June 18, 2025 Special Board Meeting Minutes

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

The Special Board Meeting was held June 18, 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 special board meeting in Regular Session. The meeting was called to order by Chair Jason Bizon.

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

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
None

ADMINISTRATION
Steffanie Frost, Acting Superintendent

Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Bizon

AUDIENCE
Heidi Vollmer, Kevin Ferrua, Dylan Ferrua and Eva Ferrua.

PRESS
Starla Pointer

• 1.3  Review of Agenda
  There were no changes to the agenda.

  1.5  Hiring & Contract Approval for Interim Superintendent
  Chair Jason Bizon expressed heartfelt gratitude to several individuals and groups involved in a significant decision-making process for the district. He thanked the McPherson & Jacobson group, especially Mike Scott and Doug Nelson, for guiding them through the effort with dedication and behind-the-scenes work. He also acknowledged the school board directors for their thoughtful contributions and ongoing presence throughout the lengthy process, emphasizing the value of their participation and leadership.  He extended appreciation to the diverse pool of strong candidates who applied, acknowledging their passion and desire to serve the community, calling it a humbling experience. He also recognized community members and stakeholder groups who took time from their regular workdays to be part of the process, calling them true partners. Special thanks were given to Board legal counsel Lisa Freely for her guidance, and to Director Frost for her service and leadership, noting her consistent dedication and active role in orchestrating the work.

  Acting Superintendent Steffanie Frost acknowledged Board Secretary Cherice Bowden for her vital support throughout the process. She highlighted that Cherice was consistently by her side, often handling tasks that might have otherwise been overlooked, and emphasized that her contributions deserved recognition and appreciation.

  On motion by Director Lu Ann Anderson, seconded by Director Doris Towery, the motion passed unanimously for the hiring of Dr. Kourtney Ferrua as Interim Superintendent McMinnville School District for the 25-26 school year, and authorize the board chair to execute the employment contract as presented. This contract reflects the terms and conditions agreed upon by the Board and the candidate, and will be effective beginning July 1, 2025.  Directors – Larry Vollmer – aye, Gerardo Partida – aye, Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Christine Bader- aye, Vice-Chair Abbie Warmbier – aye, Chair Jason Bizon – nay and Doris Towery – aye. Nays – 0.

  Director Towery expressed appreciation for the strong and talented pool of candidates, emphasizing how their interest reflects the quality of the school district and its community, staff, teachers, students, and parents. She shared her excitement about the decision reached and noted that participating in this process was an honor, calling it the most important responsibility the board undertakes.

  Vice Chair Warmbier agreed with previous comments and emphasized that the strength of the candidate pool made it especially meaningful that Dr. Ferrua stood out. She  highlighted her long-standing dedication and passion, expressing excitement about her leadership in the district for the coming year.

  Director Bader thanked everyone involved and highlighted the depth and thoughtfulness of the stakeholder panel feedback, noting that every comment was carefully read and valued. She commended her fellow board members for approaching the process with full focus, honesty, and seriousness. Director Bader acknowledged the challenge of choosing among strong candidates but said the decision ultimately became clear, as one candidate, Dr. Ferrua stood out for her professionalism, deep understanding of the district, and sense of urgency. She celebrated the fact that someone from within the district proved to be the best choice, making the outcome even more rewarding.

  Dr. Kourtney Ferrua addressed the Board and said, “I am so grateful and humbled and honored to be entrusted by you to lead in this way in our district, a place that I have called home for a really long time. As I was in my office, many of you know I attended kindergarten in the same building and I was looking at my kindergarten picture and at all of my classmates and thinking through and never imagining that I would come back to this space in this capacity. And so I am so grateful and I’m really excited. We have a talented, dedicated group of educators and staff in McMinnville, and we have the most brilliant children. So I am really excited to work with our students, our families, our community, and all of you to make this the strongest school district in the State of Oregon, and possibly the country. So thank you.”

  Director Partida congratulated Dr. Ferrua, highlighting that she stood out among a large pool of 25 candidates. He expressed confidence in her abilities and assured her that the board will fully support her in her new role, saying she’s going to do a great job.

  1.6 Public Forum
  We did not receive any public comments.  

  Meeting Videos

  The meeting adjourned at 6:42  p.m.