WEBVTT

1
00:00:08.330 --> 00:00:31.649
General Room: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to tonight's May 5, th 2025. Regular school Board meeting, loving all the energy in the room, and so excited to hear from all of you. But let's get started by calling the role, please. Thank you. Director, shoemaker, director, sloop here, vice chair Wyatt. Here, Director Vidal here. Thank you.

2
00:00:36.710 --> 00:00:37.380
Louis Taylor: I'm here.

3
00:00:38.610 --> 00:00:40.280
Louis Taylor: Yep. Present.

4
00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:41.229
General Room: Thank you.

5
00:01:12.970 --> 00:01:21.030
General Room: Hello, Dr. Ludwig and other board members. These last 2 weeks have gone by in a flash. I want to thank everyone for an amazing year of board meetings.

6
00:01:21.670 --> 00:01:36.649
General Room: Our 1st ever prom was a huge success. Everyone who went to this awesome dance had very positive views, and people who were unable to attend, showed regret as it looked to be the best dance we've ever had from the decorations to the music. The night blew everyone away.

7
00:01:37.090 --> 00:01:56.069
General Room: We have our second and last rock band concert on May 30.th Come, support our music program and their performances at the Youth Music Project in West Lynn at 7 Pm. They'll be playing classics like Hotel California Space Oddity, and the House of the Rising Sun, along with some newer hits like Space Girl and unsaid, Emily, we hope to see you there.

8
00:01:56.450 --> 00:02:11.850
General Room: as the school year wraps up, so does spring sports. This week is the last week of practice for both golf and tennis. Meanwhile, baseball and track and field have practice until the end of May. We are so proud of all of our athletes for their hard work and dedication to their sports. This season

9
00:02:12.790 --> 00:02:31.539
General Room: our Asian Culture Club has started planning its 1st ever fundraiser. They wanted to celebrate Asian, American, and Pacific Islander Heritage month, while raising money to make shirts for every member in the club. They are going to sell lucky grams all next week during lunch each Gram contains sweet and salty Asian snacks that everybody will love.

10
00:02:31.670 --> 00:02:47.259
General Room: Our theater production is also having an event on May 16, th swing by Riverside high School to engage in a workshop, watch, devised performances, and vote on who had the best one, and eat delicious desserts. It is $5 per person to both the workshop and the performances.

11
00:02:47.380 --> 00:03:00.299
General Room: Another fun event that's coming up is the Riverside wrestling cruise-in on May 31, st it will help fundraise for Riverside's new wrestling program to get some new team gear. The car show will feature many car owners best looking rides in the riverside parking lot

12
00:03:00.430 --> 00:03:08.559
General Room: stop by to vote on which car you like the most. Additionally, there will be a raffle at the event, with tickets currently being sold by the wrestlers at school.

13
00:03:09.600 --> 00:03:17.090
General Room: All of our students are patiently waiting for the last day of school. Summer break is rapidly approaching, so get ready for hot weather and fun pool days.

14
00:03:17.210 --> 00:03:27.809
General Room: Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to be Riverside representative for 2024, 25 school year. It has been amazing to see you all each month, and I hope you all have a wonderful summer.

15
00:03:34.690 --> 00:03:55.800
General Room: Well, and before you sit down we'd love for you to come back up to the microphone, and we have a plaque here to thank you so much for all of the work you've done, and as a reminder to our audience, Riverside is special in that they don't yet have a graduating class. And so students like Lucia come to us and report

16
00:03:55.800 --> 00:04:07.960
General Room: as undergraduate students, and so normally, and so get ready, mia and Christian that we're going to be asking you for your future plans. But we would love to hear more about what you're most excited for next year in the coming school year.

17
00:04:08.270 --> 00:04:10.509
General Room: So if Lucy, if you wanted to share with us.

18
00:04:14.040 --> 00:04:31.024
General Room: we are very excited for next year to be welcoming our New year of 9th grade students along with our junior class, is going to be moving up to the senior class. We'll all have all 4 grades next year. We are very excited.

19
00:04:32.400 --> 00:04:36.040
General Room: yeah, wonderful. Thank you.

20
00:04:39.860 --> 00:04:43.039
General Room: All right. Next up is mia from Westland High School.

21
00:04:45.490 --> 00:05:03.709
General Room: Hi, good evening. Westland Wilsonville School Board. As always. It's a pleasure to see all your faces and speak with you today. Over the past few weeks Westland High School has had some fun events and exciting victories. Our student journalism program traveled to the National Journalism Convention in Seattle over the weekend of April 26, th

22
00:05:03.770 --> 00:05:16.769
General Room: students took home many individual awards, and as a whole last year's yearbook. This is our house was awarded 10th place in the nation. This year's yearbook will be distributed in 4 weeks, and we are so excited to see the incredible pages.

23
00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:24.670
General Room: Our speech and debate team attended their their Osaa State speech and debate competition also on the weekend of April 26.th

24
00:05:24.790 --> 00:05:35.040
General Room: Speech and debate students excelled and took home many individual awards, and the team as a whole took home. 3rd place, their beautiful trophy will be standing tall in our case for years to come.

25
00:05:35.380 --> 00:05:43.570
General Room: The Westland High School Freshman class was recently tasked with creating presentations for our mental health campaign, sponsored by Westland High School sources of strength.

26
00:05:43.670 --> 00:05:56.610
General Room: Their job was to organize and present an idea that would help better the mental health on campus in front of their peers. The campaigns were scored by student and staff judges, and the winner was granted $200 from sources of strength to make their vision a reality.

27
00:05:56.700 --> 00:06:22.680
General Room: Ideas such as lemonade stands with kind messages on the cups, movie nights, a community garden, and even raising chickens from eggs were shared, and while all ideas were really great, the winner was Miss one's class with their service dog campaign, where service service dogs can come to the high School once a month to boost the mental health of our student body. These 9th graders will be working closely with sources of strength, and our administration to successfully and safely put their plan into action.

28
00:06:22.880 --> 00:06:49.929
General Room: Our theater department has been hard at work to prepare for their annual short productions. Shorts 2025 opens, May 14, th at 7 Pm. In the Pac auditorium with shows on May 15th and 16, th also at 7 Pm. The production consists of 2 student-directed, one acts and a short film directed by a Westland High School alum. Both one acts and the film are also tech crewed and designed by current Westland High School students. We are very excited to watch these beautiful short films.

29
00:06:50.240 --> 00:07:05.519
General Room: Our Westland athletics have been killing it in their season so far, and have had a lot of fun celebrating their senior nights, such as girls lacrosse, who had just had their senior night. This past Friday the teams are busy preparing for their State tournaments, and are constantly bringing home victories from their League matches and games.

30
00:07:05.820 --> 00:07:30.599
General Room: Asb is currently preparing for Prom Z, our 2025 prom. That will be held at Omsi. We have fun activities like 2 photo booths, a laser light show, and a chocolate fountain for our students. The theme is a night in Paris corresponding with our May Day theme. A moonlit May day in Paris, which I am ironically realizing corresponds with Riverside's dance theme. Great minds think alike. Yeah.

31
00:07:31.430 --> 00:07:49.570
General Room: Speaking of May Day, West Lynn High School Asb held our annual May Day celebration last Thursday, May first, st with the theme being a moonlit May day in Paris. The set was filled with stars, a tissue paper moon, and an Eiffel tower made of PVC. Pipe and duct tape that was so tall it reached the ceiling of our gym.

32
00:07:49.650 --> 00:08:07.069
General Room: We began celebrating with the crowning of our Mayday King and Queen, Nigel Cross and Ayla Gray. There were incredible student performers, including one from our State, winning pantomime, Taryn Kepler, our jazz band, the dance team, the cheer team, Steven Walker and staff members on the ukulele, our district winning drummers

33
00:08:07.070 --> 00:08:24.100
General Room: and many incredible singers and pianists. However, one of the most special performances was from Pedro, singing with or without you by U. 2, where the student body began clapping to the beat and raised their phones, flashlights. For him it really displayed the true meaning of May Day, the community coming together to support and uplift one another.

34
00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:32.330
General Room: Our community was also brought together by the cheer team joining with the kindergarten through 5th graders for our annual Maypole dance, which you can see on the screen.

35
00:08:33.140 --> 00:08:41.980
General Room: The 2025 May Court ended May Day with a beautiful waltz to Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga's die with a smile and a fun fast dance to got to be real by Cheryl Lynn

36
00:08:42.760 --> 00:08:51.060
General Room: before I close tonight I would like to draw attention to a more serious subject. Some of you may have heard that our voting system for May Day. King and Queen was hacked.

37
00:08:51.330 --> 00:09:00.380
General Room: The situation caused emotional harm among the court and the overall student body. This is a very serious issue, and the student who hacked the system is facing consequences.

38
00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:13.139
General Room: My brother attends Mit, and he is studying computer science. And before I go on, I would like to say that through observing the fantastic things that my brother and his peers are accomplishing, I believe computer science is the future of our world.

39
00:09:13.560 --> 00:09:26.440
General Room: The area is making great advancements. And very quickly, however, computer science and computers themselves are advancing so rapidly that if these skills are not properly used, they can lead to serious problems as seen in our current situation.

40
00:09:26.850 --> 00:09:34.750
General Room: After reflecting on the situation and contemplating for a long time how I could help, I've decided to come to you today with 2 requests.

41
00:09:34.900 --> 00:09:42.210
General Room: My 1st request is to implement an ethics lesson in the beginning of every computer science course, district-wide

42
00:09:42.450 --> 00:09:56.770
General Room: computer science ethics is something that is often discussed at Mit because they understand how serious these issues are. It's important that computer science students know that if they do something like election fraud with their skills, it can result in serious consequences and harm their futures.

43
00:09:57.040 --> 00:10:10.260
General Room: These students have the potential to become very successful, but sometimes they need to be guided so to do so ethically. This lesson will also help hopefully protect the emotional health of our student body by preventing something like this from happening again.

44
00:10:10.680 --> 00:10:15.289
General Room: My second request is to develop a more advanced security system for our district.

45
00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:27.659
General Room: while we will never be, while we will never be using the site that we used previously for any election going forward. This situation made me think about how easy it could be to access students, personal information.

46
00:10:27.710 --> 00:10:45.900
General Room: all it takes to get into student view is a student's school email which is standardized across the district and their 6 digit student Id, and with how fast computers are working. All you have to do is make a program that tells a computer to run a certain number through another certain number for Ids, and it will find a correct match in seconds.

47
00:10:46.260 --> 00:10:50.930
General Room: I think it is essential to protect the safety, security, and personal information of our students

48
00:10:51.040 --> 00:11:01.590
General Room: and setting up a more advanced security system could be as simple as making people type in personalized passwords instead of Ids or the system making a person reset their password after 3 failed attempts.

