January 8, 2024 Business Board Meeting Minutes

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

The Board Business Meeting was held January 8, 2024,  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 Mr. Jason Bizon.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Director Jason Bizon
Vice-Chair Director Abbie Warmbier
Director Lu Ann Anderson
Director Carson Benner
Director Larry Vollmer

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Director  Gerardo Partida
Director Doris Towery

ADMINISTRATION:
Debbie Brockett, Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary

Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Elizabeth Foley.

AUDIENCE:
Karina Smith, Brian Crain, Kourtney Ferrua, Shelly Simonyi, Hiran Amerasinghe, Steffanie Frost, Laurie Fry, Martha Biggs, Dave Furman and Jason Hall.  See attached. 

• 1.4  Introductions and Communications
  Superintendent Brockett thanked the students and families for attending the meeting.  She introduced the teaching staff from Newby ES. 

  1.5  Review of Agenda
  1.5.1 Proclamation

  The proclamation was read by Superintendent Brockett:

  Proclamation

  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.

  1.6 Review of Agenda
  Item 3.3 was moved to 1.6.  Polly Dunkley, Adam Gray, and Dave Furman shared how each gift was purchased for the board members.  Julie Maynard informed the board that a check in the amount of $200.00 was donated to Juliet’s House on behalf of the board. 

  2.0 Consent Agenda

  2.1 Gifts to the District: 

  The Board accepted with gratitude, gifts to the District:  Hood View Espresso Machine Service, LLC donated $1000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Edward & Jody Bowyer donated $100.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Growlers Grille donated $100.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Growlers Tap Station donated $100.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Les Schwab Tire Centers donated $500.00 to MHS for ASB Leadership, Wildwood Salon, LLC donated $3000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, V Environmental, LLC donated $2000.00 to MHS for boys tennis, Hagan Hamilton donated $1000.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, First Federal donated $250.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Amy Wark, DMD, LLC donated $1000.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Hyder Family Dentistry, LLC donated $1400.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Citizens Bank donated $250.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Les Schwab Tire Centers donated $870.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, S & S Electrical donated $600.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, American Family Insurance donated $250.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Roby’s Furniture & Appliance donated to MHS an electric range oven worth $600.00 for intro to culinary arts, Hampton Lumber Mills donated $1000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Andrew Physical Therapy donated $100.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Joseph & Courtney Seifert donated $2500.00 to MHS for athlete expenses, Mac Plaza, LLC donated $100.00 to MHS for folkloric club, Miller Technologies, LLC donated $600.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Big Sky Physical Therapy donated $250.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Andrew Physical Therapy donated $600.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, Dean & Debbie Klaus donated $1000.00 to MHS for Cheer Nationals, Atticus Hotel donated $600.00 to MHS for MAC Madness, and Chemeketa Community College donated $600.00 to MHS for MAC Madness 

  2.2 Approval of minutes of the December 11, 2023 Business Board meeting approved.

  2.3 Personnel Actions approved.

  On motion by Director Carson Benner, seconded by Director Abbie Warmbier , the Consent Agenda was approved on a unanimous vote.

  3.0 REPORTS
  The Board heard Monthly Reports.

  3.1 Student Report Newby ES
  Principal Victoria Brown, students and staff shared a presentation on Family Engagement.  The students shared why it is important to them.  Fourth grade student families met at Discovery Center for bonding on Saturdays.  They stated that this is a way to get together outside of school, get to know the parents, and for an open relationship between teachers and parents.  The students shared why it is important to them: 

  • It helps kids learn what others are like.
  • Play just as a normal kid.
  • Make new friends and gain confidence.
  • Hang out with friends.
  • Getting to know other families.
  • Spend time with the family.
  • Bonding with students and teachers.
  • It is fun.
  • Makes them feel connected to the school.
  • It makes it about others instead of yourself.
  • Shows that teachers care about their students.
  • Making memories.

  Newby ES will be hosting a Family Board Game Night, Thursday, January 25 at 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

  3.2 Student Envoy’s Report
  Sam King, Otto Davies, Viviana Garibay, and Oliver Voit, Student Envoy’s from MHS, presented the student report for MHS highlighting their activities that are happening at the high school.  Some of the winter week activities were pajama day, north pole, students and staff were invited to dress as any character from the North Pole or bundle in winter gear, deck the dawgs & ugly sweaters, candy cane wars, and  winter week saw the conclusion of the Canned Food Drive.  

  3.3 McEA
  Moved to 1.6

  3.4 Superintendent’s Report
  Superintendent Brockett reported on districtwide attendance, ELL supports, Safe-Routes to Schools, and school activities & events. 

  3.5  Director of Fiscal Services’ Report
  Jason Hall presented the monthly fiscal report to the School Board of Directors.  See the business meeting packet for details from the presentation.  The presentation covered student enrollment, and General Fund revenue and expenses. 

   

• 4.0 Unfinished Business
  4.1  International Travel 

  Christine Walker requested approval from the board for the 2024 German American Partnership Program Exchange from KNG to MHS and from MHS to KNG.

  On motion by Director Lu Ann Anderson , seconded by Director Larry Vollmer, the motion passed unanimously to approve the 2024 German American Partnership Program Exchange from KNG to MHS and from MHS to KNG.

   4.2 Karina Smith presented the following policies for second reading:

  • EFA – Local Wellness
  • JGE – Expulsion

  On motion by Director Carson Benner, seconded by Director Larry Vollmer, the motion passed unanimously to approve the policies for final adoption. 

  5.0 NEW BUSINESS
  5.1 Early Literacy Grant Proposal 

  Kourtney Ferrua shared a presentation and requested approval from the board to approve the Early Literacy Grant Proposal. 

  On a motion by Director Carson Benner, seconded by Director Lu Ann Anderson, to approve the Early Literacy Grant Proposal.  It was approved by a unanimous vote.

  6.0 Public Forum
  No public comment was received for the meeting.

  7.0  Board Directors Comments
  Director Benner said “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”.  He congratulated Superintendent Brockett for getting her Doctorate degree.  He thanked her for setting a good example for students, teachers and other adults.

  Director Vollmer said “Happy New Year everybody”.  He stated that the staff spends time thinking about board gifts in January. It is a treat to see what they consider of interest to a particular board member.  The board members  love it and it is humbling at the same time.  He thanked the people who reached out to him and adopted him the first part of the school year.  He thanked the board for their continuous efforts.  

  Director Anderson echoed Happy New Year to everybody and she congratulated Superintendent Brockett for getting her Doctorate degree. 

  Director Warmbier  stated that she loves family nights that Newby ES reported on.  Having just that grade level the time to connect with families seems to be meaningful to the families.  It is also a big ask of teachers.  She is glad they have volunteered and are trying it out.  She has been appointed to the Legislative Policy Committee and thanked everyone who sent congratulations and the board for voting for her.   She appreciates the gifts they receive for Board Appreciation Month.  

  Director Bizon gave a thank you for the recognition on behalf of the board members and himself.

  The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.