front of us is so critically important. Um knowing the federal landscape that we now are navigating um and knowing the challenges for public education uh going forward. Uh you have my commitment. Um I have received my committee assignments finally and I've been seated.

014Um, I'm sure it comes as no shock on the education committee, but I've made it clear uh to the to the speaker that I'm not there to be a placeholder. I'm there to continue to make forward change. Um, and so appreciate the fact that you wish to continue in partnership um because um please you know how to get most of you know how to get a hold of me um which will be the bane of my chief of staff's life. Um but um uh that is important. Um and u I'm probably will become the bane of yours as I call as well. Um and we'll try to coordinate calls so that your day isn't taken up with that. But um there's some very important and critical work ahead not just for this district but for

015the state as a whole as we defend public education. And I look forward to doing that work with each and every one of you. >> Wow. I echo the comments we've just heard and just really appreciate you having us and continuing the ongoing discussion throughout the legislative sessions and the school years so that we can keep our finger on the pulse of what's going on um not only in the school board but in the classrooms and the student experience and the teacher experience is so important and it really is incredible to work in the legislature with this team because we have um you know such strong leadership in this district. We have uh representation on the revenue committee which is critically important and it is a school funding committee. Um and um I just really

016look forward to continuing to partner with you all who show up so regularly and so which so with so much passion on behalf of the challenges that face all of our public schools in Oregon for stable and adequate funding. So, I'm really grateful that we were able to change the current service level methodology. Um, and we're looking forward to doing that with early childhood interventions, um, early childhood special education as well. Um, so there'll be next steps on stabilizing that funding. Um, and really want to make sure that we keep that American Institute of Research report alive that talks about some of the pathways we can take as a state to increase and adequately fund our education. So, I look forward to partnering with you on that and many other things, including the work that

017we need to do still to make sure we have equitable education for our students experiencing special needs. Thanks. >> Thank you so much for having me here. This is a beautiful facility. I was raving about it when I came in. Thank you for your service. Um I, as I as you said, I have four kids. The the baby is a senior in high school. So, I've been a mom in, you know, public the public school system for almost 30 years now. Um, and I so I just also want to thank the teachers, the staff, the everybody that works so hard, the student representative, the kids themselves, the parents, the guardians, the friends, the supporters. Um, it really takes a village and I'm really grateful to be part of it. So, thank you. >> Should we

018take a picture? >> We might want to You guys might want to say something first. >> Say something. You don't get the only microphone in the room. >> Duly noticed. >> Yeah. Have you met this board? Would any of my fellow board members like to say anything? >> I meant after you guys talked. >> Nice recovery. >> Thank you, Chair Zersade. Um, first I just want to note that it feels really backwards sitting here and having our legislators presenting to us in this location. It's probably only going to happen this one time. So, I'm going to relish this moment. Um, I also want to express my deep appreciation for our legislators. Um, you know, teacher, former superintendent, um, school board members. just really appreciate your the deep bench of experience and um and you all

019know I really appreciate your advocacy for um resources coming from Salem and prioritizing education. So I just really want to thank you all for that. Um and it is um as was mentioned a difficult time but also a critical time. And so it's really um really heartwarming to have um lawmakers who really care about education and are willing to make it a priority and hold the line against any um roll backs that might negatively affect our students. So I really appreciate that. Um, and you know, the only thing that's negative about having these fantastic advocates for education is that sometimes a difficult issue comes up and I really want to take action and I want to go and say something and ask for something and I just know that our lawmakers in this area already

020care. They already have our back. So, there's really not as much for me to do. So that's really the only drawback is that you know if I'm fired up I feel like um you know some of this work has already been done in our district. So thank you so much for your strong advocacy and for coming out tonight um and showing your support for education. >> Thank you. So, I'll echo a lot of what's already been said and really I think what is really special is how unique it is for us to have and it's been said many times so many people whether it's just their own experience with public education or serving in it in some capacity all in our sphere and that is really incredible and for better or for worse you do

021always answer the phone when I call or text or have a question and so I appreciate that I think we all do because we know that we can share the stories of our teachers, of our students, of what we're seeing sort of on the ground level. And so I just I appreciate that partnership. I don't take it for granted that we have a lot of people with our backs and our backs being education in general. Whether that's on revenue, whether that's housing, whether that's education committees, all of those things are those sort of upstream areas that really trickle down to how our community lives, how they are served, how our kids are served at school. So, I just appreciate that. Thank you, >> Director Miles. in small communities. Um the communities know their legislators really

022well and this feels like a small community in that way. Um I've had the pleasure of working with three out of four of you. Um Representative Walters, I have not had the pleasure of working with you yet, but I really look forward to it. Um I appreciate your your passion and your advocacy um for for our schools, for our communities. Um I feel very lucky to have the four of you um on on our team. Um and again like everybody has said um with such deep roots in education and such um advocacy for for our students and our communities and our teachers and our schools in general and it really does you know going around Oregon like you know in small communities folks know their legislators and they are and amongst their community and you

023don't always see that in in larger communities but we really but you see that here and um just really appreciate that culture um that you are really in the community and you know us and you know your constituents and so thank you for um thank you for that partnership >> and there's not much more else that I can say other than thank you so much for everything that you do for our students >> and I'll echo yes thank you so much and not only do we call you but I hope you always remember to call us whenever anything comes across your desk how would this impact schools call up one of us and just run it by us so that you get that insider knowledge. I also want to say to our students, please take

024note the four people sitting in front of you, two of them are graduates of this district. This could be your future. Um, so you guys are the best role models ever. >> We're counting on you. >> Thank you so much for all you do for kids, for all you do for education. >> I think we should take a picture. [Applause] That's true. TTSD represent. >> And now we'll just wait for the politicians to finish smoozing and we'll get on with our meeting. >> Excellent. Yes. All right. Well, now that they're done shaking hands, perhaps our students could give their student representative reports. Who would like to go first? Um, let's see. How why don't we start with Tiger tonight? Um, for sports this week or last week, varsity football won their first game of the

025season on Friday, 53 to6 against Roosevelt. And they're also playing at Sherwood at 7 this Friday. and a junior Paul Reconu broke a school record for cross country at the MOO Invitational on Saturday which was a school record stood since the 80s and today Tiger won chess today for Tiger esports about an hour ago and there's volleyball games versus McDaniel on Tuesday and Westland on Thursday and soccer games versus Twin Legos and West View all throughout this week >> for the nonport for Oh, hello. Uh, so for the non-sports of Tiger, uh, so for Hispanic Heritage Month, uh, happy Hispanic Heritage Month, um, our ME um, our Metro group is planning a spirit week for their members to participate in. Um, they're planning it for the week of October 6. More details to come. And