49
00:11:01.870 --> 00:11:14.300
General Room: While we can never be perfect, we can make every effort in our power to try to protect our students, and in a digital age where computers are advancing faster than ever. It is important that we at least attempt to adapt and keep up with them to protect our students.

50
00:11:14.420 --> 00:11:20.880
General Room: I would be happy to work closely with you all before I leave for college, to put these systems and lessons into place before, if needed.

51
00:11:21.140 --> 00:11:40.450
General Room: My Westland High School alum brother, who's a computer science major at Mit, the one I discussed before, will also be in town in 2 weeks for my graduation, and he has offered to volunteer his time and advise implementing a more advanced security system within that time, if needed, to give back to the school district who has helped him so much throughout his academic career

52
00:11:41.220 --> 00:12:07.149
General Room: with that. Thank you so much for having me today. And this past year I've been a student in the Westland Wilsonville school district since I was in kindergarten, and I could not have asked for a better district. I'm so grateful for everyone on this board who have helped all my friends and I in our academic careers. It's been an absolute privilege to be your student representative from Westland High School this year, and I wish you all the best. I hope you have an amazing rest of your day, and I hope to see you all again at some point in my future.

53
00:12:15.020 --> 00:12:30.739
General Room: Well, 1st of all, thank you for your service this past year. But most importantly, thank you for your wonderful recommendations, and I see our chief information officer up there, and I'm sure he's been taking notes. But with that I want to give you this plaque, and we want to hear more about what? Where you're headed next year.

54
00:12:32.694 --> 00:12:47.510
General Room: Yes, I recently have just committed to the University of San Diego. Where I will be flying down this weekend for cheer tryouts, so I'm hoping to make the team, and I'm very, very excited for the next 4 years. Go, toreros.

55
00:12:49.590 --> 00:12:51.260
General Room: thank you very soon.

56
00:12:53.890 --> 00:13:00.859
General Room: all right. And last, but not least, we have our Wilsonville representative, Carter Christiansen. I'm sorry I called you Christian earlier

57
00:13:01.160 --> 00:13:03.679
General Room: you'd be. You'd be surprised how much that happens.

58
00:13:05.637 --> 00:13:17.610
General Room: Good evening, Dr. Ludwig and members of the School Board. I'm excited to give you this last month's update and share with you what's happening to end the year at Wilsonville High School. But 1st I have a guest.

59
00:13:17.730 --> 00:13:24.969
General Room: This is our future Asb. President Ryan Williams brought him today just to see what he will be doing next year and filling in

60
00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:30.779
General Room: this last week we had spirit week. Students were very excited

61
00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:36.149
General Room: about the dance, getting ready for Prom this past weekend and getting into school spirit.

62
00:13:36.430 --> 00:13:44.989
General Room: we had our Springfest assembly, where we had our Springfest contestants performing to hopefully take home the prize of $1,000.

63
00:13:45.150 --> 00:14:01.090
General Room: Contestants came together with their best acts and competed well. But our winning team was Jake Dougal and Ted Lee, who took home the prize and title survivor champions. During this assembly we also recognized Caden Bertel for placing 1st in the downhill ski.

64
00:14:02.540 --> 00:14:22.810
General Room: This last weekend, like I mentioned, we had our prom students were very excited for the night, and enjoyed their time, together with friends out on the dance floor. Asb took a change, and that we were going to be at the Zoo, but changed locations to Montgomery Park this year, where they had lots of fun and memories at the new spot, and said it was a great time.

65
00:14:24.680 --> 00:14:40.199
General Room: Last Friday, Wilsonville High School, celebrated College Decision Day, where all seniors showed off, where they were going to spend the next chapter of their lives. Seniors spent lunch at the Point to have treats, enter a raffle, take photos and fill out their tag for the College and Career Center bulletin board

66
00:14:41.640 --> 00:14:52.699
General Room: in the sports world. Our teams are moving steadily through league with our boys. Lacrosse team 7 and 7. So far, girls, lacrosse is 8 and 5 with senior night tonight at 7, 45 Pm.

67
00:14:52.930 --> 00:15:01.659
General Room: Softball is currently 15 and 6, and our track team looks forward to this meet this Tuesday as they compete against Canby and Hillsboro.

68
00:15:02.210 --> 00:15:07.240
General Room: Both of our golf teams had matches this week at the Hood River Invitational.

69
00:15:07.640 --> 00:15:09.600
General Room: and we're very excited for that

70
00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:15.249
General Room: this season. We have also welcomed a new sport to Wilsonville High School boys volleyball

71
00:15:15.500 --> 00:15:24.140
General Room: as they're having their inaugural season with them going 2 and 6. So far they've had nothing but a great experience and making lots of memories.

72
00:15:24.990 --> 00:15:32.130
General Room: Baseball is also having a record breaking season, as they are currently 19. And oh, looking forward to making a deep run in playoffs

73
00:15:34.280 --> 00:15:45.870
General Room: this week. We also have powderpuff. All classes are looking forward to the event, competing in some flag football to earn bragging rights amongst the classes and named Powder puff champions

74
00:15:47.140 --> 00:15:58.570
General Room: sold out, also went to compete at State, where they placed 3rd in their competition. And you can watch our Drama Department's final play this year, once in a lifetime, on May 15, th 16, th

75
00:15:59.270 --> 00:16:03.320
General Room: 17, th 20, second, 23, rd 24, th at 7 PM.

76
00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:07.510
General Room: Come watch a great performance down at the Performing Arts Center.

77
00:16:08.670 --> 00:16:21.400
General Room: Also, this week we've started Ap. Testing with many of our students have spent the last months studying, preparing for these large exams along with students looking ahead to finals. Some are already starting to prepare for their final exams.

78
00:16:22.070 --> 00:16:32.660
General Room: As we come closer to the end of the year. Lots of seniors are getting ready for all of our traditions, seniors, looking forward to events like senior sunrise, senior barbecue, and other events to celebrate their 4 years together.

79
00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:55.659
General Room: I want to say, thank you for allowing me this last great year being able to update you with what's been happening at Wilsonville high school this last year is not only helped me learn a lot about school, but also has prepped me for these next 4 years of life, and I will cherish these experiences and moments in for the rest of my life. So thank you

80
00:17:03.690 --> 00:17:10.629
General Room: all right, and so same drill. We would love to hear what you're up to next year. And again thank you so much for being our representative.

81
00:17:13.780 --> 00:17:35.810
General Room: Yep. So I made the decision. This last weekend. I will be attending Whitworth University up in Spokane, Washington, and playing football for the pirates, and potentially doing track and field as well, and looking to studying engineering with a minor in construction management.

82
00:17:36.340 --> 00:17:38.300
General Room: So thank you.

83
00:17:43.370 --> 00:17:55.570
General Room: Well, and so, if you wouldn't mind, we would love to get a picture with all 3 of you, and then we'll come back, and I think maybe my fellow board members might like to say a few words of congratulations as well. So let's do a quick picture, though.

84
00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:26.529
General Room: 3, 2, 1. Just want to get a picture as well.

85
00:19:02.780 --> 00:19:20.230
General Room: and I'll just reiterate how much we value the time that you put into coming to these meetings. We know that you have homework and sports and activities. And so the fact that you spend Mondays with us each month has been really meaningful. So thank you for being here. But I'll open it up to my fellow board members for any comments.

86
00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:35.580
General Room: I want to thank you for your leadership. There are lots of ways to be good leaders, and I'm confident, and from hearing what we've heard from other adults who are around you sounds like you're great leaders in your schools, and I know that you have

87
00:19:35.710 --> 00:19:44.859
General Room: many more opportunities to be leaders in your in your professions, in your communities. So I want to thank you in advance for the leaders you're going to be, and for the leaders you are now.

88
00:19:50.040 --> 00:20:05.360
General Room: So I was going to say the same thing. Thank you for your leadership and expressing all the fun activities and involvement that you've helped create at your schools prospective schools and wish you the best next year. Thank you.

89
00:20:10.320 --> 00:20:13.466
General Room: Okay, there we go. I just want to.

90
00:20:13.990 --> 00:20:30.370
General Room: thank all 3 of you and congratulate our 2 seniors. I do have to say college will be the best 4 years of your life. It is still the best 4 years of mine. Geez! That sounds sad, but it's true.

91
00:20:33.110 --> 00:20:55.140
General Room: so you have nothing but so much fun and growth to look forward to. I also want to just commend you for adding some advocacy into your remarks tonight. That's so helpful to us. So, thanks to all 3 of you, I really appreciate seeing you all this year.

92
00:21:01.060 --> 00:21:16.589
General Room: All right, I'll go next. We're going to miss you. We've just gotten used to just seeing you every month and hearing the updates from you. And I know when I get out to your schools and I see you at activities. You're just front and center, getting groups, energized, getting

93
00:21:16.590 --> 00:21:37.100
General Room: passion going. You're so invested in talking to your principals. It's very clear how you're not just people of words, but people of action, so particularly to our 2 seniors. Thank you so much for your investment of time above and beyond your classes and everything you were doing to commit to your fellow students and and really serve in this capacity.

94
00:21:37.280 --> 00:21:40.050
General Room: Carter went to Whitworth. So go pirates.

95
00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:49.790
General Room: and you know you're gonna love. Just I think, being down in California, and both of you are going to be just wildly successful, and, you know, come up and visit when you can.

96
00:21:49.890 --> 00:22:06.519
General Room: So thank you both for all that you've done. Lucia. You've been a delight just stepping into this role as a junior. Just can't wait to see all that you do next year, continuing to lead, appreciate you so much your biggest fan, who's come to every meeting as well, recording you.

97
00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:19.830
General Room: So thank you for just leading and getting Riverside up and going. It takes that 1st group, you know, to take a chance on something, even though it hasn't been done before, and we're going to hear later about some other students who did that in the program.

98
00:22:20.120 --> 00:22:29.009
General Room: So thank you. And then to all 3 of you. You know, leadership is easy when things are going well, right, and everybody's happy

99
00:22:29.100 --> 00:22:56.059
General Room: when things aren't going well, and there's adversity and mia, we had a chance to talk about that during cheer competition, when things don't go your way, and how you stepped up and led your group, and you rallied, and you said, everything's going to be okay. And you just led with such great example and integrity. So just think about the times, even this year when things didn't go well, and you stepped up and you continue to lead. Those are the attributes. Those are the tests of leadership that will also

100
00:22:56.290 --> 00:23:01.789
General Room: stand the test of time for both of you. So thank you tremendously. Are your parents here?

101
00:23:02.670 --> 00:23:04.279
General Room: Could parents stand up?

