April 13, 2026 Business Board Meeting Minutes

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

The Board Business Meeting was held April 13, 2026, 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 6:31p.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 Larry Vollmer.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chair Larry Vollmer
Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida
Director  Christine Bader
Director Jasmin Juarez
Director  Abbie Warmbier

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Director  Lu Ann Anderson
Director  Jason Bizon

ADMINISTRATION
Kourtney Ferrua, Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary

AUDIENCE
Jason Hall, Hiran Amerasinghe, Brian Crain, Lisa Jordan-Zornow, Allison Eitzen, Dave Furman, Kathi Fowler, Lauren Berg, Davey Altree. Kim Price, Scott Murphy, Cielo Tahmaseb, Stephanie Murdock, Erin Caldwell, Martha Biggs, Hilary Brittan Lack, Autumn Foster, Linda Jones, Julie Gluff and Shelly Simonyi.  See attached.

• 1.1  Pledge of Allegiance
  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kim Price.

  1.4  Introductions and Communications
  Superintendent Ferrua welcomed those in attendance and recognized Frau Walker, who represents the German program at the high school. She noted that she brought students from the GAPP program and expressed excitement in welcoming them to the meeting.

  1.41. School Volunteer Week Proclamation
  Chair Vollmer ready the following proclamation:

  PROCLAMATION 2026 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 20 to April 24, 2026, 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
  The items below were tabled until the next Business Board meeting, May 11, 2026.
  5.3 Policies – 2nd Reading
  5.3.1 – JECB-AR – Admission of Non-Resident Students
  5.3.2 – JECBB – AR – Intraschool Transfers

  2.0 Consent Agenda
  2.1 Gifts to the District: The Board accepted with gratitude, gifts to the District:  McMinnville Oregon Lions club donated $250.00 to MHS for the boys basketball team, McMinnville Volunteer Fire Department donated $1000.00 to MHS for the Equestrian team, Sunisa Chyaputhipongg donated $100.00 to MHS for the track team, Adrian Chitty donated $500.00 to MHS for the resource room, V Environmental donated $2000.00 to MHS for the National Robotics competition, Rebecca & Efrain Arrendondo donated $ 600.00 to MHS for the National Robotics competition, MHS Class of 2005 donated $500.00 to MHS for the resource room, David Jones donated $100.00 to MHS for the track team, Yamhill County Farm Bureau donated $500.00 to MHS for the Ohset Club, Lagunas Enterprises, LLC donated $550.00 to MHS for girls softball, McMinnville Performing Arts Association donated $500.00 to MHS for the Twighlighters, Rotary Club of McMinnville donated $500.00 to MHS for the Twighlighters and Your Space Public Storage donated $2000.00 to MHS for the Wrestling Tournament.

  2.2  Approval of minutes of the March 9, 2026 Business Board Meeting approved.
  2.3 Personnel Actions approved.

  On motion by Vice Chair Gerardo Partida, seconded by Director Christine Bader  , the Consent Agenda was approved on a unanimous vote 5-0.  Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye,  Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.

  3.0 REPORTS
  The Board heard Monthly Reports

  3.1 Student Reports
  Principal Furman shared that, because the GAPP students from Germany are visiting in April, the school had the opportunity to introduce students and highlight the “incredible opportunities” that come from saying yes to these types of field trip experiences.  He connected this to the school improvement plan, focusing on creating a positive climate, culture, and opportunities that foster belonging, safety, and growth for both students and staff.  He emphasized that this is a very unusual opportunity, noting that few schools in Oregon participate in international exchanges like GAPP. He added that their ability to offer this program is due to a fantastic German teacher who organizes it every other year, before turning it over to Christine Walker to introduce the students.

  Christine Walker explained that GAPP is the “German-American Partnership Program,” started in the 1970s to foster understanding between two cultures during the Cold War. She noted its history at McMinnville High School, saying it was started by Monica Lautenbach, continued by Burckhardt Gebauer, and that she now has the honor of filling his shoes.  She highlighted how GAPP builds a strong sense of community, saying “we create quite a family and quite a community through GAPP, and showed examples from past trips, including the return in 2024 after COVID when students were very excited to be a part of that trip again. She also recognized community support, sharing that partners helped secure an $8,000 mini-grant on top of everything that the students raised on their own, and thanked them for making many of the trips possible.  She emphasized the impact on students, describing a moment where students got together in a big circle and they hugged each other, calling it exactly representative of the relationships that these kids have built.  She then  asked the students to share how GAPP builds their German and global leadership skills.

