February 14, 2022 Business Board Meeting
MINUTES OF THE CHOOL BOARD OF DISTRICT NO. 40, YAMHILL COUNTY,
McMINNVILLE, OREGON
The Board Business Meeting was held February 14, 2022,
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
The Board of Directors of McMinnville School District met in Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. on
February 14, 2022, in person pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f)(h). Discussion of Records Exempt from Disclosure.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Benner at 7:00 p.m.
At 7:37 p.m., the board ended the Executive Session.
At 7:40 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 Benner.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Carson Benner
Dr. Paul Haddeland
Ms. Abbie Warmbier
Mr. Larry Vollmer
Mr. Gerardo Partida
Ms. Janis Braich
Mr. Jason Bizon
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
ADMINISTRATION:
Debbie Brockett, Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary
STUDENT ENVOYS:
Laney Hyder
Kaia Brantner
Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Benner led the pledge of allegiance.
AUDIENCE
Kourtney Ferrua, Steffanie Frost, Samantha Nelson, Brian Crain, Amy Fast, Adam Gray, Luke Neff, Melissa Rinne, Natalie Morgan, LaVonne Morgan, Jonathan Thomas, Logan Thomas, Kaitlyn Thomas, Anahi Vargas, Marina Vargas ,Josh Rinne, Allison Eitzen, Lillana Gonzales, Andrew Bizon, and Tayslie Morris.
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1.4 Introductions and Communications
Superintendent Brockett introduced Luke Neff as the new IT Director, Patton MS student’s Tayslie Morris, Natalie Morgan, Lillana Gonzalez, Andrew Bizon, Logan Thomas, and Anahi Vargas. Perla Marfin was not able to attend.1.5 Review of Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda -
1.6 School Board Appreciation Month Proclamation
1.6.1 Classified Employee Week Proclamation (March 7-11, 2022)Superintendent Brockett read the proclamation:
WHEREAS the education of our youth is imperative to our school district, to Oregon, to our nation, our world;
WHEREAS classified school employees in our school districts, education service districts and community colleges are the “backbone” of our public school system;
WHEREAS classified employees work directly with our children, staff, parents, volunteers, business partners and community members and are responsible for the transportation, nutrition and general well-being of our children as well as assisting certified staff in direct instruction;
WHEREAS classified employees ensure the smooth operation of our offices, the maintenance of buildings and property, and the safety of our staff and students and the community trusts them as important messengers about our schools;
WHEREAS our community depends on classified employees to serve students and other staff, often in challenging circumstances and classified employees, with their diverse talents and true dedication, nurture our youth throughout their K-12 years;
WE MEMBERS OF THE McMINNVILLE SCHOOL BOARD join Governor Kate Brown in proclaiming March 7, 2022 through March 11, 2022 to be CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE WEEK in McMinnville, Oregon, and encourage all members of our community to join in this observance recognizing the dedication and hard work of these individuals. -
2.0 Consent Agenda
2.1 Gifts to the District
The Board accepted with gratitude, gifts to the District: Tramaine Payne donated a metal gorilla cart to Patton MS, Alexis Bisch PC donated $1000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, The Bindery Event Space donated $2500.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, HOB Oregon, LLC donated $500.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Northwest Logging Supply, Inc., donated $100.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, 65 Schwab donated $2500.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Botten’s Equipment & Event Rental donated $350.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Hagan Hamilton donated $500.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Academy Mortgage/J. Halsey donated $350.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Willamette Valley Medical Center donated $350.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Jada Ventures, LLC donated $350.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, First Federal donated $350.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Citizens Bank donated $350.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, The Vortex donated $200.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Union Block Coffee donated $800.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Comfort Control & Heating donated $1000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, City Sweepers, LLC donated $200.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Sportech Construction & Excavation donated $1250.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Mimi Weinreb donated backdrops worth $300.00 to Patton MS drama department, Joseph Safirstein donated $100.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Hyden Family Dentistry, LLC donated $1000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, First Federal donated $100.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde donated $2000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Les Schwab Tire Center donated $500.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Andrew Physical Therapy donated $500.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, Jeb Bladine donated $5000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Local Flow Health Bar donated $500.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Nancy & Mike Schick donated two sets of golf irons with $150.00 to MHS golf team, Barbara Szedlak donated soccer gifts worth $236.83 to MHS for senior gifts, Big Box Returns, LLC donated $200.00 to MHS for Fan/Community Engagement/MAC Madness, and Bryna McGibbon donated customs golf clubs with bags worth $100.00 to MHS to support the gold and sports department.2.2 Approval of minutes of the January 10, 20221, Business Board Meeting and January 24, 2022 Work Session approved.