102
00:23:04.810 --> 00:23:08.430
General Room: Thank you for these great kids so appreciate?

103
00:23:11.300 --> 00:23:12.410
General Room: Oh, quit!

104
00:23:15.550 --> 00:23:23.749
General Room: You should be so proud. They've done a remarkable job, not just presenting each month, but leading at their schools. So wish you all the best.

105
00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:52.519
General Room: Molly. This is when we would say, you can leave. But we have so many hits on tonight's agenda that we would love for you to stay for a couple more minutes for a few more recognitions that we have. So this next recognition, our Hr. Director, Shiloh Waldron, will will share with us what we're doing this month for teacher Appreciation week. So, Shiloh, we'll turn it over to you.

106
00:23:53.090 --> 00:23:59.080
General Room: Thank you. Everyone. I'd like to 1st start by inviting our Wwa. President, Matt Bell up to join me.

107
00:24:06.187 --> 00:24:34.899
General Room: So the 1st week of May is always teacher Appreciation week each year, and we like to take this opportunity tonight to thank and appreciate all the educators in our district, their commitment to their students and our school communities. They make your district the wonderful, warm, and safe place that it is for our students to continue to learn and grow. This has been a difficult spring for many of our educators, and yet they continue to provide caring learning environments for their students and strong instruction. This is a testament to their commitment to education and their professionalism.

108
00:24:34.940 --> 00:24:39.919
General Room: Thank you for all that you do, both seen and unseen to enhance the lives of our students.

109
00:24:40.130 --> 00:25:00.660
General Room: And then we want to thank Wwa and particularly Matt for his leadership. This school year Matt has worked with our local Wwa leaders and members to continue advocating for increased funding at the State level. He's navigated a challenging time with integrity and kindness for all Wwa. Members, and I want to thank him for his dedication and commitment to our students, all district staff and the community.

110
00:25:04.430 --> 00:25:05.220
General Room: Yes.

111
00:25:06.870 --> 00:25:19.140
General Room: and just a quick. Thank you. To all the parents. And we we definitely appreciate all the teacher. Appreciation treats to Shiloh. Shiloh has done a great job helping out members and and

112
00:25:19.290 --> 00:25:48.040
General Room: parents who have advocated for greater funding to board members and district leadership we've had amongst the most people at every event we've been to. We've had people speak at the roadshow. And so we're going to keep working hard for that. We're going to keep working hard for our students. And you know we appreciate everything that you're doing. We know it's a tough time for everybody, and we were. We're hopeful, and we're going to do the best we can

113
00:25:48.330 --> 00:25:53.979
General Room: all the time we're gonna want a safe customer. Oh.

114
00:25:57.750 --> 00:26:14.779
General Room: and I now have a resolution I'd like to read into the record. This is for Teacher Appreciation week resolution 2024 to 4, whereas teachers mold future citizens through guidance and education. And whereas teachers encounter students of wildly differing backgrounds.

115
00:26:14.780 --> 00:26:28.930
General Room: and whereas our country's future depends on providing quality education to all students, and whereas teachers spend countless hours preparing lessons, evaluating progress, counseling and coaching students and performing community service.

116
00:26:28.930 --> 00:26:42.649
General Room: and whereas our community recognizes and supports its teachers in educating the children of our communities. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Westland Wilsonville, Board of Directors proclaims May 5, th through 9, th 2025,

117
00:26:42.650 --> 00:26:59.389
General Room: to be teacher appreciation Week. And be it further resolved that the Westland Wilsonville, Board of Directors strongly encourages all members of our community to join us in personally expressing appreciation to our teachers for their dedication and devotion to their work. So I invite everyone that's here tonight

118
00:26:59.610 --> 00:27:03.990
General Room: to join me in standing up and giving a round of applause to our teachers and our community.

119
00:27:04.100 --> 00:27:05.020
General Room: Thank you

120
00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:43.030
General Room: to do this recognition.

121
00:27:49.140 --> 00:28:15.090
General Room: Thank you so much. I'm just going to get us started, but other people are going to take it and run. But I couldn't pass up the opportunity to personally thank officer, Gibral Johnson. The entire 4 years that he has served as our school resource officer. He has been such a model of communication, of calm, of safety, of mentorship.

122
00:28:15.300 --> 00:28:30.390
General Room: of leadership, and I, personally have been enriched by the time that I've gotten to know him. We're going to talk more about some other awards and things he has won in a few minutes. But I just wanted to start with my own personal.

123
00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:35.119
General Room: deep gratitude for your service here in our district. Thank you, Officer Johnson.

124
00:28:38.190 --> 00:28:45.670
General Room: Good evening, everyone. I'm Trevor Mena, Principal of Westland High School. I'm going to have Officer Johnson come on up here and join us.

125
00:28:53.460 --> 00:29:07.739
General Room: and we do have some things planned. But before we jump into that, I just want to share a few words of admiration that I have for this man in front of me right here. Officer Johnson has been a true partner.

126
00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:27.719
General Room: So he came into his position the same time I was coming into my position. So we were both learning some things together, and what it means to be in our roles, and how we operate as administration within the building and as a police officer within the building. But the entire time Officer Johnson has skillfully walked

127
00:29:27.730 --> 00:29:42.810
General Room: what it means to build relationship with kids with adults, to show a true caring face and smile and safe person for for students to go to, and also to to

128
00:29:42.820 --> 00:29:54.570
General Room: have a clear understanding of of what the line is and what the law is, and to be able to have counseling, mentoring real conversations with with students when it's needed.

129
00:29:54.570 --> 00:30:13.389
General Room: and to be able to offer advice. So our school is a better place. Our community is a better place. Our district is a better place, because Officer Johnson has been a part of it for 4 years. He'll always be a lion. Whether he will put on the green and yellow again I don't know, not not quite his colors, but

130
00:30:13.580 --> 00:30:16.313
General Room: but we we are so

131
00:30:17.170 --> 00:30:23.690
General Room: just privileged to to have the time that we've had with you. So I think we have a video.

132
00:30:23.870 --> 00:30:34.850
General Room: and maybe I'll invite. I know there's some students here that maybe don't to say anything, but they're here just to support. So maybe when the video ends you all can just kind of come up.

133
00:30:35.130 --> 00:30:36.720
General Room: Come up as well. Sorry.

134
00:30:40.690 --> 00:30:43.400
General Room: Stay up here. Yeah, we can stay in front.

135
00:30:51.400 --> 00:30:55.510
General Room: Well, in the meantime, no speech

136
00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:02.508
General Room: really good. I previewed it.

137
00:31:04.710 --> 00:31:05.829
General Room: There we go.

138
00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:20.330
General Room: Jacob.

139
00:31:26.530 --> 00:31:38.129
General Room: a officer. Johnson has been able to create and maintain relationships and connections with students here that have

140
00:31:38.340 --> 00:31:59.700
General Room: really allowed him to be approachable to students and accessible, has really been able to create a sense of trust with our students. And so, because of that, he's really great with our student body, and he's a great communicator and partners well with our school team, and we are very lucky to have him here.

141
00:31:59.820 --> 00:32:10.389
General Room: And what's your favorite memory about Oj. My favorite memory about Oj. Is seeing him in the halls, having great mood and bringing everyone's spirit up and him giving him candy. He's kind.

142
00:32:10.640 --> 00:32:25.850
General Room: We're going to Miss Oj. So much. I remember when I almost got hit by a car out here. He's been out there like taking care of everyone saving lives all the time. What's 1 thing you like about Oj. I like how he greets me every time I walk past him the hallway.

143
00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:27.960
General Room: He's funny. He's kind.

144
00:32:28.080 --> 00:32:43.620
General Room: My favorite thing about Oj is the easy way and the successful way that he interacts with lots of different students, lots of different kinds of students and builds really strong relationships based on trust. I appreciate his approachability.

145
00:32:43.740 --> 00:33:07.439
General Room: And what's your favorite memory of Oj. Seeing him at lacrosse games? Officer Johnson is inspiring. My favorite thing about Oj. Is probably his personality, and how visual he is in the school. He's making friends and communicating and hanging out with all the students and talking to all the students and building relationships. And that's always great to see with the school resource officer his positivity and his social interactions and making connections

146
00:33:08.280 --> 00:33:16.700
General Room: is your favorite thing about Officer Johnson. I love how he treats everyone with respect and gives people candy.

147
00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:26.519
General Room: I love how Oj. Makes everyone feel safe and welcome in the school. What's your favorite memory about Oj. Oh, talking to him at lunchtime.

148
00:33:26.750 --> 00:33:29.489
General Room: officer Johnson is irreplaceable.

149
00:33:29.890 --> 00:33:31.940
General Room: What's your favorite thing about Oj.

150
00:33:32.330 --> 00:33:33.710
General Room: I like. How funny he is!

151
00:33:34.190 --> 00:33:42.020
General Room: Such a reassuring presence in our school. And what's your favorite memory of Oj. When he came to our middle school and played Foosball with

152
00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:50.000
General Room: Officer Johnson gives me stickers. Oj. Is a genuine human being. What's your favorite memory about Officer Johnson?

153
00:33:50.260 --> 00:33:53.400
General Room: That would have to be giving him his bumps in the hallway.

154
00:33:54.080 --> 00:33:57.350
General Room: I would describe Officer Johnson as really dependable.

155
00:33:57.650 --> 00:34:08.169
General Room: I love it when Oj. Comes into my classroom just to hang just to say What's up and what's your favorite memory about? Oj. He always just helps me out with stuff. Always asks how I'm doing. He's a pretty cool guy.

156
00:34:08.690 --> 00:34:11.290
General Room: officer Johnson was always really nice.

157
00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:17.989
General Room: Oj, you'll be missed. One of the things I really like about you is, you always have a Facebook, buddy for every kid and every adult.

158
00:34:18.130 --> 00:34:21.270
General Room: So your best. I wish you luck on your next adventure.

159
00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:29.290
General Room: Ryan. What is one thing you like about Oj. Oj's personality. He's a funny dude, and he's always there whenever we need him.

160
00:34:29.449 --> 00:34:39.760
General Room: Hey? Oj! It has been great getting to know you. You've been an awesome resource and inspiration for our kids, and good luck in whatever your next

161
00:34:40.130 --> 00:34:44.990
General Room: step on your journeys. Officer Johnson is nice

162
00:34:45.880 --> 00:34:50.889
General Room: and he is fantastic, and I love him.

163
00:34:51.179 --> 00:34:52.480
General Room: It's down.

164
00:34:53.580 --> 00:35:02.430
General Room: Delta Blue, boring a touchdown down.

165
00:35:05.340 --> 00:35:07.819
General Room: Oj, can you please come back up here?

