September 23, 2024 Work Session Meeting Minutes

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

The Work Session was held September 23, 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/97721628814

At 6:34 p.m. the Board of Directors of McMinnville School District opened the work session meeting.  The meeting was called to order by Chair Jason Bizon.  Roll call indicated the following:

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Mr. Jason Bizon
Vice-Chair, Ms. Abbie Warmbier
Ms. Lu Ann Anderson
Ms. Christine Bader
Mr. Gerardo Partida
Mr. Larry Vollmer

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Ms. Doris Towery

ADMINISTRATION:
Debbie Brockett, Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary

AUDIENCE:
Brian Crain, Kourtney Ferrua, Jason Hall,  Hiran Amerasinghe and Shelly Simonyi.  See attached.

• German Student Share-out
  The German students shared their experiences while visiting Germany.  As they shared their experiences, the teacher Christine Walker translated as the board members listened to each student introduce themselves and spoke.  Students shared that they loved their host families, the lifestyle, the wonderful food, and hiking was amazing.  They also shared their experience within the community.

  Review Book Challenge
  Director Ferrua gave an overview of the policy & guideline, timeline, committee members & books reviewed, the discussion questions and the committee recommendations.  See presentation.

  Division 22 Standard Overview
  Director Ferrua gave an overview of the Division 22 Standard report.  Director Frost will present a more detailed report at the October 14 business board meeting.  See presentation.

  Subcommittee Reports
  Subcommittee reports were given by the board:  

  • Fiscal Subcommittee: 

  Discussed looking at summer income and expenditures, and enrollment (up by 8 students).  Also discussed funding for Measure98.

  • Instructional Improvement Subcommittee: 

  Reviewed ELL annual report from ODE.  Discussed attendance progress, goals to support the ELL for 2024-2025 and the Education Foundation activities. 

  • Policy Subcommittee: 

  Discussed diploma requirements, the new requirements for personal finance and the CTE courses.  Also looked at diploma requirements, matching to what they say in Division 22 and making sure policies match what is in the rules.  Discussed the certificate of attendance.

  • Long Range Planning Subcommittee: 

  Will be meeting this Thursday.  Discussed facility conditions and assessment, meeting ADA requirements by looking at changes, modifications or updates that we would need to make to get to code.  Discussed timelines on repairs needed, potential fundraiser; decorating parking lot at the high school.  We have a rooftop HVAC unit at Buel ES that we have a claim out for repair or replacement.

  Directors Comments
  Director Partida thanked the district for adding the personal finance class for students.  He is excited for the back to school nights, it is one of his favorite events.

  Director Anderson stated that she is looking forward to back to school nights.  She volunteered for two other events.  She taught second graders how bees make pollen and pollinate flowers and she is going to cut watermelon on Friday.  She is happy for our exchange and their experience that they had with the GAPP Program.  She is thrilled that they have the opportunity to go and to have a teacher who is engaged and willing to make it all happen.

  Vice-Chair Warmbier stated that GrizzFest was well put on again.  It is nice to see so many colleges and community organizations at the tables.  She will also  be going to other back to school nights.

  Director Vollmer stated that it is survival swim season in October.  He has already signed up; it takes about an hour and a half of committed time in the mornings for about a week; all of the third graders get to participate.

  Director Bader thanked superintendent Brockett as well as the principals and everyone for being so welcoming while touring the buildings.  GrizzFest was another level of energy and community.  Learning more about the services available for our students and the performances were great.  It was just really well done and so much fun.

  Chair Bizon shared housekeeping updates and future agenda items.  We will be discussing the ability for board members to participate remotely, Director Crain and Director Amerasinghe will be reporting out on school safety protocol and Director Simonyi will be reporting out on mental health support in the elementary, middle and high school.  

  He asked all board members to please inform the board secretary if you will not be attending the board or subcommittee meetings.

    Upcoming dates:

  • Board Business meeting October 14 and November 4, 2024
  • Work Session meeting October 28, and November 25, 2024.

  Meeting Video

  The Session adjourned at 7:37 p.m.