December 8, 2025 Business Board Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF DISTRICT NO. 40,
YAMHILL COUNTY, McMINNVILLE, OREGON
The Board Business Meeting was held December 8, 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
Provisional Minutes-Not Board Approved
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 Larry Vollmer.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chair Larry Vollmer
Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida
Director Lu Ann Anderson
Director Christine Bader
Director Jason Bizon
Director Jasmin Juarez
Director Abbie Warmbier
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ADMINISTRATION
Kourtney Ferrua, Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary
AUDIENCE
Martha Biggs, Jason Hall, Hiran Amerasinghe, Emily Linnertz, Brian Crain, Lisa Jordan-Zornow, Vicky Brown, Allison Eitzen, Hilary Brittan Lack, Dave Furman, Kathi Fowler, Lauren Berg, Davey Altree. Kim Price, Laurie Fry, Scott Murphy and Shelly Simonyi. See attached.
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1.1 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Angelica Santoyo.1.4 Introductions and Communications
Superintendent Ferrua welcomed Principal Allison Eitzen from Patton, along with her team of student presenters, and welcomed all of the families.1.5 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:
Clergy Farm Foundation donated $2000.00 to Duniway MS for the educational programs and the Rotary Club of McMinnville Foundation donated $1200.00 to Duniway MS for scholarships for student athletes.2.2 Approval of minutes of the November 10, 2025 Business Board Meeting, November 24, 2025 Work Session Meeting and December 2, 2025 Special Work Session Meeting approved.
2.3 Personnel Actions approved.
On motion by Director Christine Bader, seconded by Director Lu Ann Anderson, the Consent Agenda was approved on a unanimous vote 7-0. Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
3.0 REPORTS
The Board heard Monthly Reports3.1 Student Reports
Principal Eitzen shared that Patton is focused on building a positive school community where students experience both learning and joy. She explained that feeling connected to school plays a big role in student success, and they want the community to see the great things students are doing. She highlighted that about 80% and soon likely 90% of students participate in extracurricular or interest-based activities, such as band, choir, sports, community service, and special electives. By the end of the year, nearly all students will represent the school in some type of community activity or event. A group of students joined her at the meeting to share what brings them joy at school.Lisa Jordan-Zornow shared that Patton has seen a big drop in behavior incidents over the past few years. Student attendance is improving, and both science and math achievement are already showing growth. She expressed excitement about the progress so far and the continued improvements expected for Patton.
3.2 Student Envoy Reports
Student Envoys from MHS presented the student report for MHS, highlighting their activities that are happening at the high school. They gave an update on academics, athletics and arts/pathways. See presentation.3.3 McEA
Taire Thomson shared a highlight from Grandhaven ES, where second-grade students read Balloons Over Broadway, designed their own parade balloons, and held a schoolwide hallway parade enjoyed by students and staff. This event is an example of creativity, collaboration, and community-building, with photos and videos available on the district’s Facebook page.She also reported on recent union–district collaboration, including centralizing school behavior and discipline plans, and beginning joint work on Article 18 related to student and staff safety. She expressed appreciation for the district’s follow-through on union questions and ongoing discussion of budget priorities to support safe learning and working conditions. She encouraged board members to spend extended time in schools to better understand student needs as budget planning approaches. They closed by thanking educators, staff, administrators, and district leadership for their dedication and recognizing the positive partnership between the district and the McMinnville Education Association.
3.4 Superintendent Report
Superintendent Ferrua highlighted the festive and busy nature of December in district schools, noting numerous winter performances, athletics, food drives, and community outreach efforts. She praised the high school’s production of Mamma Mia and announced the upcoming CTE Holiday Bazaar. She also introduced the district’s new communications manager, Autumn Foster, and recognized outgoing manager Laurie Fry for a decade of impactful service, including her work on bond communication, pandemic messaging, and documenting district history.She reported on recent school improvement progress, emphasizing the districtwide alignment of goals and practices aimed at boosting student achievement, attendance, well-being, school climate, and family engagement. She celebrated significant improvement at Newby, Willamette, and Patton, three schools that were recently removed from the state’s targeted support list due to strong, intentional work from leadership teams, PLCs, EL and SPED departments, attendance teams, and the curriculum department. She stressed that this growth reflects deep, systems-level collaboration across the district.