026then they're also um planning on educating our um, our student body about what it is and why it's uh, important to celebrate it. Uh also last week club rush took place and I would say on for my clubs it was pretty successful. Um and then most if not all of our clubs have conducted their first meetings of the year and then theater just announced their casting for the fall play which is for the merry wives of Windsor. Uh the showings will happen in November I believe. For Twatton, we have the first wintime schedule of the 2025 to 2026 school year on September 29th and 30th. Um, again, happy uh Hispanic Heritage Month. Our metric group is still planning what they're doing for Hispanic Heritage Month. We met this morning 8:30 to 8:55 um with a

027student voice meeting talking about heritage months because Filipino Heritage Month is coming up um the entirety of October. And then we have culture week being celebrated October 27th to 31st with more details to come on that. Um Twin just uh also won chess and Overwatch in the esports category about an hour ago as well. Um and last week we had an affinity student leadership training here on September 16th. Um and then again culture week is still in development as affinity groups are initiating planning within their own respective groups. Uh Talton varsity Oh, that's in the way. Uh Talton varsity football uh has a by-week this week after destroying Sherwood 43 nil. I think that makes uh four years in a row. >> I have to I have to brag about it. Uh, Friday of next

028week, October 3rd, uh, they have a game against LEO at 7 p.m. Uh, volleyball tomorrow has a game at 6:30 at Lakeidge and a game on Thursday at LEO, just staying in that same area. Uh, both of those are going to be at 6:30. Varsity girls soccer has a game on Tuesday uh tomorrow at McNary at uh 7 p.m. and Thursday against Liberty, so at 12ton at 7 p.m. Uh varsity boys soccer has a game tomorrow against Shelton at 7 p.m. and a game on Thursday at at North Eugene uh at 7:00 p.m. Then cross country has a meet on Friday at the Portland or the Nike Portland uh cross country. Uh and it doesn't uh state a specific time, so I can't really give you the time for that. Uh, water polo has a

029competition tomorrow at sunset at 5:15 and unified uh, soccer has a game on Thursday against Oregon City. Thank you so much. Does anybody have any questions for our student reps? Okay, thank you. Um, don't forget to grow up to be legislators. Uh, we'll now move on to superintendent and board communication. Dr. Superintendent, >> thank you so much to our student representatives for those updates. Um, the month of September, there's several several things that we rep it's a month where we um celebrate several things or recognize several important um issues. And so, first, it's uh Hispanic Heritage Month. And so, happy Hispanic Heritage Month. It actually goes from September 15th to October 15th. And um I know we got a little bit of a preview of some things that Meta is doing, but we also look

030forward to hearing from more of our students from the October board meeting about um all the things great things happening in our schools to uh represent and celebrate such a rich and diverse culture that's important to our story and also truly reflects who we are as a district. So, happy Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is also suicide awareness month or prevention month rather and um mental health is such a a major issue um in our country and especially in our school district and I think that suicide has impacted so many of us in profound ways and so um prevention and awareness is really important so I want to recognize that month as well and then also it's attendance awareness month and actually like to spend most of my report focusing on attendance is it's a

031it's a major issue. So, I just prepared some comments um about attendance and how we're trying to make concerted efforts to to um improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism in our school district. So, um in recent board updates, I've addressed how one of the most important factors of student success is showing up every day on time and ready to learn. Attendance patterns, both good and bad, are often set early in the school year in the first 30 days. And we want to capitalize on an opportunity that we have right now in the school district to raise awareness related to attendance so that we can set some of those good patterns and also interrupt any areas where kids are missing school and might need barriers removed to get back back in the classroom. Um, we know

032that since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism has emerged as a troubling trend across Oregon and in the nation. And in TS, TTSD, um, we have 67% regular attenders, but that means that one in three of our students are not coming to school at least 10% of the time. >> And um, our attendance trends show higher uh, levels of abetism on the book ends of school. So, our kindergarteners, especially for the last couple years, this year so far, they're looking decent in terms of their attendance. And then also our high schoolers, especially towards the junior and senior year. Um, also many of our culturally and ethnic ethnically diverse learners have disproportionately high absenteeism rates. And so, my intent here isn't to pass judgment on students or on families for absenteeism. Um, there's a variety of factors that

033are preventing students from coming to school every day. But I do know that students can't learn if they're not in schools. And so we need to focus on getting students here. Um, and we need to work hard to remove any existing barriers so that we can get our school kids back in school and accessing their learning. So some of our schools are doing a remarkable job um doing outreach work with our families. Uh we have um sorry I lost my place. I apologize. So uh uh but we're trying to make a pri priority this year to have one cohesive effort around um attendance. It's been a long time since we had a campaign and so we're trying to kick one off this year. So, last week we emailed parents to let them know to expect

034regular updates through Parent Square about the child's about their child's attendance. But we're also exploring um through Parent Square the possibility of using a new system called attendance plus and that will help enhance how we monitor attendance and give us insights to help us be more responsive and intentional in our efforts. Um along the way, it's going to be really important that students and their families hear a positive message about the ties between attendance and academics. And while we've been stressing academics, we also know that sense of belonging is incredibly important. And so the theme for um this year as we try to improve attendance is uh we're glad that you're here. And we just want students to know that when they're not in school, we miss them not being here. So, um, we'll continue

035to, um, focus on attendance at a, a school level and at a district level, and we'll also continue to give you all updates. Um, so that's it. Just wanted to let you know that that's a major focus for us, and I and it's something that I think we can all really rally around. I think people are excited around reaching out to families, connecting with the community, and getting kids back in school. And then for next week, uh, our next school board meeting, what I want to do is show you some of the data systems that we're using that help engage students, not only for attendance, but also help help us make decisions around around instruction as well. So that's for next time. So that's all for my report. Thank you. >> Thank you. Board members,

036anything for our section of board communication? Vice Chair Urban, >> it will be brief. Um so last weekend um along with director Haimeace we attended the OSBA annual board of directors meeting um and with director Miles as well um in her director role for OSBA. Um and it was really wonderful. was like it's the time where all of the school board um members for OSBA on that board come together and really set some priorities, have some really good conversations around what's up and coming, how are we going to advocate, how are we going to champion, how are we going to support our students, and in a way of doing that, right, through really thoughtful training and mentoring and um options for bringing up new board members and seasoned board members for that matter. Um, and

037so there was I felt like this was an a really wonderful meeting. Um, and really set some great some sights on some really lofty goals and some really good things. Um, and a lot of that kind of culminates with um the convention that's coming up, the annual convention. And so there's going to be topics for board members such as school funding, um, sort of building team leadership and culture, um, increasing student outcomes, partnering with school communities, all things that I think we do really well here. um that it will be neat to see some other points of view and have some other training and voices in that um doing that work. So that was really great. I also attended um the back to school night. So I'm like with my parent hat on at Twali

038Middle School and kind of speaking to the attendance point and the the connection and the belonging um I right like many of us have been going to back to school nights for many many years. Um, and for whatever reason, and they they're always wonderful, but this year with those teachers felt felt really special. And I think every single right in middle school, you have a bunch of teachers. Every single teacher called out this is a really special community we have here. This is a really amazing group of kids of teachers like in a way that felt so authentic that felt really like they are excited to be there. They are building connections with their kids. They're building connections with families, which I think is the other piece when we look at attendance. Um, how are

039we making sure that families also feel like they belong? How they feel like they are part of of that um being glad that we're there piece is really helping parents feel like they belong in those buildings with those teachers having those conversations. And so, I just want to call that out that it felt um extra just special this year. And I think all the parent, every parent I talked to said, "Oh my gosh." Like every single teacher was incredible and had such great things to say and such neat ways that they're using new tools and um everything that I saw was in at least two languages like when it was kind of all the presentations were happening. So there's just a lot of really neat stuff happening and I just wanted to call that out.