166
00:35:09.450 --> 00:35:15.860
General Room: So on the behalf of our entire student body, I present to you this plaque

167
00:35:16.220 --> 00:35:20.470
General Room: for everything that you have done for us. Thank you so much. We appreciate you deeply.

168
00:35:27.930 --> 00:35:40.250
General Room: Hi! I'm Kennedy Toomer. I'm a junior on Asb at Westland High School, and I was asked to speak on behalf of Black Student Union. I'm the co-president of Bsu, and we have had the honor to work with Officer Johnson over the years

169
00:35:40.550 --> 00:35:56.059
General Room: he has been so supportive and helpful for Bsu by coming to our meetings and events, and just being a friend to all of us. We want to thank Officer Johnson for showing black representation, not only at just Weston High School, but at Rosemont Ridge and all around Weston community.

170
00:35:56.270 --> 00:36:10.319
General Room: Bsu appreciates having staff members and people on campus to talk to and relate to like Officer Johnson and Texas is so lucky to have you. And yeah, we're just, we're just so thankful for you. And we made you this poster, and we all signed it at a meeting today.

171
00:36:22.864 --> 00:36:24.240
General Room: So hold your platform.

172
00:36:24.380 --> 00:36:29.750
General Room: Oh, yeah, you decide where you want to put it. Absolutely appreciate that right?

173
00:36:30.150 --> 00:36:36.119
General Room: And just to give you dueling plaques. We have one as well.

174
00:36:36.390 --> 00:36:54.180
General Room: and on behalf of the School Board. We would like to share this with you, hopeful that maybe we can get a picture of you and your Westland high school students and friends, and then I think we'd all like to say a few words about you. So let's let's grab a good picture of the group here, we'll we'll hide in the background.

175
00:36:55.970 --> 00:36:58.266
General Room: You, too. Enjoyment. Yeah.

176
00:37:22.680 --> 00:37:32.610
General Room: I think we're gonna do a second high. 3, 2, 1.

177
00:37:34.550 --> 00:37:35.570
General Room: We'll bring the board in

178
00:37:38.850 --> 00:37:39.950
General Room: and you're on time.

179
00:37:40.260 --> 00:37:42.129
General Room: I feel like it would be if it's rude

180
00:37:42.860 --> 00:37:45.019
General Room: to walk away. Remedy is the one.

181
00:37:55.200 --> 00:37:57.410
General Room: 3, 2, 1.

182
00:37:58.420 --> 00:37:59.139
General Room: Thank you.

183
00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:16.069
General Room: So you might have thought you were done, but not quite so. Just hang for another second. One of the reason for the 2 plaques is that Westland High School. You're a member of Westland High school staff and team and

184
00:38:16.230 --> 00:38:26.040
General Room: a full lion, and you've been supporting schools all throughout the district. So we wanted to recognize both of those roles that you've been playing.

185
00:38:26.210 --> 00:38:35.160
General Room: And we have a slide. Just one slide. Show that one other slide, because

186
00:38:35.320 --> 00:38:39.450
General Room: we're not the only ones who recognize what an incredible

187
00:38:40.267 --> 00:39:00.060
General Room: what an incredible leader you have been! But Officer Johnson was selected for the regional award of excellence for Region 9. So he is the most highly decorated school resource officer for Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii.

188
00:39:17.160 --> 00:39:24.310
General Room: And and I want to say one more thing, and you can put the next slide on or not. That's up to you. But there are some folks here

189
00:39:24.440 --> 00:39:42.900
General Room: we thought long and hard about our school resource officer program at a time where there was some wondering about. Is this the best way to support students in schools? And we went back and retooled some of those agreements that principal Mena was talking about before. And what has

190
00:39:43.100 --> 00:39:44.830
General Room: happened is

191
00:39:45.431 --> 00:40:03.430
General Room: the officer Johnson has lived into those agreements with such integrity, even beyond what we could have imagined. That really shows when you do it well, how much a school resource officer supports a safe and welcoming school for all students. So thank you so much.

192
00:40:27.470 --> 00:40:33.040
General Room: I'll be short and sweet. Thank you all so much. Westland Wilson Mill School district.

193
00:40:34.790 --> 00:40:41.800
General Room: the principals, the assistant principals, the superintendent, assistant superintendents, the community, all of our students.

194
00:40:41.970 --> 00:40:45.290
General Room: It's been a blast, as

195
00:40:45.570 --> 00:40:52.309
General Room: Dr. Spencer Ims mentioned, I got into the Sro at a very, very difficult time, and

196
00:40:52.800 --> 00:40:55.500
General Room: it's been a blast man, truly.

197
00:40:56.290 --> 00:40:59.753
General Room: So I just want to say, Thank y'all so much.

198
00:41:00.590 --> 00:41:02.499
General Room: growing up. They always say like.

199
00:41:02.620 --> 00:41:05.520
General Room: if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.

200
00:41:06.140 --> 00:41:11.929
General Room: and I don't feel like I worked for the last 4 years because it's been so amazing. So thank y'all so much.

201
00:41:24.910 --> 00:41:28.359
General Room: Look down the row at my colleagues to say a few words.

202
00:41:30.690 --> 00:41:32.420
General Room: We're we're gonna talk about you now.

203
00:41:34.390 --> 00:41:58.530
General Room: I just have a couple things to say. I was struck by listening to students and staff talk about you, because that's that's the way they talk about colleagues. That's the way they talk about favorite teachers and adults in their lives. So thank you for that. That really tells me that you not only brought law enforcement police officer knowledge, but you also brought sort of the heart of a teacher to the job. So thank you.

204
00:42:01.810 --> 00:42:14.159
General Room: So mad respect for you. But you have left a positive impact on our students and community. And you just absolutely represent mentorship, compassion.

205
00:42:14.410 --> 00:42:21.359
General Room: inspiration, friendliness, and you offer a safe space for our kids. So thank you so much.

206
00:42:23.370 --> 00:42:41.280
General Room: And 4 years ago I was that skeptic about school-based policing. I wasn't sure if it was the right fit for our district or the right fit for students, and you have changed my mind because of the influence that I've seen you make, not just in our high school, but all of our schools.

207
00:42:41.280 --> 00:42:54.940
General Room: And it's just a reminder that the more people we can put in front of our students who care about them, it's just always a good thing, and you just happen to have a badge while you're doing it. So just really appreciate you and thank you for changing my mind.

208
00:42:58.620 --> 00:43:14.859
General Room: Thank you so much for your warmth. I'm sure you know that school is sometimes like the safest place for some of your students, and so thank you for making it even safer for them and for

209
00:43:15.040 --> 00:43:17.200
General Room: being an adult they can trust

210
00:43:17.968 --> 00:43:20.009
General Room: so thank you so much.

211
00:43:23.550 --> 00:43:47.100
General Room: I'm just going to echo what the Board has said, and all of your colleagues and you. You're leaving such a legacy here, not only to the program, and I know you're mentoring the next Sro to the department, West Lynn, how you've just really brought yourself to that role as well. You've been part of a lot of our safety

212
00:43:47.210 --> 00:44:15.610
General Room: trainings and our scenarios helping us get better when there's new situations. So thank you for that contribution on a systemic level, not just as an Sro. And I think the theme we all heard tonight is just how relational you are and how that matters to people, no matter what situation they're in. And there's a lot of research around resilience for young children and young teens, and it's about having one caring adult in their lives besides their parents.

213
00:44:15.850 --> 00:44:24.439
General Room: And you are that for many students, and I know that often we get our most conversations when we find ourselves at an athletic event together.

214
00:44:25.120 --> 00:44:34.010
General Room: and I'll tell you he's very popular. All the kids know him, and he knows every single name, every student who comes up to say Hello

215
00:44:34.070 --> 00:44:57.819
General Room: and parents. I'm always so impressed how parents come up and feel so comfortable talking to you about their children talking to you as a fellow human in this journey in life and looking to you for advice even in those small moments. So those relationships you've built as well alongside students. You're remarkable. You're one of a kind.

216
00:44:58.270 --> 00:45:13.819
General Room: We're going to miss you. But we know your family's in Texas, and they deserve to have you back for a while. So you know, when you get tired of just being home with family. Then you come on back to Oregon, and there'll always be a place here for you. So thank you so much. Appreciate you.

217
00:45:19.860 --> 00:45:20.620
General Room: you know.

218
00:45:26.130 --> 00:45:38.739
General Room: But wait, there's more goodness to come. We now have our middle school musical students and Director Julie Lane, and I'll welcome Dr. Barb Soyson to come up and do an introduction for us.

219
00:45:46.240 --> 00:46:08.599
General Room: Many of you in this room might know Julie Lane. She's the one who holds us all together here in teaching and learning during the day, and gets everything ordered and found for us, and does so much work around here. But since 2015 Julie has been the director of the Middle School Musical.

220
00:46:08.600 --> 00:46:28.389
General Room: the Middle Middle School musical, actually started, like 2 years ago, with a production of Joseph and the technicolor dreamcoat. And they've done that a few times since, and many other productions. And I will say Julie has an affinity for Disney. I think she knows the lyrics to every song in Disney.

221
00:46:28.390 --> 00:46:48.579
General Room: But one thing that the program has really gained under her leadership is that it's really about the students, and she'll talk, even though the last production was last Monday night. She and Choral Director Kaylee porter are already thinking about next year.

222
00:46:48.930 --> 00:46:58.510
General Room: but they also listen to what students think they want to do. And so it's very much not just putting on a production.

223
00:46:58.520 --> 00:47:15.029
General Room: It brings together the communities of West Lynn and Wilsonville, as all the participants are from the 4 Middle Schools and 3 Rivers Charter School. It also brings together parents, and you'll get a call on a Saturday or a Sunday from

224
00:47:15.030 --> 00:47:29.909
General Room: they're building a set, and they want to know something, you know, at one of our schools and this dedicated crew that keeps coming back year after year, and the students then go on. You'll see them in high school. You'll see, maybe

225
00:47:30.000 --> 00:47:48.880
General Room: for some of them. It won't be on stage. It'll be in the tech theater part, or something that started with Julie because the key thing about her is every student who works with her knows she believes in them. So with that I want to introduce Julie Lane.

226
00:47:49.190 --> 00:47:49.930
General Room: you know.

227
00:47:56.620 --> 00:48:20.759
General Room: Thank you, Barb. Thank you very much. I don't want to take up too much of your time. I do want to thank our actors for being so professional this evening. We love working with them. This is representative of both of our casts. They've come out to do a little encore performance, which is lovely. Also a quick shout out to our accompanist, Tim Roberts, who is also giving of his time tonight. Thank you, Tim

228
00:48:26.150 --> 00:48:38.769
General Room: and I did get that wonderful introduction from barb. But my partner in crime, who I could not do anything without, is Miss Kaylee Porter, our music director, and Theater Star Extraordinaire. She's right here.

