November 24, 2025 Work Session Meeting Minutes

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

The Work Session was held November 24, 2025, 2025 both in person and via Zoom at the
McMinnville School District Office, 800 NE Lafayette Ave., McMinnville, OR 97128 

The Link was (Group 1 SIP): https://msd40.zoom.us/j/97721628814
The Link was (Group 2 SIP): https://msd40.zoom.us/j/215496199

At 6:30 & 6:40 p.m. the Board of Directors of McMinnville School District opened the work session meeting.  The meeting was called to order by Chair Larry Vollmer.  Roll call indicated the following:

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 – Via Zoom

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
None

ADMINISTRATION
Kourtney Ferrua, Interim Superintendent
Cherice Bowden, Board Secretary

AUDIENCE
Brian Crain, Jason Hall, Lauren Berg, Hiran Amerasinghe, Shelly Simonyi, Emily Linnertz, and Allison Eitzen.  See attached. 

• School Improvement Plan Highlights
  Slides Group 1   Wascher, Grandhaven, Buel, Patton, & MHS
  Slides Group 2   Memorial, Newby, Willamette, Duniway, & MHS

  Each principal provided an overview of their School Improvement Plan (SIP), including a review of relevant data, goals, and strategies. Please refer to the links above for the SIPs for Group 1 and Group 2.

  The board asked clarifying questions, all of which were addressed by the principals. 

  Superintendent Goals/Progress Update
  Superintendent Ferrua gave an update to the Board on the district’s response to recent immigration enforcement activity in the community. She explained that on November 21, the district learned that federal immigration officers were present in McMinnville, prompting the district office to work closely with school administrators to review established safety protocols. These include maintaining locked buildings and classrooms, controlling visitor access, supervising transitions, following release procedures, and adhering to Board Policy KN on cooperation with law enforcement. She also shared that staff have been trained on consistent procedures for handling such situations.

  She shared that a McMinnville High School student was detained off campus during lunch by federal immigration officers, with the student’s whereabouts unknown by the end of the day. While emphasizing that the specifics of the case fall outside the district’s authority, she outlined the district’s focus on supporting students’ emotional well-being following the event. The district worked with high school staff, counselors, and community partners to ensure social-emotional supports were in place. Over the weekend, the district also became aware of discussions about a potential student-led walkout. Although the district does not endorse walkouts or political activity during the school day, officials coordinated with school leaders and law enforcement to prepare for a safe response.

  On the day of the walkout, approximately 300 students left campus and moved through the community, supervised by administrators and law enforcement to maintain safety and ensure normal school operations continued. She emphasized that walkouts of this size cannot be physically prevented and that the district’s responsibility is to ensure safety, uphold students’ rights, and follow policy. She explained the proactive planning that occurred, the shift to a safety-focused posture once students chose to leave campus, and the coordinated supervision that continued throughout the day. She acknowledges the complexity of the moment, expressing pride in the staff’s response, and reaffirming the district’s commitment to maintaining safe, supportive environments where all students feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to thrive.

  Superintendent Ferrua noted that the district continues to monitor student responses and overall impact following recent events. Staff are providing social, emotional, and mental health support, coordinating closely with county partners, and reviewing student absences though trends are difficult to interpret during a holiday week. The district is also identifying family needs and connecting them with community resources.

  She shared the frameworks that guide the district’s actions, including FERPA privacy requirements, Board policy, Oregon’s sanctuary laws, and the district’s obligation to comply with verified judicial subpoenas. Ferrua emphasized that the district’s central focus remains on supporting students, strengthening community connections, and maintaining a positive and safe school culture. She concluded by inviting Board members to ask questions about the topic.

  Superintendent Ferrua provided the following updates: 

  Continuous School Improvement
  She shared that the district is united around a shared goal: ensuring every student graduates with purpose, connection, and a plan for their future. She highlighted strong alignment across classrooms, schools, and district leadership, noting that instructional leadership is the primary driver for improving teaching and learning. All schools and departments now have clear improvement plans, grade-level targets, and aligned professional learning. The district is following its established timeline, reviewing progress quarterly, and strengthening systems for data collection, analysis, and support, particularly for special education and English learner students.

  Fiscal Responsibility and Development
  She described the financial environment as “unprecedented,” requiring close monitoring and frequent collaboration with state and regional partners. The district has strengthened its budgeting processes, increased weekly financial review meetings, and moved community engagement earlier in the budget cycle, anticipating the need for reductions. The district is tightening spending, reallocating resources when possible, and preparing multiple budget scenarios. Long-range facilities and bond planning are on schedule, including building assessments, enrollment projections, and task force work.

  Climate, Culture, Community Partnerships, and Leadership
  She shared that creating a strong sense of belonging for students and staff remains a core priority. The district is using feedback tools like Youth Truth, supporting student voice through programs such as Sources of Strength, and improving staff connection through in-person collaboration and wellness efforts. The new District Advisory Committee has been a major success, with over 30 active members providing meaningful input. She has also held more than 50 meetings with community partners and continues to focus on inclusive outreach, especially toward groups not yet fully represented. Across all leadership areas, she stressed consistent communication, aligned messaging, and responsive engagement with families, staff, and the Board. She states that the district has strong momentum and a shared sense of purpose heading into the remainder of the year.

  Directors Comments
  In lieu of individual Board member comments, Chair Vollmer read the following statement:

  The board will decline their individual comment this evening and instead, read the below statement into the record.

  The McMinnville School District’s mission is to honor, empower, and prepare each individual to thrive and contribute.

  As leaders of the district, the McMinnville School Board will not waver from our commitment to making sure that our schools are safe and welcoming spaces for all of our students and staff.

  We will continue to fulfill our duty and collaborate with the Superintendent to see that the district follows all established federal and state statutes.  We will also ensure the Superintendent and leadership provide our staff training on district policies and protocols. We appreciate our district’s strong relationships with local law enforcement, and continue to partner with them in support of student safety and security.

  The McMinnville School District is strongest when we focus on supporting our students. We appreciate the continued partnership of families and community members as we uphold our shared belief in a strong and steady learning environment—one where every student knows that they belong.

  Upcoming dates:

  • Board Business meeting December 8, 2025 and January 12, 2026
  • Work Session meeting No Work Session meeting in December and January 26, 2026

  Meeting video

  The session adjourned at 8:21 PM. Before entering into executive session, Chair Vollmer read the following statements:

  Pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i), To review and evaluate the performance of the chief executive  officer or any other public officer, employee or staff member, unless the person whose  performance is being reviewed and evaluated requests an open hearing.  

  Statement for the Press:  Under the provisions of  ORS 192.660(4) no information from the  executive session may be reported and the information and discussion on these items is for  background information only.