040I think that's it. >> Anybody else? church miles. >> It's hard to believe it's almost the end of September. uh just to um just to keep talking about attendance a little bit and uh I I so appreciate the emphasis on attendance and especially getting going early in the year because it is that it's one of those cumulative things that you know I if if we don't um if we don't start going to school right away it's just it it's hard to it's hard to keep up with and get going. and we know um just for the community to know and and for families to know. I will say um I think that our notification systems right now are really great and I know that we're going to try and and uh Dr. Udo, you were

041saying like looking at new things. Um my daughter like accidentally got marked absent for one class and like woo I got a lot of notifications. So that's good. That's really good. We're getting notifications as parents. Um but we know that um there's all kinds of research and things that you know that show us that attendance impacts um literacy and numeracy growth. It impacts ontime graduation. It impacts college and career readiness, social and emotional benefits and a sense of belonging and then just all kinds of positive long-term outcomes like um not only college enrollment but employment stability and just overall well-being. And so I really appreciate um the you know we we miss you when you're gone. We're so glad that you're here because we also know that that one positive um relationship with an adult.

042And so that that really positive message of we want you to be here, right, is um is so encouraging. So just just that extra emphasis that um we all need to be in school every day. Um and um that that's it. Just want to emphasize that. Thank you so much. Director Weston, >> thank you. Um, I also wanted to um say a few words about attendance. Back uh many years ago when I was an intern um in California working for the United Way of Santa Cruz County, um we had a focus on attendance in that community. And the idea was that it was something that all the nonprofits and government entities and all the players could help and get behind. Um, for example, we were focused on common health issues that kids miss school and

043someone else might focus on child care because sometimes older siblings are home for child care reasons um or there might be a transportation barrier or some kids drop out to go to work. And so there's um all these things and it's just um a good issue that everyone in the community can really coales around. It matters for everyone whether you're missing school to go on a a fancy vacation or you're missing school because your child has chronic asthma um or it's just hasn't been valued um in your family uh yet. And so I really appreciate this issue and I think it does help everyone um achieve more, learn more, be part of the community. So um we have a lot of other important issues that we're also focused on. Um and so I think uh

044this is one of those things that we kind of always have to be looking at because it has such uh critical outcomes. And so um just appreciate all the work our uh superintendent is doing and making sure all of our systems are running smoothly in this regard. and I um invite all all of our community to contribute towards this effort. All right. Um seems like a lot's been said, so I don't think I need to say very much except I will say I'm impressed, and I shouldn't be saying it, but I will. It's been a really smooth start to the year. Um it feels like kids have gotten into the rhythm of school really quickly this year, and it it's it bodess well. Um, I'll just be the nag of the, you know, nagging mother

045of the board for a moment and remind everybody, you should have seen the, um, the board report that vector training is due. So, look for that link and do your vector training. >> Done. >> All right then. We'll now move on to the public comment. And this is the section of public comment for the evening that is not related to the public hearing for our charter school. And I just want to make sure we have no public comment. It's not. Okay. Then we will move into our reports and discussions and we'll start with our AR charter school presentation and public hearing. Dr. McCall and friends, come on down. Good evening board. Uh tonight uh we're here uh to present uh the art ed uh presentation and then allow for public hearing of any comments around

046the charter school proposal. Next slide. And so, uh, I'll start with just a brief board introduction, uh, a description of the charter school process as well as, uh, the purpose of the public hearing. And then, um, the ARCO ed school leadership team will have an opportunity to present. Then we'll open it up for public comments and I'll share next steps. Next slide. So again, our introduction to our board. Uh Jill Zerme is uh our board chair. Tristan Irving um is our board vice chair. Devid Hummies is our board member. Kristen Miles and Crystal Weston are board members. Next slide. So, uh, a charter school application has to follow a process that's outlined by, uh, Oregon revised statutes. Um, the proposal for ARCO was submitted to, uh, needed to be submitted at least 180 days before

047a proposed opening, which it was. U, the proposal was submitted on May 13th. uh TTSD board deemed the application uh complete on August 11. And again, that is in line with the Oregon revised statute. Um uh we'll get into that after the next slide. And then tonight is the public hearing. And then after the public hearing, a board must approve or deny within uh 30 calendar days of the public hearing. Next slide. So the purpose of the public hearing as required under OS uh uh and that is 338 section uh 055 is to provide an opportunity for the board to hear from uh ARCO about their proposal as well as provides an opportunity for public comment from our uh school community. And I just want to emphasize that no board action or decision will be

048taken tonight. Next slide. Just to recap, um our uh public comment expectations is really just to provide input. Uh and it's not a dialogue with the board or staff. uh comments must follow our TTSD public comment procedures and uh speakers who anyone who's speaking tonight uh must have signed up prior to the meeting and then we uh have time limits will be enforced so to ensure all voices are heard. Next slide. Um again, the next steps is that we've outlined is for October the 6 for a board discussion of the proposal and possibly a decision um on that night. And if not, uh the latest would be uh October the 20th. So with that, our next slide, I'd like to introduce our the ARCO team. Good evening everyone. Good evening uh board of directors, chair

049Cersmeid, superintendent uh Dr. Udo Sonetta, assistant superintendent Dr. McCoall and uh Tiger Twileatin School District, families, committee members, students. Um my name is Thank you for everything you do um every day. My name is Jesus. I'm the um executive director principal for Aquiti Spanish merchian school and I'm joined here tonight um by Christa Billings who is our board member and then we also have David Robertson who is our financial advisor. Um thank you for the opportunity to present. Next slide please. Our aim tonight is pretty simple and that is to expand equitable access to a proven dual language Spanish immersion program that complements Tiger Talatin school district programs. Next slide. I'm going to briefly cover who uh next slide please. I'm going to briefly who we are uh cover briefly who we are, why families

050are asking and would benefit from our educational model here at Tiger Tatin School District. how our model aligns with your multi-ter system of support and progress monitoring, our conservative budget and facilities plan, and most importantly, the partnership steps that we're proposing if authorized. Next slide, please. I'm going to start with who we are. Um, ARC was founded in 2009. It's a tuitionfree charter school, public Spanish immersion school, K through8 in the Beaverton School District. Um we recently um we're coming to our 16 year of um opening so 16 years of experience in Oregon and our focus is on providing a robust curricula which is based on best dual language um practices Spanish immersion practices and that is uh accompanied by a robust math program which is Singapore math as well. We're really proud in the