  3.2  Student Envoy Reports
  Student Envoys from MHS  presented the student report for MHS, highlighting their activities that are happening at the high school.  They gave an update on academics, athletics and arts/pathways.   See presentation.

   3.3 McEA
  Taire Thomson shared celebrations, noting students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences through literacy nights, field trips, outdoor school, and activities like track, music, and the arts, while recognizing the effort of students and staff as OSAS begins.

  She raised concerns that staffing allocations are being driven strictly by enrollment numbers, with more conservative projections leading to reductions and forcing educators to choose between larger class sizes or blended classrooms.  She emphasized both options increase workload, including class sizes exceeding 30 students and blended classes that require a fundamentally different approach, and states that responsibility is being placed on educators without adequate support, creating inconsistency and strain.  She clarified this is not about resisting change,  this is about doing it well, and called for clearer guidance, transparency, and supports, urging the district to make intentional, student-centered decisions rather than reacting to numbers.

  3.4  Superintendent Report
  Superintendent Ferrua highlighted that spring is “a time for celebration,” recognizing assistant principals, school volunteers, and upcoming appreciation for licensed staff, and noting this season reflects the “collective effort” that supports student success.

  She states that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the district’s long-standing partnership with Juliet’s House, which provides prevention, education, and support to help ensure every child feels safe. She also shared collaboration with regional partners through a Boots on the Ground event focused on student mental health and wellness.

  Regarding the budget, she explained the district is in the final stages of planning for 2026–27, reviewing enrollment trends and past ESSER-funded investments to determine what is sustainable. She noted efforts to protect core classroom experiences, while making staffing adjustments, program changes, and budget reductions, with more clarity expected soon.  She acknowledged that these decisions are not just technical, but deeply human, and shared updates on leadership changes, including upcoming retirements and hiring processes.

  She also recognized the nutrition department for successfully completing its CACFP review with only minor findings, and noted plans to expand after-school meal programs.  She concluded by highlighting the upcoming OSAS assessments as an exciting opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning, expressing gratitude to staff for their preparation and support.

  3.5  Director of Fiscal Services’ Report
  Director Hall reported that as of April 1, district enrollment is 5,921 students, which is 4.53% below projections. He noted that while the anticipated increase in February did not occur, enrollment has not declined significantly over the past three months and has instead leveled off and stabilized. The district will continue closely monitoring enrollment trends as they plan for next year.

  He reviewed withdrawals for March, sharing that 38 students withdrew, with over 50% due to 10-day drops. Other reasons included students moving out of the district, three early graduates, and smaller individual factors. He noted this pattern is consistent with the same time last year. From the start of the school year through February, there were 148 total 10-day drops, with 75 students, about 52% later returning and being recaptured into enrollment.

  On the financial side, as of the end of February, the district has received 78% of its projected revenue and spent 48% of its budget. He stated this aligns with prior years and indicates the district is on track for where it expects to end the year.  For expenditures he highlighted a noticeable difference in supplies and materials spending. He explained this is partly due to intentional efforts to monitor and limit purchases to stay on or under budget, and partly due to timing differences, specifically that larger purchases, such as Chromebooks, occurred earlier in the previous fiscal year and are happening later this year. He noted spending in this area will increase but is still expected to remain under the overall budget.

  3.6 School Improvement Report
  3.6.1 Attendance by Focal
  Director Berg and teacher Shane Fox presented an update on district attendance work, including current data and improvement efforts.

  They reported that from February to March, attendance rates increased and chronic absenteeism decreased, with chronic absenteeism reduced by 8.4%. While February was one of the lowest points of the year, the most recent data shows improvement and overall stabilization. They also noted that attendance challenges are widespread across student groups and are not isolated to specific populations, though data continues to be monitored closely.