She addressed ongoing responses to community concerns related to recent immigration enforcement activity, noting close coordination with county superintendents, community partners, elected officials, and business leaders to support affected families. District staff are monitoring attendance, contacting families directly, and adapting services through the Family Resource Center.
She highlighted the challenges of managing student needs within tight budget constraints, thanking union partners, administrators, and educators for their collaborative approach. She also previewed upcoming advisory committee work focused on belonging, multilingual learners, and special education. She recognized School Resource Officer Tony Barros for helping secure essential food items for families during the holiday season.
3.5 Director of Fiscal Services’ Report
Director Hall presented the December 1 enrollment update, noting that the district is 2.64% below projected enrollment, with 6,038 students, about 14 fewer than in November. Most of the decline came from high school 10-day drops, while elementary and middle school numbers remained relatively balanced. He emphasized that enrollment is being closely monitored and shared that Flow Analytics will present a 10-year enrollment forecast at the January board meeting.He also reviewed enrollment by grade level, pointing out that the district’s current senior class is the last large cohort, and next year’s senior and junior classes together reflect a projected drop of approximately 112 students. With only 350 incoming kindergarteners, future enrollment pressures are expected. These figures, along with local birth rates and area development, are part of the long-term forecasting work.
He provided a financial update through October 31, reporting that the district has received 41% of its budgeted revenue, including the projected beginning fund balance. The annual audit is about 95% complete, with no major changes expected. While revenue is increasing by roughly 3.5% year over year, expenditures are rising between 7% and 7.5%, creating concerns as the district projects both the current fiscal year’s ending balance and next year’s budget, particularly in the context of declining enrollment.
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4.0 Public Forum
Ten public comments:
Mayor Hilary Malcomson of Lafayette expressed strong support for the interim superintendent, noting positive and meaningful improvements in the relationship between Lafayette and the McMinnville School District. Drawing on her roles as mayor, parent, former PTA member, and site coordinator, she stated that the interim superintendent’s reputation for leadership was evident even before taking office and that her transition into the role has already fostered renewed optimism within the Lafayette community.She described a long-standing perception in Lafayette of being overlooked within the district, a concern she had repeatedly raised with previous leadership without seeing change. She emphasized that, in contrast, the interim superintendent has demonstrated genuine commitment to understanding and engaging with Lafayette’s unique needs as a small town within a larger district, leading to improved communication and growing trust among parents, school staff, and city staff.
She encouraged the board to consider the interim superintendent for the permanent position, suggesting that the community has already provided organic feedback through lived experience over recent months. She cautioned against delaying the process with additional surveys, arguing that stability is essential after years of transition and that the interim superintendent has already shown the capability, connection, and leadership needed to guide the district forward.
Jocela Mae Crawford, speaking on behalf of herself, her father, several community members, and district constituents, expressed appreciation for the board’s work and the careful approach to selecting a superintendent. She emphasized the community’s desire for a leader with strong skills, credentials, and a student-centered, strategic mindset.
Referencing data from the district’s May superintendent search survey, she noted that families strongly value a candidate who understands the culture and dynamics of the McMinnville School District. While acknowledging that conducting a broad national search follows standard practice, she questioned whether an external candidate could match the current interim superintendent’s demonstrated knowledge of district operations, relationships with staff, and familiarity with school-level strengths.
She highlighted community priorities such as honest communication, active listening, and rebuilding trust, qualities she believes are difficult to evaluate through a résumé alone. She concluded by stressing that the interim superintendent’s deep roots in McMinnville and her proven student-centered leadership make her a strong fit for the permanent role.
Cherry Haas encouraged the board to consider the positive information and strong feedback received regarding the interim superintendent when deciding whether to appoint her permanently. Drawing on her familiarity with city budgeting, she noted that decisions must often be revisited as new information becomes available and urged the board to apply that perspective here.
