April 10, 2023 Business Board Meeting Minutes

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

The Board Business Meeting was held April 10, 2023, 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 Carson Benner.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Carson Benner
Vice-Chair Dr. Paul Haddeland
Mr. Jason Bizon
Ms. Janis Braich
Mr. Gerardo Partida
Mr. Larry Vollmer
Ms. Abbie Warmbier

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:

ADMINISTRATION:
Debbie Brockett, Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary

Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jazmin Mace.

AUDIENCE:
Steffanie Frost, Samantha Nelson, Brian Crain, Karina Smith, Hiran Amerasinghe , Kourtney Ferrua, Martha Biggs, Kevin Carroll, Amy Fast, Laurie Fry, Samantha Moorhead, Jace Widmer, Kelly Grace Carlson, Kat Struk, Emma Struk, Brook Frank, Casey Frank, Alicia S, Daniel E., Kira Sandoval, Efrain E, Anida Bills, Ewtai Bills, Daravahn Bills, Reynold Bills, Mike Pace, Hadley Pace, and Todd Hyder.

• 1.4 Introductions and Communications

  Superintendent Brockett introduced principal for Patton MS, Erika Nesvig, Ms. Nesvig introduced the health teacher Emily Wilcox.  

  1.4.1 School Volunteer Week Proclamation
  The Proclamation was read by Janis Braich.

  PROCLAMATION
  2023 School Volunteer Week

  WHEREAS public school volunteers contribute unselfishly to the

  success of Oregon’s students, teaching and support staff and the goals

  of American public education;

  WHEREAS school volunteers ensure that every student gets help and

  encouragement according to need;

  WHEREAS school volunteers support students and teachers inside and

  beyond the classroom in myriad ways regardless of the hour and

  without monetary gain;

  WHEREAS school volunteers act dependably, creatively and

  collaboratively to accomplish whatever tasks they are assigned or

  commit themselves to;

  WHEREAS school volunteers stretch school-district resources to ensure

  that all students achieve a complete and well-rounded education;

  WHEREAS, school volunteer exhibit care, model the best in citizenship

  and create a climate that fosters learning and a love of education;

  We declare our everlasting appreciation to public-school volunteers of

  the McMinnville School District, who, regardless of situation, age, race, or

  creed, step forward to help, thus widening horizons for others as well as

  themselves.

  THEREFORE, the School Board of McMinnville School District proclaims

  April 17 to April 21, 2023, School Volunteer Recognition Week, and we

  urge all citizens to join us in recognizing the dedication and hard work of

  local volunteers in preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s world.

  1.5  Review of Agenda
  No changes were made to the agenda.

  2.0 Consent Agenda
  2.1 Gifts to the District
  The Board accepted with gratitude, gifts to the District: Linfield University donated $450.00 to MHS for ASB baseball, Tammi Synder donated electronic items to MHS worth $100.00 to MHS for the resource room, McMinnville Music Boosters donated $800.00 to Grandhaven ES for the music department, See Ya Later Foundation, Inc. donated $150.00 to MHS for the Doernbecher Club, Kerry & Lorrie McGrauth donated a mascot to MHS worth $558.00 to MHS for cheer events/games, First Federal donated $100.00 to MHS for FTC robotics, Mac D-Bros locations 1, 2 & 3 each donated $1140.00 to MHS for the resource room, Kathy & Jason Behring donated $300.00 in cash to MHS for the Thespian club, and Courtney & Joe Seifert donated a elliptical machine to MHS worth $1000.00 for the fitness center.

  2.2 Approval of minutes of the March 13, 2023 Business Board Meeting, March 22, 2023 Joint Work Session approved.

  2.3 Personnel Actions  approved.

  On motion by Janis Braich seconded by Jason Bizon, the Consent Agenda was approved on a unanimous vote.

• 3.0 REPORTS
  The Board heard Monthly Reports.

  3.1 Student Reports
  A presentation was shared on the electives offered at Patton MS.  Electives that are offered are: Band, Choir, Podcasting, Audio Production, Aerospace Engineering Design, Spanish, Film Production, Photography, Technical Theatre, and 2D & 3D Art.  Other electives offered: 6th Grade Rotation; STEM; Music; Art; Drama, and 7th/8th grade Drama.  Each student introduced themselves and gave a brief statement on the elective they are taking and why.  Some of the electives the students are taking are drama, AVID, art, band, leadership, STEM and choir.  The students stated that by taking these elective classes, they have learned these skills: perseverance, communication, leadership skills, help with public speaking, teamwork, memorization, planning, and collaboration.  