  Director Berg explained the difference between attendance rate, overall days attended, which should be high and chronic absenteeism students missing more than 10% of school, which should be low. While progress is positive, if students aren’t in the room, it makes it really hard to educate them.  

  They outlined district and state support being used to improve attendance, including Oregon Department of Education’s Everyday Matters campaign and regional Attendance Works resources. Each school has attendance teams, and the district provides Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports to connect with families.  They also described two key committees driving attendance efforts: Thrive, a staff-based group focused on climate, culture, and engagement strategies, and the District Advisory Committee, a community-based group providing input on belonging and attendance barriers. They highlighted that community feedback, including listening sessions and a student panel, has directly informed strategies such as improving classroom engagement, relationship-building practices, and family outreach tools.

  They noted that this work is translating into concrete tools for staff and families, including resources to strengthen classroom relationships and improve welcoming school environments. They concluded that these efforts are intended to address barriers to attendance and ensure students are more consistently present in school.

  Board members asked clarifying questions which Director Berg and Shane Fox answered.

   

• 4.0  Public Forum
  An individual submitted an in-person Intent to Speak request but later withdrew their request to speak.

  5.0  Unfinished Business
  5.1 GAPP Student In’l Travel 2nd Reading
  Christine Walker presented travel information for the upcoming GAPP trip and reviewed scheduled calendar events for June and July. She reported that all items included on the calendar have been either reserved or paid for. She is seeking board approval for the proposed travel plan and related activities.

  Board members asked clarifying questions which Christine Walker addressed.

  On motion by Director Christine Bader, seconded by Director Abbie Warmbier, the motion passed 5- 0, to approve the GAPP Student International Travel. Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye,  Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.

  5.2  Welding  Fabrication Out of State Overnight Travel – 2nd Reading
  Principal Furman requested Board approval for out-of-state overnight student travel to attend Wyotech in Wyoming. Chip Ford also requested board approval. He provided an overview of the proposed trip, which includes participation in a welding competition in May where all students receive a $1,000 scholarship and the winner earns a $35,000 scholarship to Western Welding Academy. The trip also includes visits to the College of Southern Idaho, Wyotech, and Western Welding Academy, along with possible industry visits and a tour of the Laramie River Power Plant to provide students exposure to skilled trade career pathways.

  On motion by Director Abbie Warmbier, seconded by Vice Chair Gerardo Partida, the motion passed 5- 0, to approve the Welding Fabrication Out-of-State Overnight Travel to Wyotech in Wyoming.  Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye,  Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye. 

  5.3 Policy 2nd Reading
  Director Crain presented the following policy for a second reading:
  5.3.1 JECB – AR – Admission of Non-Resident Students
  5.3.2 JECBB – AR – Intraschool Transfers

  The items were tabled until the next Business Board meeting, May 11, 2026.

  6.0 New Business
  6.1 Policies 1st Reading
  Director Crain presented the following policies for a first reading:
  6.1.2 FFA – Memorials
  6.1.3  FF – Naming New Schools

  These policies will return for second reading at the next Board Business meeting.

  6.2  2026-27 Admission of Non-Resident Students
  Director Berg reported that, based on current ANRS data, approximately 184 students are expected to continue into next year, while over 200 students are leaving this year. She noted that although the district’s previous cap was 200 students, it was increased last summer in anticipation of higher enrollment. She is therefore recommending a cap of 215 students for the 2026–27 school year to allow space for incoming students, including siblings and anticipated transfer students.

  On motion by Vice Chair Gerardo Partida, seconded by Director Christine Bader, the motion passed unanimously 5- 0 to approve the 2026-2027 Admission of Non-Resident Students as presented by Director Berg for the 2026-2027 school year, the board will set the number of admission of non-resident student transfers to 215, as the number of transfer students we will accept into McMinnville School District and not put a cap on the number of students we will allow transferring out of the district. This will accommodate the 184 students and allow room for siblings and new transfers to our district. The board would also allow students who attend MSD during the 2026-2027 school year who move out of the district mid-school year to continue to attend based on the parameters outlined in the policy.  Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye,  Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez – aye.