She expressed concern about spending money on a superintendent search when the district already has a well-regarded leader in place, suggesting that search funds could be better allocated to student needs. She emphasized the importance of activities and extracurricular programs for students’ mental health and well-being and cautioned against diverting resources away from those priorities out of unnecessary caution.
Kim Price, a parent of a high school senior and the principal of Memorial Elementary School, spoke about the importance of selecting experienced, trusted individuals for critical roles. Drawing on her experience managing numerous long-term staff leaves, she explained that when a highly capable and familiar substitute is available, the school acts quickly because it minimizes disruption for students, staff, and families.
She shared that after the board’s recent special meeting, staff anxiety increased at the possibility of launching a new superintendent search, noting that uncertainty was felt not only at her school but across others as well. She emphasized that the interim superintendent has spent the past five months making student-centered decisions and that board members have publicly offered only positive feedback on her performance.
She urged the board to act in the best interest of the district’s 6,000 students by appointing the interim superintendent permanently. She described her as the district’s “sure thing”, a proven leader with a strong track record as an educator, principal, and director, who already understands district systems, culture, staff, students, and families and is deeply invested in the community.
Laurie Fry, a district employee retiring at the end of the month, stated that she has no personal stake in the superintendent decision but wished to address the hiring process itself. She noted that while transparency is important, the board’s original plan for a national search was created quickly last spring, before the interim superintendent was selected from a strong candidate pool.
Drawing on her experience serving on hiring committees, she emphasized that credentials and interviews cannot guarantee a good fit; true assessment comes only once a person is in the role. She pointed out that the board has had six months to observe the interim superintendent’s performance, an unusual advantage that should factor into their decision-making.
She encouraged the board to adapt to current circumstances rather than feel bound to last year’s plan solely for the sake of consistency. She concluded by referencing a recent News-Register editorial stating that if the interim superintendent has demonstrated strong leadership after six months, the board would be justified in reconsidering the need for a nationwide search.
Rachel Godfrey, a parent and local education advocate, addressed the school board regarding the superintendent search. She criticized the board’s framing of a thorough search as risky or costly, arguing that focusing on fear rather than the community’s best interest and students’ needs is misguided. She emphasized that the promised $18,000 for the search is minimal compared to the $360,000 lost in the previous superintendent’s departure. She reminded the board that the position is a 3-year contract, which can be terminated if necessary, and stressed that past experiences have shown the importance of transparency. She urged the board to honor their commitment to a thorough, transparent hiring process, including evaluations of the interim superintendent, gathering community feedback, and not rushing the process out of fear of losing candidates. She called for trust in the process and confidence that the right candidate, whether the current interim or someone else will emerge.
Connie Keyes, a long-time McMinnville resident and concerned citizen, spoke in support of appointing Kourtney Ferrua as permanent superintendent. She highlighted Ferrua’s leadership, experience, and dedication to children and the community, noting her positive impression from working with her on the Yamhill County Head Start board. She emphasized the importance of stable, strong leadership for attracting young families to the district, referencing past stability under former superintendent Mary Alice Russell. She argued that appointing Ferrua permanently would restore needed stability to the McMinnville School District and urged that it happen the sooner the better.
Susan Escure, a community member, former McMinnville School District Finance Director, and current Budget and Advisory Committee member, spoke in strong support of appointing Kourtney Ferrua as permanent superintendent. Drawing on her extensive experience working with over 50 administrators, she praised Ferrua’s exceptional educational leadership, financial knowledge, and ability to navigate complex budgets, grants, and regulations. She emphasized Ferrua’s vision for improving student achievement, her communication skills, ethical standards, and deep knowledge of the district. She states that conducting a broader superintendent search would be inefficient, given Ferrua’s proven qualifications and capabilities.
Wayne Thomas and Ron Larson, McMinnville residents near Grandhaven Elementary, spoke about a proposed 75-unit apartment complex across from the school. While not opposing development, they expressed concern about student safety, traffic congestion, limited parking, and potential impacts on the learning environment. They urged the district to request a comprehensive traffic impact analysis during the public comment period and to collaborate with the community to ensure any development is compatible with the neighborhood and does not negatively affect the school or its students.