229
00:48:38.960 --> 00:48:40.550
General Room: The lady in the madness.

230
00:48:43.850 --> 00:49:03.509
General Room: and one last big thank you to the school district for recognizing how important the arts are, even at the middle school level, maybe especially at the middle school level. Our vocal music programs, our performing arts programs are so important. Thank you. To Dr. Ludwig, who is a constant supporter, Dr. Soyson.

231
00:49:03.510 --> 00:49:14.810
General Room: who takes my calls at all hours of the night when I have issues. So I appreciate that so much enough from me, a really quick statement from one of our students. Beau, would you like to come up and say a few words?

232
00:49:21.240 --> 00:49:33.739
General Room: Hi! My name is Beau. I go to Rosemont Ridge, Middle school and back in November. My parents convinced me to try out for the Middle School musical, and I think it might have been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

233
00:49:34.670 --> 00:49:39.490
General Room: It was so incredible. I didn't actually know too many people when I came in. So then.

234
00:49:39.730 --> 00:49:48.069
General Room: as I went through this whole production of learning what we had to do. I got to meet some really incredible people, some of which are over here.

235
00:49:49.090 --> 00:49:55.370
General Room: And it's really just been something, a lot about friendship. And.

236
00:49:57.540 --> 00:50:06.299
General Room: you know, coming together as a group of people trying to achieve a common goal. And I think you'll kind of hear that in the song we're about to perform for you guys, it's called better together.

237
00:50:06.610 --> 00:50:09.610
General Room: So without further ado, I hope you enjoy

238
00:50:41.340 --> 00:50:58.950
General Room: don't have to face the hard road could be hard and the night could be dark. Well, our stars will shine brightly wherever we are, if we stick to the tree

239
00:50:59.420 --> 00:51:01.849
General Room: that would fall, and all

240
00:51:03.640 --> 00:51:22.749
General Room: because we're better together, stronger side by side. This is our moment. Everyone can shine. One generation in this prime, because we're better together.

241
00:51:22.810 --> 00:51:36.679
General Room: All of us together only makes us better, only makes us better. We are strong, are strong with us together. Us together makes us better, makes us only makes us better

242
00:51:36.860 --> 00:51:55.450
General Room: because we're better together, stronger side by side. This is our moment, and it's our time. So we're different, whatever everyone can shine one generation together.

243
00:51:56.220 --> 00:52:07.139
General Room: And to prove it my 1st official degree. We are all capable of good and evil, no matter where we come from. The only way forward is as one, and the portal be open forever.

244
00:52:37.540 --> 00:52:42.569
General Room: My goodness, I am crying a little bit, because that was so wonderful and so inspirational.

245
00:52:42.720 --> 00:53:03.799
General Room: so thank you for being exactly the right people for this incredible musical, and for doing such a wonderful job both in the performance and then coming here this evening, and thank you for bringing musical theater to our district, and for making this happen, I know I'm not the only one who is moved right now, and so I would love to hear from my fellow board members.

246
00:53:07.550 --> 00:53:08.910
General Room: I'm not gonna cry.

247
00:53:10.154 --> 00:53:14.135
General Room: But I you know, I I this just reminds me of how how much

248
00:53:15.430 --> 00:53:30.059
General Room: we enjoy the musical performances by our students across the district, but we do get a chance in the course of a year to hear from the littlest to the oldest, and it's always so good and so thank you so much for that. It's just a treat.

249
00:53:35.340 --> 00:53:55.400
General Room: It was incredible. It was hard not to clap toward the end when you guys were clapping. So thank you for stepping up and getting engaged and working together. And I appreciate the time commitment that you guys gave up practicing. And I hope you guys continue with the musicals because you guys did an excellent job. Thank you so much.

250
00:53:57.430 --> 00:54:16.939
General Room: Thanks so much for taking your show on the road. I really appreciate it, my son and I. He's a 6th grader at Wood. We were lucky enough to come and see you all. And so you were awesome, and I hope musical theater stays in your hearts forever. So thank you so much.

251
00:54:20.420 --> 00:54:25.240
General Room: Okay, big Fan. Over here. I got to see Dcast. Sorry, Mcas.

252
00:54:25.430 --> 00:54:34.800
General Room: but hoping to see both next year. Middle School musical. Gosh, Julie Lane, Kaylee Porter! Can we give another round of applause to these 2.

253
00:54:41.480 --> 00:54:42.210
General Room: It

254
00:54:42.370 --> 00:55:07.470
General Room: it's a rare talent when you watch about. I don't know. 95 middle schoolers walk into, you know, an auditorium for the 1st time, and you're thinking, and we're going to get to where, you know. And they can vision it. They can. They believe it and orchestrate it. And students step up and do remarkable things. You have so much potential, each of you so talented.

255
00:55:07.550 --> 00:55:30.700
General Room: but beyond your individual talent and gifts that you shared, there was a collective talent that you created. That's what makes it so special. Raise your hand if you got to know someone that you hadn't met before the musical yeah. And I think I don't know if you said it, Beau, or the young woman who was in the video with you, that now you know people when you go to high school?

256
00:55:31.069 --> 00:55:43.269
General Room: Because you're from different middle schools. And so there's such an opportunity for building relationships, surprising yourself that you get to do something so remarkable, seeing it all come together that 1st night

257
00:55:43.350 --> 00:55:50.970
General Room: just so excited for you, so proud of all of you. Any parents here from the cast? I see. Lindsay, yeah.

258
00:55:52.410 --> 00:55:53.720
General Room: So.

259
00:55:53.850 --> 00:56:07.470
General Room: and parents watching from home what a huge commitment you also gave for your students to have this experience for driving them to practice donating a lot of things. We saw the costumes building up around Julie's desk over the weeks.

260
00:56:07.880 --> 00:56:21.429
General Room: So thank you for the gift of your time for entertaining the community, and we hope you had fun. We have some tokens, Julie. A gift for you. Thank you for taking this on every year.

261
00:56:21.820 --> 00:56:32.720
General Room: Students, there's a swag bag. Goody bag on your way out, as a thank you on a school night for coming out and performing. Have a great rest of the evening. Thank you.

262
00:56:52.150 --> 00:57:02.759
General Room: all right, and our last recognition, but certainly not least, is recognition of the 1st Westland Wilsonville dual language graduating class of 19 of 2025,

263
00:57:07.460 --> 00:57:13.390
General Room: and I'd like to invite Dr. Barb Soyson up to introduce this recognition.

264
00:57:15.390 --> 00:57:29.870
General Room: I'm going to be very brief. It's an honor to introduce Elisa Lee to you. She's our K. 12 program Coordinator for the dual language program in in our district, and Elisa

265
00:57:30.000 --> 00:57:48.299
General Room: has the quality of being an excellent teacher, and there is nothing more important than good instruction and good teaching, and I would describe her as a teacher's teacher because the things that she was doing when she was teaching 1st grade in the dual language program

266
00:57:48.380 --> 00:58:04.579
General Room: at Lowry. And some of these students had Miss Lee, then, are things that she's carried with her when she's mentored teachers, when she has developed the program, when we were looking at, what do our families want when they move to middle school.

267
00:58:04.670 --> 00:58:08.289
General Room: and what courses should we have in high school?

268
00:58:09.130 --> 00:58:26.420
General Room: Another thing about Elisa that she won't say any of these things about herself, so just she has led us into and strengthened a partnership we have with Oregon State University. You've heard us talk a lot about early literacy and achievement

269
00:58:26.660 --> 00:58:28.530
General Room: and achievement gaps.

270
00:58:29.000 --> 00:58:47.220
General Room: and in looking at early literacy. For the 4th time we will be running a course in conjunction with Oregon State University, and Elisa is one of the instructors and designers of the course, with the idea that how do you look at language

271
00:58:47.410 --> 00:58:58.310
General Room: and multi literacy, and the importance of language in teaching literacy, and from around the State of Oregon. There just seemed to be more and more teachers.

272
00:58:58.390 --> 00:59:18.760
General Room: language specialists, learning specialists and administrators who want to take this course, which is the start of a reading endorsement program again with Oregon State University. And it's something that, looking at, how do you really take that teaching that you do with 1st graders and work daily with

273
00:59:18.760 --> 00:59:31.129
General Room: students working with their families and with our school leaders to develop a program. So Elisa Lee is going to introduce some students who will tell you a little bit more about the program?

274
00:59:39.200 --> 00:59:44.480
General Room: All right. So I think we on the slide right?

275
00:59:44.690 --> 01:00:11.149
General Room: All right. So first, st I'd like to thank our Westland Wilsonville community and our school district for the commitment to our dual language program. When we 1st started the program 13 years ago at Lowry and Trillium Creek. We opened our school with 60 students. And, as you can see from this slide, we currently have a K 12 program this year at 6, with 616 students, including our Chinese program.

276
01:00:15.070 --> 01:00:35.850
General Room: Because of our dual language program. We've seen an interest in language overall. In all of our schools we currently have. Western Wilsonville school district is out of it's 11 District State, where we have more than 50 students earning the seal of biliteracy

277
01:00:35.850 --> 01:00:46.060
General Room: this year, both between Westland High School and Wilsonville High School. We have 91 students in our district that will be receiving this award, which is very exciting.

278
01:00:46.200 --> 01:01:03.190
General Room: With this award. This award is recognized in our 50 States, which is also recognized in many colleges and also many career and jobs, also recognize this seal, which is very exciting for them. Also, because of our dual language program in language learning.

279
01:01:03.190 --> 01:01:18.659
General Room: We've seen an increase of world language in a world language department where students are at the middle level, taking year long Spanish classes, which then later are able to join some of our dual language classes at the high school level, which has been very exciting.

280
01:01:19.190 --> 01:01:44.469
General Room: Our dual language program also helps our English language development program. It's very exciting as well to see so many new families move into our Westland Wilsonville community. There are newcomers and recent arrivals from Spanish speaking countries, where then they are able to join our dual language classrooms and maintain their native language, and acquire English as their second language.

281
01:01:44.470 --> 01:02:05.510
General Room: because we know that this is the best place for them, whereas they are able to use their 1st language, and then transfer their 1st language knowledge into their second language being English. So that's very exciting to see that as well. But really what we're here for is not to listen all about the program, but really to hear from our 1st graduating

282
01:02:05.510 --> 01:02:20.929
General Room: dual language students. And so I asked for them to come up here, and they're going to come and share a couple words about just their experience in our dual language programs. So if you guys want to stand up and you can come up. I know

283
01:02:20.940 --> 01:02:22.780
General Room: we have a big group. We have a big group.