051training that we offer to our team members, the family partnerships that uh go along the way. We have a super strong community at Spanish immersion school. The results um are there for everyone to see. It is linked in the presentation um and it is coming from a the at a glance snapshot that is um available in the OD website. And I would say that besides the components that make us really special that I just mentioned, it is also through the internal progress monitoring that we have at our school and the training that we provide to our team members that makes us really successful. Um, next slide please. Here's our mission. So I briefly described our mission in the last slide which is to provide a biliterary education through a robust math curriculum. Um, the next

052two pieces are really important to me as well, which is that our students are members of a supportive multicultural community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. And I say these things because um, our community is truly multicultural. We um, you know, I'm from Mexico. I was born and raised in Mexico. The majority of our um, team members are coming from different countries. And I think that's extremely valuable to ensure that that uh sense of you know being a multicultural society and multicultural nation is well represented in the state of Oregon and that the students have an an opportunity to um engage with you know different voices and different community members from around the world. Next slide please. Um I'm going to move forward with why um the school district why TTSD. Right. So, um, here's

053here's why our program is is right for for families, students, and community members at at TTSD. Um, as we all know, there's a high percentage or there are many school districts, there are many, sorry, there are many families, there are many community members that have a strong interest in bilingual options, right? Um, we offer that. I know that Tiger Chilean School District also has an interest in has several schools that offer these these type of programs, right? But those percentage of families that are interested in these services is increasing on a yearly basis. Student uh demographics, family demographics, student demographics as we all know in the state of Oregon. Um you know immersion programs are for everyone but it's also an opportunity for those whose first language in our case whose first language is Spanish

054to continue that trajectory and to uh keep that language alive and healthy. Right? And so, as we all know, there is an increase in Hispanic and Latinx um community uh families and and students in our state. And so, there's a higher need for programs like ours as well. Immersion, um I'll tell you a story, a quick story here, but immersion advances long-term outcomes. Um and I'm I'm an I'm an example of that. I went to an immersion program in Monterey, Mexico, which is my hometown, and I live there until the age of 24. And now I'm here presenting in front of you board members, students, community members in English, right, which is my second language. And proposing the opening of a charter school that is going to do the same for other students and community

055members and family members here in the state of Oregon. Um um lastly I I just want to say that you know charter schools sometimes are seen as you know taking away but I I I've been working both sides of of of of education either in school districts and charter schools as well. My trajectory in education is 26 years and I've worked in four different states uh more than four different states and I worked in districts and charter schools and I think charter schools are an additive rather than than subtracting the services from from a school district right and I say this uh truly because I I believe there's there's an honest opportunity to engage in partnerships and engage in exchanging best practices in this case in in in Spanish immersion um practices for school districts

056and charter schools that are doing this specifically for for a long time just like ours for 16 years. So there's a huge opportunity for us to share best risk practices for us to learn practices from the school district as well and to engage in this true partnership that is needed in the educational uh in the educational environment. Next slide please. I'm going to go into how the educational model works. So, educational model um as as mentioned, so we're Spanish immersion. We're a one-way Spanish immersion, right? I'm not going to go into super detail about one way versus two-way, but um our model specifically, we engage students in learning um Spanish throughout the entire day. It's about 80% of the time they're learning Spanish from a through Spanish um speaker, right? So, it's it's a an

057educator whose first language is Spanish. So it's 80% of the time there's they're learning Spanish all core subjects in Spanish with the exception of physical education and English language arts in the upper grades because we have a curriculum and it's harder to find a math curriculum in Spanish that English component can increase about 10%. Right? Give or take. So it's about a 730 if if I'm being factual um in the upper grades but in the lower grades it's pretty much 80 20%. And that starts from kindergarten. You can see our kindergarteners speaking Spanish from the day they from you know after a couple of weeks of being there, months of being there, they exit the program truly um in a fascinating way speaking Spanish and which is the first step which is being orally uh

058flu or fluent orally in in a second language. Um we have um our model also is composed of two different programs or two different types of curriculum curricula I'm sorry. One of them as I mentioned is Singapore Math and then the other one through uh the Oregon Department of Education were able to adopt a curriculum through a publisher which is HMH and has an English and Spanish component that go hand by hand and so it creates an opportunity to bridge the language between um these two bridge the uh learning between these two languages. Um it's called interreading by HMH and ARA also by HMH. it uh very very uh importantly here both of these programs provide small group instruction resources that support tier one and tier 2 interventions. Um so they do come with resources

059that are extremely valuable in our city. Not only that, our educational model is also based on the whole child pedigogy. We use a responsive classroom approach to support students and creating a positive school culture and then we also engage in restorative practices because that's in alignment with our mission. Um family engagement I already mentioned that but that's a huge component of our educational mo module and I would say that um we have a huge huge family engagement um because of the cultural events that take place because uh families see themselves represented in the things that are happening around the school because our events are in two languages in English and in Spanish and uh they're just huge advocates as well uh for our school um for our school setting. Next slide please. Speaking about interventions

060which I mentioned on the last slide I know there were some questions about how um Arues would do that and just like any other school we engage in a multi-ter system of support um around the around the school. That means that we have different tiers according to different needs of our students. We start with tier one interventions and as I briefly described our programs or our curricula have components to support students with small group instruction. What it looks like in a classroom setting if there's an hour of instruction in math there's facilitation for about 10 15 minutes um guided practice independent practice for another 20 30 minutes and then there's an opportunity to support students in small group um based on their data and based on their needs. That's tier one instruction. In our master

061schedule, we have an additional third additional 30 minutes of um supports that are happening on a daily basis, five times a week, 30 minutes every day and where we use these same resources or other resources that are available to us. Some of them are level literacy books um etc. Right? And then the last component is our tier three which um that to get to that step we need to be able to gather data with our student intervention teams. We need to be able to prove that the student is in need of additional supports, right? And it has to be um it has to be uh captured in a way that is not only one data cycle or two data cycles, but it's multiple data cycles of of data information that point in the direction that

062that student is in need of a tier three intervention. And that's extremely important with school districts like yours because you support charter schools in this um in this category, right? So um we I can just definitely tell you that we're committed to engaging our um teachers, our students in ensuring that our students are supported with tier one and tier 2 interventions with the resources that I mentioned. Also through the support of our uh reading specialist which we also have to support students whose home language um indicates that um English is not their first language. Some other additional materials for interventions are there. Um and um as important our team is trained in small group instruction best practices. We have partnerships with Northwest Regional Center. We have other type of partnerships as well. So that our

063team is consistently utilizing best practices in education to avoid um you know uh going into a tier three intervention uh too quickly. Next slide please. um there will be alignment with uh the Tiger Titleton School District in terms of um adhering to your data cycles. Right now we adhere to Beaverton School District which is three cycles. We would u be open to align with that and then also being open with uh partnering and and and seeing the type of assessments. I'm aware that you utilize I Ready. We use ECCBM. We use some other stamp. We use other types of assessments. Beverton School District in full transparency. They also utilize it already. It has been cost prohibitive for our school, but um you know, we're really really open to engaging in that. It's a better product