2.3 Personnel Actions approved.
2.4 Bank Signer Update approved.
On motion by Dr. Paul Haddeland, seconded by Jason Bizon, the Consent Agenda was approved on a unanimous vote.
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3.0 REPORTS
The Board heard Monthly Reports.3.1 Student Envoy Report
Laney Hyder and Kaia Brantner reported on all of the activities that are happening at the high school.Jason Bizon asked what unity week looks like? Laney said it is a week with different activities during lunchtime. There is a voices panel where the students fill out a google form to speak on different topics.
Chair Benner asked what contributed to such a large freshman class? Kaia said students could not join until the second semester; this year they asked freshmen to join, and they have an internal leadership, which is a new elective. They had more people participate and leadership is in different forms, and it brought more attention to the program.
3.2 Student Reports
Andrew Bizon reported they put together activities such as virtual assemblies and posted spirit week. The Veterans Day, Halloween and winter assemblies have all been run by leadership.Logan Thomas reported what they do for the students: provide information, reminders of schedules for the week up on the tv, bulletin boards reminding them to keep their masks up, posters with reminders to get to class on time, and the reader board lists upcoming events.
Tayslie Morris reported they did a personal leadership project. They chose a person they wanted to learn about their leadership qualities, did research, made a poster or slideshow, or wrote an essay. They have one or more elementary students as pin pals they write to, and they look forward to getting their letters back.
Anahi Vargas reported on the seven habits and global goals. Seven habits they learned are being positive, viewing other’s perspectives and being more responsible and productive. They pick an issue that is going on around the world and try to reduce it to help the community.
Natalie Morgan reported they have a clothing closet with supplies for kids they may not be able to get elsewhere, which includes clothing items like winter coats, shoes, PE clothes, school supplies, backpacks, pens, pencils, and hygiene supplies. Two to three students per day come in for things.
Lilliana Gonzalez reported they do staff appreciation letters saying how much they appreciate them, a morning coffee cart, and help out the custodians with recycling and cleaning.
Ms. Wilcox stated the students will be going on their annual field trip to Salem in April to test their leadership skills. She is super proud of them.
Dr. Paul Haddeland thanked the students for taking a leadership role, and they are all very good at public speaking.
Abbie Warmbier asked if this was an elective class, and if there is community service outside of the building or focused inside of the building? It is an elective class for 8th grade students. Community service is done by the students outside of the school. Students have helped the public library.
Jason Bizon thanked them for the Veterans Day video. He hopes they can take something today from the student envoy.
Gerardo Partida thanked the students for taking a leadership role.
3.3 Principal’s Report
Ms. Eitzen reported they are meeting the students where they are. She reported on student assessment using Lexia, IXL for math, and iReady. She presented slides with students’ progress.Chair Benner asked what the pie chart looked like before Covid and have you looked at the data? Ms. Eitzen said she had done some comparison, and the students have not caught up, but are closer than anticipated. Chair Benner wanted a reminder for what Lexia is. Ms. Eitzen stated it is an online reading program. If a student gets stuck in Lexia, it will flag for an adult to meet with the student. It is a reading intervention program.
Abbie Warmbier stated how important it is to be in the building to move Tier III kids to accelerate them up multiple grade levels. She feels it is a huge success and hopes it can guide us in motivation to keep kids in school.
Janis Braich stated she spoke with a math teacher who thinks by the end of the year, kids will be where they should be, he felt it was going well with the extra time and he is very optimistic.
Jason Bizon mentioned the highlight in the Oregonian.
Chair Benner stated that there has been an incredible load on teachers. Are they starting to see success in the classroom? Ms. Eitzen said yes, it keeps them going when they see success everyday.
3.4 Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Brockett reported updates on mask mandates and stated CDC, OHA, and ODE continue to strongly advise to keep masks in schools so they can be kept safely open for the rest of the year. If we take away masks, we may see an increase in requiring students to miss school due to isolation. Schools do not have the capacity to put students and teachers 6 feet apart in the classrooms. The test to stay will be eliminated, and the workload for staff will increase due to contact tracing.. The ThoughtExchange had 2099 people who put a thought in the ThoughtExchange, 2400 different thoughts, and 65,000 readings. Top thought from staff is to keep masks to the end of the school year. She received three letters from high school students asking to keep the masks in place to ensure their attendance is not interrupted, and other school activities. The most important focus is keeping schools open and staff safe. She is holding Round Table meetings with every group for input.3.5 Director of Fiscal Services’ Report
Samantha Nelson reported on student enrollment. ODE reports for 2021-2022 fall membership stated state-wide enrollment is down 30,000 students. Districts are currently in the process of projecting to the state what we believe our enrollment is going to be next year, and the states formulates our estimate for the budget for next year. The RFP has been submitted as of January 12; she has received some qualified submissions for review.3.6 Director of Operations
Brian Crain reported federal requirements on the bus expire on March 18, unless they renew it. He reported on the Covid cases in Oregon and Yamhill County. The number of vaccinated students in Yamhill County ages 5-11 is 23.6%, and 12-17 is 50.8%. The data is on the Oregon Health Authorities website.Jason Bizon asked if we worked with the local hospitals and if there is bed space? Brian Crain will pull the data.
