April 27, 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 27, 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/97721628814

At 6:31 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 Larry Vollmer.

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

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
None

ADMINISTRATION
Kourtney Ferrua, Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary

AUDIENCE 
Jason Hall, Hiran Amerasinghe, Emily Linnertz, Brian Crain, Lauren Berg, Autumn Foster, Linda Jones, and Shelly Simonyi.  

• Pledge of Allegiance
  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Larry Vollmer

  Budget Communications Update
  Autumn Foster, Communications and Community Engagement Manager, shared an overview of communications related to engagement around the budget process. She explained that a phased communication approach was implemented beginning in January, building on work that started in October, including reviewing timelines, deliverables, and engagement opportunities to gather input from all stakeholder groups.

  Strategies included engaging staff through two surveys to identify priorities and inform potential reductions, as well as hosting informational sessions. Dr. Ferrua conducted extensive community outreach, visiting school buildings and engaging with civic organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lafayette City Council. A budget website and FAQs were launched as a central hub for information, along with an internal staff FAQ document. Ongoing communication was provided through the MSD Weekly, the superintendent’s monthly newsletter, board updates, and administrative team messaging.

  The effort was highly collaborative, with weekly sessions involving administrators to identify priorities and opportunities to right-size resources. The focus throughout the process has been on protecting what is most valued, particularly maintaining time with students in classrooms.

  Staff input was consistent with community feedback, emphasizing the need to minimize the impact on classrooms, protect special education services, support English learners, and preserve student learning time. Additional feedback included evaluating non-instructional expenses and underutilized resources.

  Questions and comments from staff and the community also focused on protecting direct student supports, reviewing technology costs, exploring alternative school models, ensuring fairness in reductions, seeking efficiencies prior to major cuts, and the need for clarity and transparency throughout the process.  Community and staff messaging followed a phased approach, focused on building understanding, providing clarity over time, and refining communication as input was received. The process was highly collaborative, involving collective problem-solving, the use of decision-making tools, and a continued focus on centering students.

  Board members made comments and asked clarifying questions, which were addressed. 

  Reduction in Force Approval
  Director Linnertz explained that a Reduction in Force (RIF) is a formal, structured process governed by state law and collective bargaining agreements. Staffing reductions due to funding or enrollment are determined at a system-wide level, rather than by individual buildings or employees. The primary law guiding this process is ORS 342.934, which establishes minimum requirements, while labor contracts may add protections but cannot reduce those outlined in statute.

  Key considerations in the RIF process include making every reasonable effort to transfer staff to available positions, ensuring proper licensure for all roles, and prioritizing seniority as the primary factor in determining layoffs. Additional factors, such as competence, experience, and specialized program needs, may be considered when necessary, though seniority remains the most consistent and defensible criterion.

  Director Linnertz noted that staffing decisions are complex and continuously evolving due to resignations, retirements, and other changes. Natural attrition may reduce the need for layoffs or create opportunities for internal movement, though some specialized positions may still require external hiring. The process involves ongoing adjustments to align staffing with student needs, with additional updates to be provided at upcoming Budget Committee meetings on May 6 and May 20.

  On motion by Director Lu Ann Anderson, seconded by Director Abbie Warmbier, to approve the Board Recommendation: The Board moves to authorize the Superintendent to implement a reduction in force (RIF), if necessary, to meet the district’s budgetary needs, in accordance with applicable Oregon Revised Statutes, Board policy, and collective bargaining agreements.  The recommendation was approved on a unanimous vote 7-0.  Director Lu Ann Anderson – aye, Director Christine Bader – aye, Director Abbie Warmbier – aye,  Chair Larry Vollmer – aye, Vice-Chair Gerardo Partida – aye, Director Jason Bizon – aye and Director Jasmin Juarez  – aye.

  Meeting video

  The Session adjourned at 7:05 PM.