064than the ones that we have. So why wouldn't we? It's just um you know, we would um necessitate some sort of group purchasing or some sort of partnership in that regard. So that so that it's also um supportive of our of our finances and our budget. Um and that would help us in in both campuses, right? Um once we expand next um slide please. Um continuous partnerships as as I mentioned already there will be collaboration with uh the district in terms of the special education service delivery as per the contracts right that would be to be in compliance with IDA and section 504 and I already mentioned some ways that um we would ensure that those supports are provided um in school for our students um before getting to a tier three intervention. Next slide

065please. Um lastly uh educational model calls for also supports in terms of behavior not only academic academics I mentioned um supporting the student as a whole and so you know our framework we utilize a responsive classroom approach it's it's a lot of fun it's very very um positive by it use of positive reinforcements is utilizing those steps um rather than going into punitive concept consequences. It's a really really lovely program that takes into consideration the needs of students and then we partner that or we complement that with a restorative practice approach which also is providing the tools for students so that they learn the steps on how to restore relationships which is extremely necessary in the world that we live in today. Um and then lastly in terms of our educational model, we partner with

066families, right? We track the data. We have a student intervention team. We track the data. We provide that information to our families via conferences. And then we also have documents that are already in place in terms of student code of conduct, discipline policies, etc., etc. Next slide, please. Um the academic outcomes um they speak for themselves but also um if provided of the opportunity with Tiger Toys in school district we would follow the similar school learning plan which some of the goals are there supports um for small group instruction to providing differentiation in the classroom to meet the needs of our students. um a goal of of of closing um subgroup gaps um supported behavioral data and then having some dual language progress indicators as well to um ensure the success of our model and

067then providing the supports for our team as well. Um the next slide please. The next two slides, I'm gonna not gonna go into a lot of depth because I think I'm meeting the mark, uh, the 15 mark, but um, we, you know, we shared our budget, we shared our financial plan, we shared our facilities plan as well. Just really quickly, you know, it's pretty conservative. Um it it's you know we've we've done this multiple times and as you might have explored it or seen it the enrollment is um like I said so pretty conservative projected res uh sources of revenues and then we're also diversifying that not only um not only going with the weighted student count but we're also also applying for different grants. I am here to let you know that we have

068been awarded a charter school growth fund which um is up to $800,000 at the moment. So we have been awarded that in a tier in a three-year interim and so we are constantly looking for applications and grants as well to um ensure that we're in a good financial uh place for opening and and in subsequent years um expenses you know in the budget you there's an opportunity to share um services across buildings so that would be extremely helpful also for a Beaverton campus and then uh as with any plan we created some guard rails so that you know if there's a need for a contingency plan. It's in place. We can do some phase hiring. We can do some other um types of u take some other contingency steps if necessary. Next slide, please. Facilities

069real quickly. Um just you know committing to u meeting the occupancy educational use and that will be ADA compliant. Next slide please. And then last one is uh or the last two governance and staffing. just some um items here to explore. There's some links there. We have the capacity to deliver, right? We have a board of of uh directors that most a lot of them have been with the school almost uh since its inception quite frankly. Uh Christa Billings is is one example. Um so you can see their their profiles um following that link, but there's experience in finance, legal, academic, community expertise. really really glad and and that we have that support and and super super grateful for their support as well. Um as any school would would be happy to have you all

070as as a board as well. Um and then school leadership as I mentioned we I have I come with 26 years of experience both in the district and um charter school sector and in all grades K through 12. Uh been in education in elementary, middle and high school settings. Uh my LinkedIn account is there. um staffing plan for recruitment. We've done this multiple years. We're really successful with recruiting um educators who are qualified and and credentialed. We have experiencing training and partnerships uh and then community engagement as well. Next slide, please. The timeline uh quickly, you know, four steps. We're in fall 2025. We're engaging in this hearing. uh hopefully we'll move uh forward with contract negotiations and then more community engagement. The next steps would be facility finalization, enrollment and lottery hiring to be

071prepared for summer launch uh training for our te uh teachers family orientations and to launch fall 2026 with the phase one of enrollment which will be gradual. And then the next slide there's a link for um I'm sorry this one we see we see it as a partnership. I started with this we we see it as a partnership. there's an opportunity to partner and exchange best resources in dual language practices. Um we're here for that, right? Um we're here to do the best for communities in Oregon, communities in uh around around the area. And so, you know, just know that our quitis is here to exchange those those best practices and resources as as as needed. Lastly, we um followed here with um next slide, please, with uh a link to community support. I think

072that was another request. We opened this pretty recently, about honestly five days ago, and we have about 116 um signatures in there. We have also just in our socials, we open it maybe two weeks ago. We have about um 30 families I believe already interested in without knowing the facility location without knowing a lot about the school quite frankly taking a big risk and saying hey I want to sign up right so there is community support um you know that's going to be open if you want a little bit more signatures I can leave it open for for quite some time if there's a need for that but there is already some support as you can see there and then the the next slide thank you for opening that and then lastly I just want

073to wrap up with um a request. Thank you so much for being so patient with the presentation. So ADO's request tonight to um bring a proven immersion model that complements um the Tiger Challening School District. It aligns with your systems. It's it's ready to open safely and sustainably. And that's that's really important, I think, in the charter world, sustainably. And we we've done that for 16 years. So tonight, we're asking for authorization to partner on next steps, services, assessments, and launch in the benefit of students and families in the state of Oregon. Thank you so much for your time, support, and uh yeah, thank you again. >> Thank you so much. Will we be receiving a copy of these slides so that we can follow some of those links? >> Yes, it's in the uh

074board memo already. >> Okay, great. Thank you. So where it says link to arco slides has been >> that's been updated. >> Yes. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. We will thank you so much for your presentation. Um and we will now move to the public hearing part of the um of the the session. And so we have received public comment I believe from two people. Those should be um at your stations board members. And then we have one person signed up to speak. Is that correct? Okay. And that is Carly Berky. And while you're making your way down, I'm just going to uh let you know that um we expect you to start by giving us your name and your zip code. And then um comments made by members of the public are limited

075to three minutes and should be brief and concise. Speakers may offer objective criticism of direct district operations or programs, but the board will not hear complaints concerning specific district personnel. Not that I hope this is going to come up this evening. So, your time will start. You'll see the clock up there on the wall. Your time will start after you've given your zip code. Oh, there we go. Well, thank you all. Um, my name is Karly Adams. Berky is my main name. Somehow it snuck into my registration for public comment. I'm not sure how that happened, but um, my zip code is 97224. Um, I came tonight to give testimony. So, thank you all for all of your work in the school district. I I'm a parent um, of two girls at our goes at