Lucy Bertolo, a high school staff member involved in student leadership, credit recovery, dropout prevention, and the Sources of Strength suicide prevention program, spoke in support of Interim Superintendent Kourtney Ferrua. She emphasized that Interim Superintendent Kourtney Ferrua has been deeply engaged with students and staff, putting students’ needs first and supporting critical programs like Sources of Strength. She urged the board to prioritize what is best for current students, noting that while a broader search might find capable candidates, none would better serve the district’s immediate needs. She called for maintaining a student-centered focus in leadership decisions.
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5.0 Unfinished Business
5.1 Policy 2nd Reading
Director Crain presented the following policy for a second reading:
IGBAB/JO-AR – Educational Records/Records of Students with Disabilities.On motion by Director Lu Ann Anderson, seconded by Vice Chair Gerardo Partida, the motion passed unanimously 7- 0 to approve the policy for final adoption. Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
5.2 2026-2027 Budget Calender
Director Jason Hall, Finance Director, presented the proposed budget calendar for the 2026–27 school year. He outlined the schedule, including a budget orientation meeting in April, two formal budget meetings in May, and the final presentation of the approved budget for adoption at the June 8 business meeting. The board was asked to vote to approve this calendar.On motion by Director Jason Bizon, seconded by Director Christine Bader, the motion passed unanimously 7- 0 to approve the adoption of the 2025-2026 Budget Calendar for 2026-27 budget adoption as presented. Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
5.3 SIA (Integrated Plan) Grant Agreement
Director Berg presented the Student Investment Account (SIA) grant allocation from the Department of Education for the year, which is part of the Student Success Act of 2019. She explained that the funding has been integrated into the district’s overall plan, along with High School Success Act and early literacy funding, and includes long-standing investment focus areas. She requested the board’s approval to accept the grant as presented.On motion by Director Abbie Warmbier, seconded by Director Jason Bizon, the motion passed unanimously 7- 0 to approve the SIA (Integrated Plan) Grant Agreement as presented. Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
5.4 Wrestling Out of State/Overnight Travel 2nd Reading
Principal Furman and Athletic Director Ryan McIrvin requested board approval for an out-of-state, overnight trip for the wrestling team to compete in a tournament in Reno during winter vacation. They noted this is a recurring trip that provides valuable competition and experience for the athletes.On motion by Director Jason Bizon, seconded by Director Christine Bader, the motion passed unanimously 7- 0 to approve the Wrestling Out of State/Overnight Travel as presented. Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
The Board asked clarifying questions regarding the presence of female chaperones and inquired about backup plans in case of adverse weather conditions. Ryan McIrvin addressed them.
6.0 New Business
6.1 Superintendent Selection Process Options
Chair Vollmer opened up for discussion on the three available options. The Board reviewed each option, and all Board members shared their comments and perspectives.On motion by Director Lu Ann Anderson, seconded by Vice Chair Gerardo Partida, the motion passed unanimously 7- 0 to approve the immediate appointment of Dr. Kourtney Ferrua as the permanent Superintendent position. Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
Chair Vollmer will work with the Board Secretary Cherice to send out a survey to the board members for open dates for an executive session meeting for the board to define the parameters of a new 3-year superintendent contract.