284
01:02:25.410 --> 01:02:39.099
General Room: Good evening. I'll keep this brief because we're going to hear from a lot of us. But the dual language program has already opened up a lot of opportunities for me, and I'm sure it's going to open up a lot more like like it says up there a lot of college and career opportunities. I'm sure that.

285
01:02:39.506 --> 01:02:45.240
General Room: I got into a lot of different colleges. Just because I put like dual language program on my application and

286
01:02:45.797 --> 01:02:51.502
General Room: a bunch of times in the last couple of months we've gotten to go to Trillium Creek Primary school to help out with, like

287
01:02:51.980 --> 01:03:06.969
General Room: the K through 5 students. And like the dual language program there. And it's made a lot of lifelong friends for me. So I'm really happy about that. And I've gotten to go to Spain multiple times once with friends and once with family. And both times I've had to be the translator. So

288
01:03:07.120 --> 01:03:12.140
General Room: yeah, it's really helped me out internationally as well. Okay, thank you.

289
01:03:18.180 --> 01:03:41.279
General Room: Okay. Hi, I'm Arielle. I joined dual language when I was in 9th grade, and I think I should start this off by saying that I've never. I've moved around from a lot of different school districts, and I've never been in one that like cares this much about language, and like actually getting their students to really like, learn it and understand it rather than just like passing a test.

290
01:03:42.042 --> 01:04:06.029
General Room: And it's just, I think this this program has been so important, not only as like a native Spanish speaker myself, I've been able to learn so much throughout it, but also like to non-native Spanish speakers who maybe started this language or this program earlier on in their life. I think it's so amazing to be able to like, create a sense of community between all of us, because

291
01:04:06.230 --> 01:04:31.180
General Room: we are like a melting pot of like people here in this nation. And I think it's really important that we have programs like this that help really connect us, especially in a school district where we are primarily white. We are not only learning about the language in this program, but also about the culture we are in a leadership class. Again, we got to travel to medical teams, international and learn about

292
01:04:31.230 --> 01:04:42.207
General Room: maybe not only like the history in the past, of other Spanish-speaking cultures, but also about the problems that they're going through currently. So we can, you know, truly understand what they're doing.

293
01:04:42.700 --> 01:04:46.240
General Room: And it's also really important to recognize the teachers of this program.

294
01:04:46.546 --> 01:05:14.120
General Room: I was, you know, I joined this program only speaking in at home. I couldn't really write it too. Well, I could maybe like speak it and like listen to it, but I never was able to apply that like academically, and I was able to pass the I was able to get my seal of biliteracy, which I don't think I could have done honestly without this program, and I also was able to pass my Ap. Exam with like a 5, and I really don't think I could have done that

295
01:05:14.120 --> 01:05:27.799
General Room: without any of the classes I could have done. I think these classes are just as important as any English or like how Mr. Bell has shown me any history classes, and I think it's just really amazing that you were able to be part of this and are able to graduate.

296
01:05:34.080 --> 01:05:49.559
General Room: Hello! Good evening. My name is Hawken Ratzloff. I'm a senior at Weston High school. So I started this program the 1st year opened up. So my parents put me in the lottery and I was placed in Trim Creek Elementary School as a kindergartner. So I've been in this program for 13 years of my life

297
01:05:49.720 --> 01:06:01.129
General Room: all the way from Chillingham to Rosemont to Westland when I was young. I didn't really understand the importance of what I was doing and understand the connections that I'd make, and like kind of like the lifelong friends that I'd make

298
01:06:01.260 --> 01:06:24.770
General Room: so 10 years down the road, 13 years down the road right now, I'm just so grateful for everything that I've learned, the friends that I've made, and just the teachers that I've gone super close with. I've traveled to Barcelona. I've traveled to Madrid. I've traveled to Mexico, and this language has helped me just speak so freely and just become part of the culture there. So I'm so excited for my future steps, and where it can take me. So thank you.

299
01:06:31.550 --> 01:06:45.269
General Room: Hi! Good evening. My name is Jocelyn Cruz. Lopez. I'm a senior at Wilsonville High School, and I've started my dual language program at Lowry Primary school since kinder, and I've been very excited and happy to be part of this program.

300
01:06:45.510 --> 01:07:03.259
General Room: It helped me a lot to understand more English, since my 1st language is Spanish, and with me learning a different language. I get to communicate better in public and school, and make new friends, and I get to translate for my parents for papers. So that's a benefit.

301
01:07:03.450 --> 01:07:11.050
General Room: And I really hope that this program continues, even though we're going to be leaving soon at high school. So

302
01:07:11.200 --> 01:07:18.260
General Room: I'm very excited to continue this journey, even though we're not all going to be together. So thank you very much.

303
01:07:24.320 --> 01:07:42.540
General Room: Hi, there! I'm Jaden Kype. I'm a senior at Wilsonville High School, and I joined the dual language program 13 years ago in kindergarten, and at first, st you know, I was kind of skeptical about it. You see, all the other students get a go to different classes each year, and I'm stuck with the same 30 kids.

304
01:07:43.410 --> 01:07:58.980
General Room: But because of that I'm so grateful, and it's almost like a family. And without this program I wouldn't be who I am today. And I say, that's the biggest highlight is. It's made me who I am, and it's made me so empathetic towards others

305
01:07:59.000 --> 01:08:19.609
General Room: and getting a new perspective on people and meeting people and the importance of different cultures and just different people in general, and without this ability to speak Spanish, I wouldn't be able to communicate with so many people that I know, and a more tangible experience is, I was able to host to a woman from Oaxaca

306
01:08:19.609 --> 01:08:41.420
General Room: who spoke no English, and they lived with me for a few weeks. They're flicorico dancers, and I got to understand their community, their life, and without that, and without being able to speak Spanish, my mom speaks no Spanish. I wouldn't be able to know. And there's just so many other people in my life, too, that again, without the ability to speak, I wouldn't be able to.

307
01:08:41.490 --> 01:08:46.680
General Room: And I'm just so grateful for this experience and creating a family like I said earlier.

308
01:08:46.819 --> 01:08:51.000
General Room: And I'm also a big advocate for

309
01:08:51.479 --> 01:09:12.230
General Room: spreading this culture and spreading the ability to speak Spanish, and I fought really hard to be able to speak at graduation, and there I will be speaking in Spanish and in English. So I hope you guys are able to join as well. But yeah, overall. Thank you guys so much. And I'm so grateful for this experience.

310
01:09:18.620 --> 01:09:22.580
General Room: When I started this my name is Alex Aguiar. I go to Wilsonville.

311
01:09:22.680 --> 01:09:25.290
General Room: I joined the 9th grade.

312
01:09:26.206 --> 01:09:31.549
General Room: This program has helped me a ton. My skills have definitely gotten better in Spanish.

313
01:09:31.920 --> 01:09:36.880
General Room: I wasn't the best. I was. My parents come from Mexico, but still wasn't the best

314
01:09:38.670 --> 01:09:42.339
General Room: The program has helped me made like a ton of new friends that are similar to me.

315
01:09:43.680 --> 01:09:54.400
General Room: it. It just helped me a ton, and I'm also playing soccer and roomating with Kapo, at Western Oregon is someone I've met through the program. So that's really good.

316
01:09:55.410 --> 01:09:56.240
General Room: Thank you.

317
01:10:03.770 --> 01:10:07.779
General Room: Hi, good evening. My name is Dicapri de Martinez.

318
01:10:07.990 --> 01:10:13.990
General Room: I'm in the 12th grade right now, and as well, I'm I'm gonna be attending Western western Oregon with Alex.

319
01:10:14.646 --> 01:10:21.790
General Room: I joined the dual language programs since kindergarten. So I've been in the programs in for 13 years now.

320
01:10:22.511 --> 01:10:26.329
General Room: Like, overall. It's been like such a great experience meeting

321
01:10:26.510 --> 01:10:29.650
General Room: new people every year. And the teachers specifically.

322
01:10:29.940 --> 01:10:35.410
General Room: They really helped me a lot like to know. Develop my Spanish man just like

323
01:10:35.860 --> 01:10:38.140
General Room: so open my mind more.

324
01:10:38.857 --> 01:10:43.340
General Room: Also. The dual language program has helped me pass my

325
01:10:43.973 --> 01:10:47.679
General Room: lingo literary test, which I'm very proud of.

326
01:10:47.990 --> 01:10:50.380
General Room: I'm able to help my parents with.

327
01:10:50.710 --> 01:10:52.230
General Room: They're Mexican as well.

328
01:10:53.136 --> 01:10:54.569
General Room: And overall.

329
01:10:55.400 --> 01:10:59.429
General Room: It's been a it's a it's been a blast for the past 13 years. Thank you.

330
01:11:07.170 --> 01:11:14.069
General Room: Good evening, everyone. My name is Yesenia Lizbeth Flores Chavez, and I'm a senior at Wilsonville High School.

331
01:11:14.400 --> 01:11:20.580
General Room: I entered in the dual language program. Since kindergarten, 13 years on.

332
01:11:21.160 --> 01:11:30.510
General Room: I actually did not continue with Spanish. I went with Japanese during 9th grade. So I want to

333
01:11:30.630 --> 01:11:34.510
General Room: actually expand my bilingualism.

334
01:11:36.240 --> 01:11:45.330
General Room: And I had like a very fun time with all my old sorry

335
01:11:48.810 --> 01:11:51.959
General Room: with all these people around me. Actually,

336
01:11:52.700 --> 01:12:03.459
General Room: I had like very fun times, fun memories being in the in the dual language program. And I want to thank my mom. She's here with me tonight.

337
01:12:06.010 --> 01:12:08.480
General Room: And also my siblings are here.

338
01:12:09.790 --> 01:12:19.149
General Room: For being very supportive of me and actually being part of my life every single way, each step.

339
01:12:20.290 --> 01:12:27.180
General Room: It's a huge is a big step for me, even being here a

340
01:12:27.290 --> 01:12:33.359
General Room: and also expanding my Spanish and being part of Li Derasco.

341
01:12:35.380 --> 01:12:41.609
General Room: It's a very is a very fun experience.

342
01:12:50.560 --> 01:13:16.190
General Room: I am so so proud of our our dual language, seniors this year. They, you know, just to be in the program 13 years. Or it's just just amazing. And and I think I have the best job in the district, because I get to travel and see them from primary all the way through middle school and high school. So I feel just so honored to be able to to see our students.

343
01:13:16.890 --> 01:13:25.600
General Room: you know, grow through throughout the program and grow their their language skills. We have one more slide that we wanted to show. And this is a

344
01:13:25.880 --> 01:13:39.919
General Room: just really showing the commitment. Also from, you know, from our students. And just the time it takes and how language evolves as when you start the program until our students are at the high school level.