076immersion school. And we lived in Beaverton until last year when we moved to Tigard. And so now we're here in the Tiger school district. Um, and I you already saw a presentation really outlining all of the benefits of immersion. Um, and I really just wanted to say like as our experience having two kids in the school, that's been reflective of our personal experience at the school. I found the environment of the staff and the teachers and everyone to be warm and welcoming and inviting and really creating a positive culture for the students and the families. there's um a big emphasis on and that as part of the education um so I think it's not just words on a PowerPoint but really that's been my experience there as well and I in talking to many other

077parents that's also been a shared experience from other families as well not just mine so I did want to mention that um so I mean we chose immersion I I personally have wanted that from our family since I learned Spanish and I said if there's ever an opportunity for my kids to be able to have that. That's something that I really wanted. I think it provides not only the the cognitive benefits, as you know, learning multiple languages, but also the cross-cultural understanding and greater empathy. And I really can't think of something that we would want to support more of in our communities right now than greater understanding and empathy building um with our kids and our families. So, that was my personal reason for joining. And um I will just say also that one of

078my oldest my third grader has been I and saw it up there. She's been receiving the tier 2 reading intervention. Reading was really challenging for her and we're in a dual language language program. This is can be challenging but she's been receiving that extra support um and grown tremendously. It's been a really positive experience to have that opportunity and that support. Um, so I just I mean really I think that it is been my experience that I believe it would be a collaborative and supportive addition if it was something that was here in Tigert as well. Um, I believe that the school has reflected to the families how they will work together and really um, walk the talk of being a good partner and also being something that the school district could rely on in

079the families. So, I just wanted to offer up my support here um to you all as you make your decisions and consider the presentation. So, thank you. Thank you so much. The the I just want to confirm that was our only public comment in person. The other ones are just written. Okay, great. Thank you so much. We'll now move on to our bond update. Um our presenters are Sean Christensen and Jackie. Oh, not you. Okay. Welcome, Sean. >> It's just me tonight. Good evening. Um, I am presenting tonight for our bond director, Kevin Monte, who is on vacation. Um, introduce myself. I know most of you, most of you know me, but I have been working on bond projects for the district for the last eight years and I was heavily involved in the planning

080for the passing of the bond and I've been heavily involved in the work since the bond passed. So I will be presenting tonight. Next slide. Um, so it's been a busy month. September, we just presented in August. September's been a busy month. Most of our time has been spent um putting polic or procedures and people in place to support this bond over the next 10 years and a lot of time has been spent on summer 2026 projects. Um our community relations department has been working on putting the bond oversight committee together. Um we have interviews this week, quite a few interviews. Um so once we get through all those interviews, we will be able to present to you a bond oversight committee um probably October 2nd, October 6th, whatever our next board meeting is. So

081that will be coming your direction. Uh next slide. Um most of our work has been with launching summer 2026 projects. Um, while summer is just getting over here, uh, summer 2026 is coming really fast for those of us getting ready to break ground on projects. Um, one of our projects is the Twolatin and Tiger High restrooms. Um these are I call them park style restrooms sort of industrial highly vandalproof um concrete block um stainless steel fixtures just outdoor restrooms um six six toilets at each school cited somewhere in their fields or where they're appropriate. Um we just finished scoping and um estimate process for pre-esign um and we were pleased that the estimates came in lower than the um bond approved number for these restrooms. So the bond leadership has given um approval for the

082restrooms to move forward with design. Um, so we are looking to have a complete bid and permit package put together here by February for these restrooms and then break ground in June. So, next slide. Uh, the other project that we've been scoping and estimating is the Deer Creek um infrastructure and security project. We just got the estimates back from that. Um and initially we were a little concerned because estimates were high but then we realized that the designers had put a lot of extra scope in just things that we might want. Um but when we took it back down to the base board lang or a bond approved language um we've got that project also within budget um for construction budget. So that one has also been approved by the bond leadership team to go

083forward with design and we should have a bid and a permit package in February and break ground in June. And this is a summer project. It's a pretty pretty it's a high amount of work to get done in the summer. So it's it's it's aggressive summer project. Uh next slide to field lighting. You guys heard about this uh last board meeting. Um we have the contract in process and we are looking at a spring break. I just was talking to them. We're thinking this is a spring break install. So um next slide. So that was all that's well that's not all but that's the main things that we are working on with the capital projects but this bond was more than just capital projects. There was also um 20 million for curriculum and 40 million

084for um technology. So, I'm going to read these slides because I'm not involved in the, uh, activities here. So, um, for curriculum, new language arts curriculum, we are incredibly grateful for bond funds that allowed us to purchase a new K5 Spanish and English language arts curriculum. CKLA and Camino's combine knowledge and researchbased pedagogy to ensure we are in alignment to achieve our goals of all students reading by third grade and comprehensive staff training. Elementary classroom teachers, literary specialists, instructional coaches, and liter literacy AAS are all received extensive CKL train LA training the first few weeks of the year to effectively implement the new curm and leverage its built-in tools such as MClass literacy assessments and TTSD supplements, including explicit routines and procedures and culturally responsive strategies. Um, again, I can't answer questions on this, but

085this is bond dollars being spent here. Uh, next slide. Technology. Enhanced classroom learning bond funds were used to replace all devices for middle schools and provide new devices for three elementary schools, benefiting over 4,600 students. This investment created more dynamic and collaborative classroom environments and preparing students for the f future. Purchased new Chromebooks for all incoming nth graders. approximately 950 students ensuring every high school student has a reliable device for academic use throughout their high school career. Um, and that's really it's a very short update this month. We'll have more for you next month, but I'm happy to take questions on projects if you have project related questions. >> I have just one um two com one comment, one question. First of all, it's always lovely to hear projects coming in under budget, especially early

086in the the bond project. So, that gives me great hope and relief as we move forward. Um, second, the Deer Creek project, you said it's going to be a tight timeline. Are we still expecting though that it can be completed in the one summer, it will start as soon as school has ended and by the time kiddos are back in the building, it will be complete. >> Yes, the doors the doors should be easy. The boilers, it's the the fire alarm that we'll get it done, but it'll drag out for a while. just the commissioning and stuff. It's a lot of work to put a new fire alarm in a building and putting a new boiler in over the summer, but I think we can get it done. We've done them before in the summer,

087so it's just it's aggressive. >> Awesome. Thank you so much. Okay, if there are no other questions, thank you so very much for the presentation. I'm sure we'll be seeing you again soon. Um, and we'll now move on to our enrollment update. Director Reed All right, good evening everyone. I'm taking some time today to do an enrollment update. Um, so if you've had the opportunity to take a look at our enrollment report, there was one that was updated most recently today. So, I'm going to really speak to that. And one of the noticings that you will have on there if you've taken the time to really take a look at it, um we're still seeing a slight decline in um middle school. Um overall, those middle school numbers um are settling down just a little