  6.3  Social Studies Curriculum Adoption Overview  
  Director Berg, TOSAs, and teachers presented an update on the district’s social sciences instructional materials adoption process, explaining that they have been working with committees across grade levels to review state-approved curriculum options in alignment with Oregon Department of Education requirements. They noted two pathways for adoption using the state-approved list or conducting an independent adoption and shared that the district is primarily using the state-approved materials due to alignment, vetting, and efficiency.

  They reported that committees began work after the state released updated materials in January, conducting reviews, piloting lessons, and using classroom feedback to evaluate programs. At the elementary level, teachers compared InquireEd and TCI Social Studies Alive, with feedback emphasizing engagement, standards alignment, and culturally responsive content.

  Teachers ultimately identified InquireEd as the stronger option due to its rigor, accessibility, and multimedia features.

  At the middle level, the committee narrowed options to Gibbs Smith and McGraw-Hill, with McGraw-Hill recommended for piloting due to stronger alignment to Oregon standards, Oregon-specific content, and robust digital support including language accessibility.

  At the high school level, social studies staff reviewed ODE-approved curricula across multiple courses and also selected McGraw-Hill based on engagement, cultural responsiveness, assessment options, and instructional support, with one course continuing an existing ODE-approved textbook.  Piloting is ongoing, with final recommendations expected to return to the Board in May for first reading and consideration of adoption.

  6.4  Board Updates
  6.4.1  Superintendent Evaluation Process
  Chair Vollmer explained that the superintendent evaluation process will take about 5–6 weeks and will be completed through individual online forms for all seven board members, with additional input collected from direct reports.  He noted that feedback will be submitted via Google Forms, similar to prior self and midyear evaluations, and results are expected midweek. After data is compiled, he will summarize the results and review them with the Board during an executive session following the next work session.  The Board will then discuss and prioritize the evaluation information, and a summary will be shared with the superintendent. A public statement confirming completion of the evaluation may be presented at a future meeting. He added that the process is being tried in a new format for efficiency, with the understanding that it may be revised or reworked at the summer retreat if needed.  Further discussion regarding the stakeholder feedback process was discussed.

  6.4.2  Working Agreements
  The Board discussed the current Working Agreements and considered options including adoption as presented or taking no formal action. Chair Vollmer opened the floor for discussion and feedback and requested input on how members wished to proceed. Board members shared their perspectives.

  7.0  Board Directors Comments
  Director Warmbier shared that her family has decided to move to Montana this summer and that she will not be able to fulfill the 4-year term she was elected to. She states that she is finishing out the school year and is committed to doing the work and showing up to our meetings and following our working agreement, but will be resigning sometime in the summer.  She also shared her appreciation for the 5 years that she has been on the board.  She will keep the Board updated when she has a more solid timeline.

  Director Juarez thanked Mr. Furman for providing a high school tour, expressed appreciation to everyone for their work, and offered well wishes to Ms. Price on her retirement, noting she will be missed.

  Vice Chair Partida thanked Abby for being a good partner all these five years, he has learned a lot from her.  He congratulated Shelly and thanked her for all these years.  He also thanked Mrs. Price for all this.  He said “All the time I have been at your school, I feel really welcome,  like one of the staff, thank you so much. I’m gonna be missing you.”

  Director Bader thanked Nikki Reynolds and Tiffany Sauter for the opportunity to observe the science of reading into practice, sharing appreciation for seeing the techniques go live.  She shared they did so with skill, warmth and grace. She said it was “a real honor” and that the district is “really lucky to have them.”  She also shared it has been an honor to serve with Abby and that she is sad to see her go, offered best wishes to Shelly, and thanked Kim, noting she is a big part of the reason that she is sitting up here and for welcoming her family and creating such a positive experience.

  Chair Vollmer acknowledged that moving is important, and exciting, but also“a lot of work.  He said, “I wish you well in all of the process.”  He thanked her for her service and noted “it’s been great.”  He also shared that he wanted to send out his thoughts and prayers to Mark Hyder and his family, recognizing him as a well-liked and well-appreciated leader in our district and wishing his family and all the best.

  8.0 Future Agenda Items
  None

  9.0 Announcements
  None

  Meeting Videos

  The meeting adjourned at 9:01 PM