345
01:13:40.070 --> 01:13:46.700
General Room: So you'll see the 1st video is a kindergarten. And then the second video.

346
01:13:52.460 --> 01:13:55.800
General Room: no, no, AI.

347
01:13:57.230 --> 01:13:58.330
General Room: They are cool.

348
01:14:00.470 --> 01:14:12.980
General Room: Yeah, pato Amarillo, Almighty. Okay, came a man by yourself.

349
01:14:16.800 --> 01:14:25.040
General Room: And then the second video are the same students. And there are currently 11th graders at Westland High School

350
01:14:29.140 --> 01:14:41.699
General Room: a la magna siente paraban para ll yo estaba vistien DOE el go mas para.

351
01:14:42.320 --> 01:14:50.010
General Room: She goes esia mi madre a mi padre Al colechiotan Riaka Monicado.

352
01:14:52.690 --> 01:14:53.630
General Room: Okay.

353
01:15:04.740 --> 01:15:13.849
General Room: hey? Don't go anywhere. We've probably got a few words from board members and students. We do have some. Thank you tokens for you as well before you go home tonight.

354
01:15:13.970 --> 01:15:16.180
General Room: Yes, and we'll start with Director Shoemaker.

355
01:15:21.252 --> 01:15:31.220
General Room: We do a lot of things in this district, but I don't think there's anything quite like this. Right? This, this idea of taking groups of kids from the start

356
01:15:31.510 --> 01:15:46.749
General Room: in this level of immersion. But it is what education is about, right. And so this is just a great example of of some of the best of education. So thank you for your part in that, and thank you students for being trailblazers, getting it started for us.

357
01:15:54.710 --> 01:16:09.180
General Room: thanks to all of you for sharing your stories, they truly are inspirational, inspirational, especially seeing just the progression from kindergarten to 12th grade, and others just entering the program in the middle.

358
01:16:09.380 --> 01:16:10.730
General Room: And

359
01:16:10.890 --> 01:16:20.820
General Room: what an amazing accomplishment to get a bio literacy seal! That's just an incredible. It's going to open up so many opportunities for you. So congratulations.

360
01:16:27.390 --> 01:16:55.049
General Room: I have a daughter who's a freshman at Westland High School, and a daughter who's a 7th grader at Rosemont Ridge, and they both are in the Spanish dual language program, and I feel like when they were in kindergarten. I had that song, oh, so, oh, so! Oh, oh! Like seared into my head! And I wondered, you know, is this going to be worth it? And now, as I've watched them grow in the program. And as I've heard your experiences, I know that it is.

361
01:16:55.050 --> 01:17:01.780
General Room: And the one thing I really want to point out is what role models you have been for this program.

362
01:17:01.780 --> 01:17:29.670
General Room: So you know, when you were 3rd graders, you know my daughter was a kindergartner, and she looked up to you. She looked up to the older students who had done this. And we've been through the program. And that continues. And you've been those trailblazers and those role models which is really important. And the other thing I just want to that, I remember, is as parents. We had to sign a pledge, saying, we're going to stick with this program. And I remember at the time thinking like, why are they making us do this? But it's because

363
01:17:29.670 --> 01:17:56.940
General Room: we had to listen to, oh, so, oh, so many times, but also because it does take. It does take a lot of work from the parents. And I just want to recognize the parents who are here. I'd love for all of you to go home and let them know that your parents know, and your and the people who care about you that this program was a commitment for your whole family, and we recognize that. And we see that. And it's really special. So thank you so much and thank you for your leadership of this program. Thank you for making it happen and making it sustained.

364
01:18:00.070 --> 01:18:12.900
General Room: My son is in the dual language program at Wood Middle School. He's a 6th grader, and he started off as a kindergartner at Lowry, and during Covid it was really really tough, but we stuck with it, and I think

365
01:18:12.980 --> 01:18:35.110
General Room: I just want to commend all you seniors. It's so awesome, and I love the theme that I heard from all of you, which is connection so connecting with even more people in the world. And I think that is so important, and I see that as the greatest benefit as what's come out of my son's experience. So congratulations to all of you.

366
01:18:35.546 --> 01:18:38.319
General Room: I really commend you. It's awesome. Thank you.

367
01:18:39.750 --> 01:18:41.630
General Room: Thank you. Thank you.

368
01:18:42.090 --> 01:18:42.760
General Room: Yes.

369
01:18:48.420 --> 01:18:59.670
General Room: so because I'm old, I get to give some historical context here. 16 years ago 2 superintendents before me, Dr. Roger Wool

370
01:18:59.930 --> 01:19:04.680
General Room: turned to us during a board meeting and said, We're going to start a dual language program.

371
01:19:04.890 --> 01:19:07.140
General Room: and it actually started at sunset.

372
01:19:07.510 --> 01:19:16.589
General Room: Boone's Ferry and I was the principal at sunset, and Jennifer Patterson was the principal at Boone's Ferry, and we launched the program and we had it for one year.

373
01:19:16.960 --> 01:19:21.349
General Room: And then we had the big recession and the economic downturn

374
01:19:21.870 --> 01:19:31.160
General Room: and school districts were furloughing 1213 days, a lot of budget cuts, and we had to suspend the program. You probably remember, Director shoemaker.

375
01:19:31.550 --> 01:19:37.270
General Room: But the commitment was still there that we weren't going to cancel the program. We were just going to suspend it.

376
01:19:37.420 --> 01:19:47.749
General Room: and 2 years later and Dr. Bill Rhodes came on board. He had a lot of experience with dual language programs, and we launched it again, this time at Trillium and at Lowry.

377
01:19:47.880 --> 01:20:04.949
General Room: And so that was 13 years ago, and a lot more commitment. There were more structures in place, exceptional teachers like Elisa Lee standing here, who really knew how to champion the program and how to bring it forward and develop the curriculum every year.

378
01:20:05.150 --> 01:20:29.100
General Room: and to have a class that year. All of you who were seniors who took a chance on a program that had started and stopped and then started again, was a true testament to your parents, to all of you, even though you didn't know what you were signing up for. But here you are, and so I want to thank over the years. The principals who dedicated a lot of time and passion to the program

379
01:20:29.370 --> 01:20:49.099
General Room: district leaders who poured a lot into curriculum and training, exceptional teachers and staff who committed above and beyond to get this program up and going and develop it every single year. Even that fledgling year, as it was trailblazing as director shoemaker mentioned.

380
01:20:49.710 --> 01:20:59.290
General Room: But the true heroes really are the students, because you had to commit every year to taking this journey and to being the 1st group. It's always hardest to be the 1st group.

381
01:20:59.570 --> 01:21:14.689
General Room: But when you do that and you take that commitment, then people follow in your footsteps so you can always say you were the group that started the program for years to come. So thank you. Congratulations. We look forward to hearing more.

382
01:21:20.570 --> 01:21:32.019
General Room: and we do know there are 2 special dual language celebration nights, one at Wilsonville and one at West Lynn, so we'll get to see you there and celebrate with you some more as well as a graduation night. So thank you to all of you.

383
01:21:38.020 --> 01:21:47.959
General Room: concludes the recognitions portion of our agenda. We'll take a quick 3 min break, so people that would like to leave for the evening can do so, and then we will get started with our business meeting.

384
01:21:48.640 --> 01:21:49.590
General Room: Yeah.

385
01:22:06.440 --> 01:22:29.440
General Room: all right, we are back in order, and right now is when we would normally do our board member and superintendent reports. But I have heard that in the interest of time we are going to pass on those this evening, because we have a lot to get to on tonight's agenda. And so with that, I will entertain a motion for our consent. Agenda.

386
01:22:34.830 --> 01:22:37.700
General Room: I'm to accept the consent. Agenda.

387
01:22:40.050 --> 01:22:46.650
General Room: Second, I second moved and seconded. Miss Douglas, could you please call the phone?

388
01:22:46.980 --> 01:22:54.290
General Room: Thank you. Director, shoemaker. Aye, director, sloop? Aye, vice chair, Wyatt. Aye, Director Vidal. Aye, thank you.

389
01:22:54.600 --> 01:22:55.633
General Room: Chair, Taylor.

390
01:22:58.710 --> 01:22:59.670
General Room: Thank you.

391
01:23:02.550 --> 01:23:25.530
General Room: All right. And next up we have public comment. And so this portion of public comment is from our residents that are directly related to the board business this evening as a reminder. At the end of the meeting we have a separate public comment period for things that are not on the agenda, and I see some new faces in the audience. And so I'm going to make sure that I review our public comment.

392
01:23:25.620 --> 01:23:35.370
General Room: Introduction to how we give comment. So fundamentally, we foster a climate that encourages and values public input. And so we share this guidance with you.

393
01:23:36.390 --> 01:23:53.050
General Room: If you'd like to make a public comment hopefully. You have signed up at this point on our public comment, sign in sheet. If you haven't, please make your way over to Miss Douglas, and we can add you to that list. We take comments using this roster, and we'll also ask you to state your name for the record.

394
01:23:53.210 --> 01:24:06.470
General Room: This is a time that the Board collects information rather than engaging in dialogue, and so we want to make sure that you don't mistake our silence for a lack of interest or care. We are listening carefully and probably taking notes.

395
01:24:06.870 --> 01:24:14.590
General Room: If you're asking the District or board to respond or provide information, please provide your contact information, so we may follow up with you.

396
01:24:15.163 --> 01:24:28.199
General Room: This is not a forum for singling out individual district employees or students for complaints. If you have a complaint about a student or an employee, please do not mention them by name, or provide information that would allow them to be identified.

397
01:24:28.510 --> 01:24:35.150
General Room: You can use the district complaint process accessible on our website to help resolve individual situations of concern.

398
01:24:35.290 --> 01:24:50.360
General Room: I mean, I want to make clear. This is for all employees. It doesn't matter what position they're in. All employees should not be mentioned or singled out. This is not a time to air your grievances. This is a time for you to share your comments with the Board

399
01:24:51.110 --> 01:25:09.219
General Room: this time is also to address the board and not the audience. All comments will be given their due respect by the Board, but we ask that members of the audience also be respectful of speakers, and refrain from giving cheers, claps, or negative noises, such as booing. When a member of the public is speaking, or has concluded speaking.

400
01:25:09.480 --> 01:25:22.329
General Room: please keep your comments to 3 min. We have a 3 min timer on the screen. If 3 min is not enough time, we invite you to reach out to the district office or to the board via email, or at a later time to submit materials to the board.