088bit um more than it was from a couple weeks ago when we last did the report. Elementary is stabilizing and I would say so is high school. It took a little bit of a drop, but then it bounced back up. So, I'm going to say we're going to start stabilizing in those two areas. But so far, um we are looking at middle school, which you know is lessening. We know that uh Tality um is below the 1,00 um student threshold, which they were last year and is settling out there. Um so is Fowler. We did meet and when I say we, the staffing team met on Friday to take a look at numbers um across the district in terms of elementary and then also in middle schools and high schools um and taking a look

089at the class load analysis and providing supports to like Fowler and Hazelbrook with some additional FTE for some of the class sizes that are up there that you might be hearing about. Um, as we know, you know, this year is new in terms of the sizes of classes for staff and a lot of them are feeling it. Um, HR is going around and we've had our first couple of meetings with administrators to kind of hear about how things are going impacts and we're hearing a lot about, you know, having to assure staff that they can do this, but that the impact in terms of class sizes and more so is not the it's not only the class size, but it's the makeup of who's in the class and the needs of the students. Um, so,

090you know, we're doing some work around that in the future to to consider. Um we've talked about um some equity in the staffing model, but again we are limited by a budget um with all of the wonderful ideas that we may have. So that's what I have for the staffing update for this evening. If there aren't any questions, >> do any of my fellow board members have questions? Okay, thank you so much for keeping us informed. >> Our last report and discussion item is our social media report. Director Palaski and Gustavo, welcome. Thank you. You've heard me talk a lot about the power of social media and visuals as it relates to the bond campaign. And uh but it's not just a social media is not just a liver that we use when we we

091have a need. As you heard Dr. Udo say again today, we need to be telling our story and social media is our primary storytelling channel. I like to think of it the way that uh I used to think about radio as a station that we get to send out, you know, 24/7, 365 without uh go having to go through an intermediary. Gustavo Garcia, who's with me here today, is uh he's got a fancy title. It's a digital communication specialist, but I like to think of him as our district storyteller. Um, he's got a whole bunch of other roles from, uh, website maintenance, staff training, graphic design, videography, photography, primary translator in Spanish, is a parent square technician, does staff portal maintenance and training, and when Thor's not around, he fills in for Thor here. So,

092that's a lot of different roles. He's got uh Gustavo has really amazing uh visual storytelling gifts and uh particularly as a native Spanish speaker, he helps us bridge some important cultural and language gaps for our largest group of multil- language students and their families. You show the next slide, please, Thor. Thank you. So, I don't want to get too hung up on technical terms today just so that we're talking the same language. Um we hear a lot about impressions. you'll see millions of impressions. And I don't pay a whole lot of attention to impressions because that's every time a set of eyeballs actually passed over a particular uh post, but it's an indicator, but it's not really a big one, at least for me personally. And I think Gustavo endorses that notion. Uh reach is

093uh is pretty valuable because it it tells you that the number of individuals that that our posts have actually gotten to. Uh but the big one uh for for most of us who play in this space is engagement. And that can be everything as you see here from a like to some kind of reaction to a comment. We're going to show you a few comments later tonight from some of our uh parents and and the public. Uh shares and retweets saves all the list you see there on the right. And engagement is really what it's all about. That that's really a good indicator. Next slide please. Um well Facebook is still the king for us. uh which it it feels uh like like it's it it's fading but uh it's not. Instagram's coming on really

094strong. Uh we try to be in a lot of different channels. You'll see Twitter which now what we know is as X but just uh for uh we put it up there as Twitter for this uh exercise. LinkedIn page uh we're actually getting a lot of traction on. And then uh threads which is an alternative uh to twitterx is something that's a new space for us. But uh you can see in the aggregate we have about 12,000 plus followers. Next slide please. Uh this just shows our growth. You're going to see this chart and a couple of other charts on the next slide. Uh as we all know uh there was an event in in late 2023 at one of our middle schools that caused a really big spike in traffic. Uh that's not, you

095know, what we're looking for in in what we do, but it happened. What we like to see is if we go to uh maybe the next slide, Thor, excuse me, keep keep going forward. That's backward. Oops. Should be slide number four. If you can go back a little bit there. There we go. So, what what we're looking for is that strong steady growth. As you look from uh about June 24 to today, that shows that that uh you know, we're resonating with folks. There's word of mouth. we've got traction and just that gentle uh but steady upward swing that shows that you know we're reaching you know more and more people all the time in in our storytelling. Uh go ahead and skip the next one Thor and if you would go to um again

096here's just another indicator some numbers. Uh I again I don't pay that much attention to the impressions but as we look at at at reach we've got in hundreds of thousands of individuals we've been able to reach over the last couple of years and engagement uh Facebook and LinkedIn are really strong when you're getting numbers you know in Facebook approaching 10% that uh we're getting some sort of like uh from folks that means they've not only looked at it but it's caused some sort of reaction uh with them uh Twitter and threads uh pretty low, but that's that's not really surprising for me that I think of them sort of fast action uh homes for for content. Next slide, please. And this is the point where uh Gustavo is going to step in and talk

097a little bit. I got to tell you, when I told him a few weeks ago I wanted to talk about this, he said, "Well, that's really good. That's that's a good idea." And he's like, "Wait a minute. Do I have to talk?" and I said, "Well, yeah, but uh so this is his his time to shine." So, Gustavo, >> thank you. Thank you, Alex. So, here are some examples of the post that um that I share. And also, I just want to point out the first one on the left is our lobby in the H office. So, I just want to invite everyone that hasn't been there to come check it out and see all the photos. Are real people, photos of real people, students and staff. Um so anyway, my goal with our social

098media is to show what we're about. Um there are amazing stories happening in our schools every day and I think that is very valuable to not just tell people but also show them what that looks like. Uh in the first post as I mentioned my hope was to invite people to come visit the district office and see the faces of our students and staff and families. Uh the second example is the wise celebration and my goal is to continue the celebration online. And the third post on the very right uh is from an art literacy class at Alberta Writer. And my goal for this was to uh bring our community into a classroom and give them a visual of what um learning about art looks like for our students. I want to interject for a

099second. So, one of the things you'll see not in every photo, but but particularly if and if you haven't had the chance, please come uh to the Herbert lobby and take a look at some of the photos there. you see a very pable sense of joy and interaction between adults and our students uh of graduation photo uh family there and I've talked with Gustavo about his method. I want I want to see if he'll talk a little bit about how he managed to capture that because it's actually not easy. A lot of times people look like they're mugging for the camera. They're nervous and you see an absence of that in what he does. So can you tell us what you do? >> Sure. Um I think that my approach is always to um be

100part of the environment. So I try to approach them as a person first. Try to understand what's going on. So if it's in the classroom for example and the students on the right um just try to participate, try to ask the students questions like what are you learning about? Can you teach me how to do this? And almost join them. And then that seems to be the way that I can uh get them to feel comfortable. and then when I get the camera out um they don't seem to be as as I guess pushy as they would be otherwise. Uh so I guess just trying to meet them kind of um as a person just um yeah try to open up with them and then try to uh conversate with them. >> Next slide. Next

