January 13, 2025 Business Board Meeting Minutes

 MINUTES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF DISTRICT NO. 40,
YAMHILL COUNTY, McMINNVILLE, OREGON

The Board Business Meeting was held January 13, 2025, both in person and via Zoom at the
McMinnville School District Office, 800 NE Lafayette Ave., McMinnville OR 97128

The link was https://msd40.zoom.us/j/215496199

At 6:30 p.m., the Board of Directors of McMinnville School District opened the board business meeting in Regular Session. The meeting was called to order by Chair Jason Bizon.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Jason Bizon
Vice-Chair Abbie Warmbier
Ms. Lu Ann Anderson
Ms. Christine Bader
Mr. Gerardo Partida
Ms. Doris Towery
Mr. Larry Vollmer

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
None

ADMINISTRATION:
Steffanie Frost, Director
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Asher Spencer, Lydia Markley, Logan Casteel and Leilani Oropeza.

AUDIENCE:
Kourtney Ferrua, Shelly Simonyi, Martha Biggs, Davey Altree, Laurie Fry, Erin Caldwell, Jason Hall, Hiran Amerasinghe, Scott Murphy, Kim Price,  Lauren Berg, Vicky Brown, Kathi Fowler, Dave Furman, Allison Eitzen, Lisa Jordan-Zornow, Cielo Tahmaseb, Polly Dunkley and Hilary Brittan Lack.  See attached 

• 1.4  School Board Appreciation Month Proclamation

  1.4.1  The Proclamation was read by Director Frost:
  WHEREAS, school boards create a vision for what students should know and be able to

  do; WHEREAS, school boards establish clear standards for student performance;

  WHEREAS, school boards ensure that student assessments are tied to established

  standards; 

  WHEREAS, school boards are accountable to the community for operating schools that

  support student achievement; 

  WHEREAS, school boards align school district resources to ensure that students meet

  standards; 

  WHEREAS, school boards create a climate that supports the philosophy that all

  children can learn at high levels; 

  WHEREAS, school boards build collaborative relationships based on trust, teamwork

  and shared accountability; and

  WHEREAS, school boards are committed to continuous education and training on

  issues related to student achievement;

  NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby declare my appreciation to the members of the McMinnville School Board and proclaim the month of January to be School Board Recognition Month.  I urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local school board members in preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s world.

  1.5  Introductions and Communications
  Director Frost introduced McEA members, Adam Gray and Polly Dunkley, who presented gifts to the board for Board Appreciation Month.  They thanked the school board for everything that they have done. Principal Kim Price on behalf of the administrative team and schools explained why each school gives the gift of books to each board member who will read the books and once they have finished reading them, they will return them to the schools. She thanked the school board for all of the time, effort, visits and all they do for our students. Director Frost then introduced the principal, staff and students presenting from Willamette ES.  

  1.6  Review of Agenda
  There were no changes to the agenda.

  2.0 Consent Agenda
  2.1 Gifts to the District: The Board accepted with gratitude, gifts to the District:
  Lowes Home Improvement donated $1000.00 to Duniway MS for the school garden, Lu Ann Anderson donated $100.00 to MHS for holiday food boxes, Weyand Law donated $500.00 to MHS for the FTC Robotics Club, Christine Bader donated $100.00 to MHS for holiday food boxes, Leslie Thompson donated $300.00 to MHS for holiday food boxes, Larry Eaton Excavation, Inc. donated $100.00 to MHS for holiday food boxes, Haworth, Inc. donated $1000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Rodrigo & Cara Lagunas donated $1842.02 to MHS for the baseball team, Kip Mechals donated $1,000.00 to MHS for the resource room and Dollar General donated to Wascher ES hats and gloves worth $175.00 for their winter market.

  2.2 Approval of minutes of the December 9, 2024 Business Board Meeting approved. 

  2.3 Personnel Actions approved.

  On motion by Director Christine Bader, seconded by Vice-Chair Abbie Warmbier., the Consent Agenda was approved on a unanimous vote with 7 ayes from Directors – Larry Vollmer, Gerardo Partida, Lu Ann Anderson, Christine Bader, Vice-Chair Abbie Warmbier, Chair Jason Bizon and Doris Towery, with 0 nays.  