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4.0 Unfinished Business:
4.1 Brian Crain presented the following policies for second reading.
GBEA – Workplace Harassment
House Bill 3041 (2021) revised the statutory definition of sexual orientation (removed gender identity) and created a new definition for gender identity.
GBN/JBA (JBA/GBN) & GBN/JBA (JBA/GBN) AR 1 and AR 2 – Sexual Harassment – Removal of old policy and A/R’s entirely and new replacement policy and AR’s proposed. The updates issued for policy and administrative regulations for sexual harassment result from release of revised Federal regulations for Title IX protections, and the release of updates to Oregon Administrative Rules revised to reflect new Oregon statute adopted in the Legislative session amending Oregon’s sexual harassment definition and its policy and procedures requirements.On motion by Dr. Paul Haddeland, seconded by Janis Braich, the motion passed unanimously to approve the policies for final adoption.
4.2 Student out of State Travel
Coach Bob National Invitation 2nd ReadingOn motion by Jason Bizon, seconded by Janis Braich, the motion passed unanimously to approve Coach Bob National Invitation.
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5.0 New Business
5.1 Brian Crain presented the following policies for first reading.
IGBO – Bilingual Education
IKF AR – Graduation Requirements
The 2021 Oregon Legislature updated statute in ORS 329.451 (House Bill 2056) modifying Oregon diploma requirements by changing ‘English language arts’ to ‘language arts’ and redefining definitions for language arts, world languages and holocaust and genocide studies. Statute updates to ORS 329.045 made changes to the required characteristics of a school system and to Essential Skills. Senate Bill 744 (2021) has suspended the requirement for a student to show proficiency in Essential Skills as a condition of receiving a high school diploma for the 2021-2022, 2022-23 or the 2023-2024 school year. Lastly, there has been two versions of policy for IKF – Graduation Requirements and an AR to accompany version 2. The decision was made to maintain one version of IKF – Graduation Requirements and remove the alternate version (2) and the AR from the model samples, leaving one version of model policy IKF. The designation for IKF – Graduation Requirements has been changed to conditionally required because the district is required to adopt policy if the district has established additional credit and/or graduation requirements above the state-adopted graduation requirements for any state described diploma or alternative certificate.JB – Equal Educational Opportunity
House Bill (HB) 2935 added an aspect to the definition of discrimination in ORS 659.850 for race that includes physical characteristics historically associated with race such as natural hair and hair texture (see new footnote in AC and JB for full language). Another bill, HB 3041, revised the definition of sexual orientation and added a new definition for gender identity to the protected classes.These policies will return for second reading at the next Board Business meeting.
5.2 Out of State Student Travel
Symphonic Choir Tour Proposal 2022On motion by Dr. Paul Haddeland, seconded by Janis Braich, the motion passed unanimously for a tentative approval of the Symphonic Choir Tour Proposal 2022.
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6.0 Adam Gray
Adam Gray read a statement to the Board and Superintendent. He appreciates them listening seriously to the concerns of the teaching staff, and he asks them to look at other districts to see the different strategies and incentives they are using to retain teachers. -
7.0 Public Testimony:
There were no public comments. -
Board Directors Comments
Jason Bizon welcomed Luke Neff. He wants people to know their voices are heard and staff safety is the most important. He recognized and thanked the business community for their support.Larry Vollmer gave a shout out to the culinary. He feels it is wonderful to support the students. He thanked the staff, students, and parents. He is looking forward to normalcy.
Abbie Warmbier stated there are great things happening at the high school to congratulate the high school girls on, there are amazing things happening. She is considering the teacher retention, and valuing them, making sure we have the best employees in our district for years to come.
Janis Braich welcomed Luke Neff. She worked with 1st graders who had their first field trip. It was heartwarming to be out there, the students were amazing for their first field trip. She wants to keep students in school.
Dr. Paul J. Haddeland congratulated the administrators and staff about the article in the Oregonian for their collaborative work. He thinks the mask mandate is going to be difficult. Our goal is to educate kids, keep them in school and keep everyone safe.
Gerardo Partida stated we have other districts looking at us and that makes him feel proud. We have amazing kids, and he wants to keep face-to-face in schools. He thanked the teachers for all the work they are doing.
Chair Carson Benner stated the adults in the classrooms are what keeps us going.
The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.