101slide please. Um here's an example of our best performing content. Uh just in summary, our community really loves to see our students and our staffs being celebrated. Uh examples include graduation, spirit days, uh student achievements in sports, and then also staff appreciation. Next, next slide, please. And here, as I mentioned earlier, this just a few examples of engagement. Uh obviously, you know, we cherrypicked ones that are positive. Not not all of the engagement is positive, but but a lot of it is. And uh this is as you can see if you read some of the comments, you know, these are people who know the student or know the teacher or or they know Emily Anderson and they're they're they're all uh you know joining in that course of saying, "Hey, this is something amazing going

102on at school. We want to be part of this." And uh that page right there is really kind of a testament to uh why we do what we do and and why it's important. And now I'll invite you to get out a handkerchief because we're going to show you just a little video that Gustavo shot of first day of kindergarten. Sorry, Tristan. Um, and we shared this on social media. It's just under a minute long, but uh, let's run it and see what happens. [Music] So, I'll give you a second to catch your breath, but I got to tell you, he emailed me this and I jumped out of my chair. And I told people, get out of my way. I just gave him a big old hug because that's that's really what we want

103to do. That's a great example of what we're trying to do here. So, thank you. Welcome. Any questions you have? >> Any question? >> Comment. No, I'll say a comment which is this is such wonderful community building work and being able to sort of create or at least share um stories and narratives around what's really happening in our schools with our students with our parents um with our community members. And the first time I saw that so I did fully cry the first time also I was like that was me but I was like the little kid crying like and my daughter was like trying to be like go like I dropped her off at college. She's like, "Okay, you can go now." And I'm like the one crying like, "Don't leave." Um, anyway, this

104time I was like, "Okay, I'm picturing different music because the music that you guys choose on all of these videos that you do is fantastic." So, I was like, "I'm picturing like horror music, like movie music, you know what I mean? Then it's not as sad and sweet." So, I didn't cry this time. Um but anyway, I I think this is a wonderful way to use social media, a wonderful way to really show our extendedworked sort of communities um in terms of all the different social media channels um who we are and the things that our teachers are doing, that our admin is doing, that our schools are doing or our students are doing, all of it. Um so I really appreciate that work. Thank you, >> Director Miles. Yeah, I think it's um you

105know, we all get uh wrapped up in what our student schools are are doing and it's and it's really great not only to to for the storytelling. I love these videos. I was even asking Dr. last time I saw him, are we going to have a video at our next board meeting, but um but also to for all of our community to hear about and our families to hear about what's happening at the other schools, too. Because even if you can't attend, it's really nice for our families to know what's happening at at other schools. And so thank you for just, you know, um using the positive force of social media and and for allowing our families to engage with each other and to engage with us and give that give that feedback and just

106um and keep sharing what we do in such a beautiful way and um and I know I love following our accounts on social media and just you know seeing those highlights from the classroom. Thank you. >> Director West. >> Thank you. Um, always a pleasure. I really appreciate the authentic uh connections with people in the community and as a a subject of photography and I really like the acoustic guitar, but I can see that it would evoke emotions. Um, if it makes you feel any better, I have a senior this year, so now I'm it's my turn to be depressed all school year. But, um, so, but thank you for all your work and it's, um, it's, uh, it's beautiful to see how our community cherishes our children. And so, I think that's really coming

107across with with some of the um, some of the deliverables. So, thank you. >> And I'll just add, I love the way that this builds community. The fact that we have so many people engaging online, so with the social media is a really strong indication that this is what our community wants to see. Um, and I just have to say, Gustavo, you have such an amazing eye with the camera and you're everywhere. I mean, I get out into the buildings a fair bit and every time I turn around, you're there. My how is that possible? So, thank you so much for the amazing good work that you do both of you. And I just wanted to say a couple things about about this team. So, um, when I first started, uh, I was very reluctant

108to to dive into social media. Um, I have a the bias and I just felt like at the time that sometimes, uh, districts or, schools or any organization can overrely on social media and then the content gets saturated and watered down. um or what it does is it provokes unfruitful interactions that then we have to attend to. And I just wanted to say that um to have a really strong social media presence in campaign is an art and um Gustavo's phenomenal and Alex is always pushing me and pushing others to think about what's possible. So I just want to say kudos to this team because they do an outstanding job of of bringing those stories to life. Right. Thank you so very much. We look forward to the next posting. We now move into the

109action items section of our agenda. And we'll start with our uh first reading final reading of our superintendent contract. And while the agenda says that Dr. Dr. Udo is going to present this. Um, actually I am because it would be kind of weird to have him presenting his own contract. So, um, the cover sheet you see, uh, outlines the changes that were made to the agenda, uh, excuse me, to the contract. Um, the, uh, cola was the same as that our licensed staff received, and so that was added into the terms of this contract. All other terms were um unchanged except for in article 12 the renewal of of employment clause. And this one we kind of own because here it is September at the end of the month and we are approving the superintendent's

110contract which we probably should have done in o March. Um, and so this clause has been changed basically to say if the board doesn't get around to actually voting on the superintendent's contract in March like we're supposed to, it will roll over automatically so that our superintendent doesn't find him in a position himself in a position as he is now where on his three-year contract, he has only a year and a half to go on it because we didn't roll it over. Article 13, the termination of employment contract clause has been altered so that state law says that um if a superintendent is fired without cause that um the board must pay out at least one year, this clause changes it to we buy out the remainder of the contract. And this is really an

111insurance policy for our superintendent against a board that is trying to punish him essentially for firing him without cause. So, those are the only changes to the contract. Um, does anybody have any questions? In that case, I would entertain a motion. >> I move that we approve the superintendent contract for Dr. Ethan Udosa. >> Second. >> It's been moved by Director Miles, seconded by Vice Chair Urban that we approve the superintendent contract for Dr. Udo as presented. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All those opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Congratulations. You have a contract. >> Thank you. >> Sorry about the delay. Yeah, >> was glad to have a contract. >> All right. Our final action item of the evening is our uh resolution regarding

112the Oxen grant. And that is our fine CFO Jessica S. [Music] >> Good evening everyone. Um so as we know we were awarded the awesome grant but we have a couple of bows to tie which includes board approval of actually authorizing our acceptance. This is because board policy requires approval of all new grants in excess of $150,000. And this is also a grant that has underlying debt for the state and so that requires approval on their end. So we prepared um a resolution as well as provided a copy of the grant document for your review earlier this week. Are there any questions? I move to approve resolution 2526-07 to accept the awesome awesome uh grant award and authorize approval of the grant agreement. >> Second. >> It's been moved by Vice Chair Urban, seconded by

113Director Miles that we approve resolution 2526-07 to accept the awesome grant award and authorize approval of the grant agreement. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. I. >> I. >> All those opposed. >> Motion carries unanimously. Thank you so very much. And with that, we have no further business to come before the board. We are adjourned at 808.