  3.0 REPORTS
  The Board heard Monthly Reports.

  3.1 Student Reports
  Principal Stephanie Murdock, teachers Paige Petersen, Aylene Streback, Michelle Formway and  students Asher Spencer, Lydia Markley, Logan Casteel and Leilani Oropeza shared their strategies when someone is in the pit and how they can help get out of the pit.  They shared how their students in each classroom use different strategies to get out of the pit and how they can also use these strategies outside of the classroom.  The students shared their strategies to get out of the pit.  Leilani Oropeza stated that it has made her better learning and understanding harder questions and how to get out of the pit even though it can be hard; Lydia Markley stated when she knows she is in the pit, she has learned to persevere through challenging tests and the pit looks different for everyone; Logan Casteel stated that he gets out of the pit by rereading the problem, asking for help, asking reflecting questions to deepen his learning; Asher Spencer stated that he helps others get out of the pit by asking questions on what they are stuck on and going step by step with them. See presentation.

  3.2 Student Envoy Report

  Student Envoys from MHS  presented the student report for MHS, highlighting their clubs and activities, winter week and canned food drive. They gave an update on academics, athletics and arts/pathways.  See presentation.

  3.3  Director of Fiscal Services’ Report
  Director Hall shared the current student enrollment as of January 1, 2025, breakdown by grade levels, withdrawal by levels and general budget information. He shared that the audit has been finalized and submitted to the state.  McMinnville School District received a clean audit with no comments.  The auditor will present the audit report at the February board meeting.  See the board packet for more details.

  4.0 Unfinished Business
  4.1 Policies 2nd Reading

  Director Frost presented the following policies for a second reading:
  4.1.1 JFCG/JFCH/JFCI-AR – Substance Abuse by Students

  On motion by Director Doris Towery, seconded by Director Gerardo Partida, the motion passed unanimously to approve the policy for final adoption with 7 ayes from Directors – Larry Vollmer, Gerardo Partida, Lu Ann Anderson, Christine Bader, Vice-Chair Abbie Warmbier, Chair Jason Bizon and Doris Towery, with 0 nays. 

  4.1.2 JFCG/JFCH/JFCI-AR2 – Nicotine Use/Possession by Students

  On motion by Director Doris Towery, seconded by Director Larry Vollmer, the motion passed unanimously to approve the policy for final adoption with 7 ayes from Directors – Larry Vollmer, Gerardo Partida, Lu Ann Anderson, Christine Bader, Vice-Chair Abbie Warmbier, Chair Jason Bizon and Doris Towery, with 0 nays. 

  5.0 Public Forum
  We did not receive any public comments.

  6.0  Board Directors Comments
  Director Vollmer stated that he would like to send a special thanks to his friends at Wascher ES who invited him to do some volunteering at the swimming pool.  He thanked all of the schools who thoughtfully picked out books and other laser engraved treasure.  It is rewarding to be on the school board and offer time to volunteer and help the staff and students; to be recognized for that is sincerely appreciated.  

  Vice-Chair Warmbier said “Happy New Year”. Last week she jumped in with a swim meet and girls basketball.  The game was fun to watch and to be back in the community.  She stated that the COSA legislative policy goals shared in the weekly communication by Superintendent Brockett are very well aligned.  They will have a meeting before our next work session and if there is anything the board would like to chat about or have her take to OSBS, she is happy to do so.

  Director Towery said “Happy New Year”.  She gave a huge thanks for the gifts. She said, “It is absolutely an honor to serve this district. I am proud of the work each and every one of you are doing”.  She thanked the Willamette principal, staff and students for such a great presentation.

  Director Anderson echoed Happy New Year.  She hoped everyone had a really good break, time to relax and rejuvenate. She said, “It is a privileged and humbling experience to be able to serve all of you and our students in the district.  I value the work you all do and I appreciate the support we get and the opportunities to come and visit in the classrooms.”

  Director Partida said “Happy New Year.”  Superintendent Brockett shared the great news about the Blue Collar Tour.  We were selected out of 30 schools in Oregon; that is great.  He thanked the principal from Willamette ES for their presentation. That is a good way for the kids to get out of the pit  and learn how to get out of problems. He thanked everyone for the books and promised to send them back as soon as possible.

  Director Bader encouraged everyone to spread the word about the Budget Committee openings.  She thinks the more we can build our bench of people who are interested in getting involved with the work of the district is great for everybody.  She echoed everyone’s gratitude for the gifts, thank you. She said it is an honor to serve.

  8.0 Announcements
  There were no announcements.

  Meeting Videos

  The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.