6.2 Esthér Lipke Memorial Scholarship
Principal Furman and Esther Lipke’s family requested board approval to formalize the Esther Lipke Memorial Scholarship. Esther’s family highlighted her dedication to helping students navigate their post-high school paths, whether college, trade school, or the military, emphasizing her belief in empowering students to take charge of their own futures. The scholarship is intended to honor Esther’s legacy, celebrate her impact on students’ lives, and continue her work of supporting and guiding students toward their goals.On motion by Director Lu Ann Anderson, seconded by Vice Chair Gerardo Partida, the motion passed unanimously 7- 0 to approve the establishment of the Esthér Lipke Memorial Scholarship at MHS. Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
6.3 Intent to Award Contract – JV Softaball
Director Crain reported that the district issued an invitation to bid for the softball locker room, which closed on November 6, 2025. Five firms submitted bids, and Sport Tech Construction was selected for $201,979. The approved bid covers constructing the building shell, installing an electrical panel, a porch light, and a sidewalk to the nearby restrooms. Interior work will be planned later in collaboration with Athletic Director Ryan McIrvin, Softball Coach Josh Terry, and the high school’s construction and fabrication pathways.On motion by Director Jason Bizon, seconded by Director Christine Bader, the motion passed unanimously 6- 0 to approve the Intent to Award Contract for SportTech Construction in the amount of $201,979.00. Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
6.4 Policy 1st Reading
Director Crain presented the following policy for a first reading:
ECAC – Video SurveillanceThis policy will return for second reading at the next Board Business meeting.
6.5 Deletion of Policies
Director Crain presented the following policies for deletion:6.5.1 JDCEB G1 – Personal Electronic Devices and Social Media (version 1)
6.5.2 JFCEB G2 – Personal Electronic Devices and Social Media (version 2)
6.5.3 JFCEB G3 – Personal Electronic Devices and Social Media (version 3)
6.5.4 JFCEB AR G1 – Personal Electronic Devices and Social MediaOn motion by Director Christine Bader, seconded by Vice Chair Gerardo Partida, the motion passed unanimously 6- 0 to approve the deletion of all four policies as presented. Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.
6.6 OD Data Dashboard
Director Berg highlighted a publicly available online resource from the Oregon Department of Education that compiles district and school-level data, including the recently released 2024–25 school year information. She demonstrated how the database allows users to view metrics such as attendance, compare data by student subgroups (race, gender, English learners, students with disabilities, students in poverty), and examine trends across multiple years. The tool also enables sorting by school, downloading reports, and visualizing comparisons against state averages. She emphasized that this resource provides the board, staff, and community with accessible, detailed data to support decision-making and track progress in key areas like student attendance.6.7 Out of Country Travel/GAPP Exchange 1st Reading
Principal Furman and Christine Walker presented an initial overview of the 2026 GAPP Exchange, the school’s only international travel program, for board consideration. They explained that this is a preliminary review, with final approval planned for January. Christine Walker provided background on the program, noting its history, logistics, and the involvement of 38 participants, including teachers and chaperones from both the U.S. and Germany. She also shared materials from previous trips to illustrate the program’s operations and impact.7.0 Board Directors Comments
Director Bader expressed gratitude to community members who spoke or wrote to the board, acknowledging the time, courage, and effort involved. She also thanked staff and volunteers for supporting holiday activities, assemblies, performances, and community celebrations, with special recognition to high school staff for organizing holiday meal boxes for families. She recognized the collective effort across schools to support students and families and wished everyone a happy holiday season.Director Bizon provided a brief update on upcoming winter programs, noting that the Waschers program is scheduled for December 11 at 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. He thanked everyone involved for their extra effort in organizing these events for the students. He also thanked Laurie Fry for her years of service.
Vice Chair congratulated Autumn Foster and welcomed her to the district. He also congratulated Kourtney Ferrua. He hopes for the best and feels that she is going to do good things in the district. He wished everyone a happy holiday and to stay positive.
Director Juarez shared that Dr. Ferrua and herself will be at Sue Buel tomorrow at 8:00 AM for the Cafe and Conversacion and also Thursday at Newby at 8:00 AM. She congratulated Dr. Ferrua.
Director Warmbier praised the student presentations from Patton and the high school, highlighting the many opportunities for student belonging. She thanked Ms. Eitzen for bringing the students and expressed interest in visiting the winter programs in person. She also thanked McEA for allowing classroom visits, acknowledging it can be uncomfortable for teachers but is valuable for leadership. She welcomed the superintendent to their permanent role and wished everyone a happy holiday season, recognizing the busy weeks ahead and hoping everyone enjoys a well-deserved rest.
8.0 Future Agenda Items
None9.0 Announcements
None