  3.2 Student Envoy’s Report
  Opal Primozich, Diego Garibay, Mimi Bajinka, and Vincent Gourley gave an update on the activities happening at the high school.  They also gave an update on academics, athletics, and arts and pathways.  Unity Week was pushed back due to the snow days, so they held Unity Week March 20-24, 2023.  The theme for Unity Week was Be Heard, Proud, and Strong.  

  3.3 McEA
  Chris Starr spoke in place of Polly Dunkley.  They were able to hold the listening session without the admin present.  The staff were encouraged to schedule a one-on-one with the Superintendent if they were not able to attend the listening sessions. They appreciate the communication with Superintendent Brockett.

  3.4 Superintendent’s Report
  Superintendent Brockett gave an update on replacing two Directors: Kevin Carroll and Samantha Nelson.  Interviews for Kevin’s position were held today, Samantha’s position will fly in May.  She gave an update on the negotiations for the classified staff and the Legislative regarding funding.  The renaming of Columbus ES is getting into the final phase and moving forward.

  3.5 Director of Fiscal Services’ Report
  Samantha Nelson shared that as of April 1, 2023 we have 6447 students enrolled, that is six students below forecasting.  First grade levels are large and she anticipates that this will happen next year and sixth grade level has a big jump.  She shared the upcoming important dates for the budget meetings.  April 19, Budget Orientation, May 3, First Formal Budget Committee meeting, May 17, Second Formal Budget meeting, June 12, Adoptions of the Budget.  All budget meetings will start at 6:30 p.m.

  4.0 Unfinished Business:

  4.1 Overnight Travel – 2nd Reading
  Columbus ES 5th Grade Outdoor Trip

  Principal Kathi Fowler did a recap for the 5th grade field trip seeking board approval for the students to attend.  

  On motion by Jason Bizon, seconded by Janis Braich, the motion passed unanimously for approval for the Overnight Travel for the 5th Grade Outdoor Trip.

  4.2  Out of State Travel – 2nd Reading
  MHS Culinary Nationals 

  Principal Amy Fast did a recap for the MHS Culinary Nationals.  We have three students attending and Director Kourtney Ferrua will be the attending administrator.

  On motion by Janis Braich, seconded by Larry Vollmer, the motion passed unanimously for approval of the Out of State Travel for MHS Culinary Nationals.

• 5.0 New Business  

  5.1 Admission of Non-Residence Students
  Kourtney Ferrua gave an update on the 2022-2023 non-residence students.  She recommended and asked for board approval to set the number of non-residence students to 166 students for the 2023-2024 down from the 200 requested last year.

  On motion by Janis Braich, seconded by Gerardo Partida, the motion passed unanimously for approval of the recommendation that 166 students to be on a non-residence for the 2023-2024 school year.

  5.2 ELD Curriculum Adoption – 1st Reading
  Kristian Frack, Jace Widmer, and Chris Starr shared a presentation for the ELD Curriculum Adoption.  They each shared what priorities were included for elementary and secondary.  

  Elementary priorities: 

  • Curriculum that supports instruction in each of the four language domains (reading, writing, listening and speaking).  
  • Materials that support oral language skills, which typically precede  literacy development of English learners.
  • Materials that provide strong support for differentiation by language proficiency level, which is critical for providing focused instruction at the “just right” level.

  Secondary priorities:

  • Rigor
  • Engaging content
  • Assessment components
  • Supports for newcomers
  • Focus on all four domains
  • Online teaching tools and student supports that integrate with Google classroom

  High School priorities: 

  • Instructional supports in each of the four language domains
  • A focus on oral language development
  • Breadth and depth of reading selections
  • Writing opportunities requiring critical thinking skills
  • Differentiation and scaffolding for language proficiency levels
  • Strong assessment components for progress monitoring
  • Online support

  The final recommendation for ELD Curriculum materials:

  • Elementary: Systematic ELC ( EL Achieve)
  • Middle School: Time Zones (Dengage)
  • High School: Edge (Cengage)

  6.0 Public Testimony:
  There were no Public Testimony

  7.0 Board Directors Comments
  Larry Vollmer thanked Ms. Nesvig for inviting him to activities at the school.  He enjoyed the jogathon; it was fun watching the students.  He was also able to sit in the music room with the kindergarten students while they played their violins. 

  Abbie Warmbier recognized how full the room was during the classified negotiations.  She hopes the rest of the process goes smoothly.

  Dr. Paul Haddeland stated he appreciates Kevin and Samantha.  He thanked the Superintendent for holding the listening sessions. 

  Gerardo Partida thanked Samantha and Kevin for what they have done over the years. 

  The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.