401
01:25:22.600 --> 01:25:50.310
General Room: We're setting aside 45 min for public comment. If we need to extend that time, we can. And if there are requests for public comments, then time allows. We may add more time, and then, if you're unable to make a comment. But you're watching at home. You can always send us emails or send us a hard copy that could be provided in lieu of speaking. So with that we will get started. And I'd like to 1st welcome Brad Christiansen

402
01:25:57.230 --> 01:26:20.619
General Room: School Board for allowing me to be here. I've actually done this with the City Council. So there's the misstep first, st I just want to say Thank you. I'm very fortunate grateful for the opportunity to be here tonight, which was on accident, to be able to watch my son Carter Christensen, Senior Wilsonville High School Asb President, give, you know, not only an account for what's happening at the schools, but I love this venue

403
01:26:20.620 --> 01:26:49.869
General Room: for students to be able to participate. So thank you for being as open as you are to that. So with that said, I'm here tonight really to bring up concerns around our capital improvement budgets which includes our long range planning. I've had some interaction with both Lewis and Kelly on this, and a little bit with Kathy, and I'll give you just some quick background. And then I'm going to leave something behind. And we're really hopeful that you would take initiative in this regard. So like I said.

404
01:26:50.350 --> 01:27:08.250
General Room: I'm a father. I've been a youth coach in the marketplace or in the neighborhood for now 13 years. I had 13 years of playing the sport of football. So everything I'm going to share is going to come from some background and perspective in that regard.

405
01:27:08.250 --> 01:27:20.659
General Room: The concern we have is that both stadium fields have exhausted their useful life, meaning Westland High School and Wilsonville stadium fields have been are going into their 12th season

406
01:27:20.660 --> 01:27:40.670
General Room: in use for a turf field, and the background on that is that again, everything is moved to using a turf field. We understand the allocation of funds to all school capital improvements. We understand the importance and really wanting to speak to the safety of the students who are involved in those activities around those fields. Okay.

407
01:27:40.690 --> 01:28:04.950
General Room: to catch up. We had the bond summit here about a month plus ago. We understood that the fields were in the tier, a replacement category. But we're also told that there's you know, what I would call not necessarily discretionary funding. But there's potential for funds to be applied differently than they're currently being applied. So our hope is coming from this conversation. You will at least study this further.

408
01:28:05.040 --> 01:28:23.429
General Room: that there might be funding available to make this happen. One of those might be the uplander sale. So we understand some of the funds that are coming from that sale were to be attributed to other fields over here at the new school at Riverside again for just the sake of discussion. We hope that that's taken into consideration.

409
01:28:24.670 --> 01:28:49.079
General Room: what I'm going to tell you real quickly because of the time running is that we have had more youth occurrences with major injuries on these fields in the last couple years than any other time in history to the point where I actually saw a son fall to the field and have a hip fracture. I saw one boy put his arm on the field in the 8th grade last year, without anybody touching him, and broke his arm in half.

410
01:28:49.130 --> 01:28:57.500
General Room: and again in the middle of the play, in the middle of movement. But these are the kinds of injuries that don't happen unless the field surface itself has been expired.

411
01:28:58.150 --> 01:29:09.909
General Room: If I can get one more minute, please. What I would like to suggest is that you take a look, Mr. Christiansen, I'm so sorry. That's okay. We keep our comments at 3 min. But we would love any handouts you have or written email.

412
01:29:10.430 --> 01:29:16.830
General Room: and then I would hope you take a look at the pictures that also reveal some of the wear and tear associated with the fields.

413
01:29:16.990 --> 01:29:19.980
General Room: Thank you, Athena Contreras.

414
01:29:27.640 --> 01:29:36.970
General Room: I forgot my paper because I parked across the street there and just tried to scramble to write up whatever I needed to. So this is going to be a little haphazard. But.

415
01:29:39.610 --> 01:30:07.379
General Room: I wanted to talk about how early learning is known to be one of the key things in long term school success investing in our kids in the earliest years of their learning is one of the best contributors to success in high school, college, and beyond, and stability is so key to the success of students in any grade as our school avoided potential closure along with 2 others last semester. That stability was shaken. We've been tasked with working to help increase

416
01:30:07.570 --> 01:30:13.360
General Room: enrollment. We put up flyers, shared information about our kindergarten and our mandarin programs with preschools and spread

417
01:30:13.770 --> 01:30:19.659
General Room: by word of mouth. How wonderful our schools are! But here is what I wish I could see more of from our leadership.

418
01:30:19.760 --> 01:30:39.740
General Room: offering the stability stability for us to know what your priorities are. If we could feel sure that our schools would not be up for closure again. It would offer the stability that would mean families would know that Bolton is a great neighborhood to move into. They don't have to question or transfer out or do anything that would lead us to.

419
01:30:40.180 --> 01:30:42.430
General Room: You know, I mean, I know that there are private.

420
01:30:42.950 --> 01:30:43.640
General Room: But

421
01:30:44.090 --> 01:30:58.639
General Room: like, if you're if you're if you have kids in private school or homeschool, and you're not sure if you want to move your kids back to regular school, and you decide you want to do it. And then you hear that it's going to be 33 students.

422
01:30:58.920 --> 01:31:02.540
General Room: and that the that's not stable.

423
01:31:02.710 --> 01:31:06.479
General Room: We need stability in our in our schools.

424
01:31:06.710 --> 01:31:27.029
General Room: It would go a long way toward increasing our enrollment goals overall and through the district. In fact, leadership is what can make the difference between feeling like difficult situations, are something that we can get through together, or whether it just comes down to facing and dealing with the cuts that are coming. Stability is what keeps kids knowing what to expect. It keeps expectation that our schools and our programs will be there from year to year.

425
01:31:27.180 --> 01:31:36.280
General Room: and at any time that that can't happen. Leadership will communicate that to us, and why, and it will make sense. A lot of the struggles I've been having lately are that the communication has been lacking.

426
01:31:36.590 --> 01:31:41.429
General Room: When the school year started, and I asked, when the mandarin classes

427
01:31:41.920 --> 01:31:45.040
General Room: would start for the kids that were not in the mandarin program.

428
01:31:45.190 --> 01:31:54.370
General Room: My kids didn't know they didn't know. Nobody was going to say, oh, we cut your classes, or we cut your Maker space, or we cut the librarian.

429
01:31:54.500 --> 01:31:59.960
General Room: Nobody's being really told these things we just have to find out as they as they happen. It does not feel stable.

430
01:32:01.160 --> 01:32:04.619
General Room: We need to know what's going on. And and until we have that.

431
01:32:04.820 --> 01:32:19.280
General Room: we pay a lot of, you know taxes to live here on my tax statement. There's $1,300 that goes towards the bond, and 670 for the local option levy. When I look at that, after facing this, and after being told that our aging roof was a good reason to not keep our schools open.

432
01:32:19.430 --> 01:32:26.699
General Room: That money that we paid towards that bond wasn't worth a million dollars out of a 200 million dollars bond to fix our roof.

433
01:32:27.090 --> 01:32:35.419
General Room: and it won't be again in this next one. It wasn't even. It was enlisted in Category C, so it couldn't even be considered at the summit

434
01:32:37.410 --> 01:32:38.940
General Room: stability.

435
01:32:39.420 --> 01:32:42.560
General Room: Thank you so much, Athena, for coming in. Very well, but

436
01:32:43.020 --> 01:32:46.570
General Room: thank you. Appreciate it. Shoba eason.

437
01:32:52.680 --> 01:33:08.460
General Room: Hi! Good evening. Hope you all are doing well. Thank you for your time. One of the comments I wanted to discuss regarding the budget was hopefully, that when you're looking at the budget, that there's money going towards elevating our school district from a academic standpoint.

438
01:33:08.620 --> 01:33:23.700
General Room: I'm saying this because when I look at the board goals for 2024, and 2025. One of the key verbs that I see is monitor student achievement data monitor implies that the current status is acceptable

439
01:33:23.850 --> 01:33:35.579
General Room: versus elevating or another verb which is promoting the student achievement data is different. It requires different actions. So when I see that as a board goal. It's saying, monitor.

440
01:33:35.700 --> 01:33:50.729
General Room: it's concerning to me that perhaps the budget is not accounting for that, and that also is looking at. You know we are making budget cuts, which are a difficult decision to do. But what I can say is, even though I was born and raised a Texan. And I'm here.

441
01:33:50.980 --> 01:33:56.379
General Room: The part of India where my family comes from. The literacy rate is 99%,

442
01:33:56.880 --> 01:34:24.809
General Room: despite socioeconomic status. And it's 1 place in the world where Muslims, Christians like myself and Hindus live in peace. And it's because of the literacy. So with that, the message that I have for you guys is. School teachers are the most respected profession you can have. Like school teachers get all the swag in the city. They can go anywhere. So with that when we're cutting our teachers. Just think about this. The places in the world which put teachers at the forefront

443
01:34:25.010 --> 01:34:41.090
General Room: are the places where literacy is up. Violence goes down. So there's a direct correlation between our society being better if it's related to teachers. So I ask that although there are a lot of other aspects my kids would enjoy having

444
01:34:41.230 --> 01:34:52.419
General Room: when you are evaluating the budget. Whatever can be done to maintain the teachers in West Lynn that are currently there, I'd ask that you take that into consideration. Thank you.

445
01:34:54.190 --> 01:34:56.380
General Room: Cute Sarah Gloss.

446
01:35:04.140 --> 01:35:06.939
General Room: So okay, are you? Good.

447
01:35:07.050 --> 01:35:07.800
General Room: Okay.

448
01:35:08.468 --> 01:35:12.311
General Room: I am here also with Brad Christensen,

449
01:35:13.170 --> 01:35:15.052
General Room: And Daniel Crowley.

450
01:35:15.910 --> 01:35:36.160
General Room: thank you for what you do. I was at the Bond Summit. I really appreciate everything our school district does. I'm from a family of educators. I'm a teacher. You guys are doing amazing. And I fully recognize everything that's been said about teachers and everything. I'm just here to echo and ask. Please

451
01:35:36.290 --> 01:36:01.469
General Room: consider if there is any funds available to do the field at Wilsonville, Westland, earlier than in 2 years or 3 years. When the bond comes available. My son has had 2 concussions. Danielle's son has had 2 or 3 unknown, and he broke his clavicle also on the field. A kid that I teach broke his hip

452
01:36:01.620 --> 01:36:12.669
General Room: on top of what Brad mentioned. Many of the youth programs won't play on our field next year. So summer moon is having to deal with that

453
01:36:13.270 --> 01:36:17.640
General Room: The kids in our neighborhood play there for soccer. My daughter played lacrosse.

454
01:36:17.930 --> 01:36:25.490
General Room: She also had many injuries as well as her teammates did. I'm just asking that that be considered

455
01:36:25.610 --> 01:36:33.520
General Room: sooner than later. Our coach has gotten the price down as far as he can to

456
01:36:33.810 --> 01:36:41.840
General Room: so much less than we originally were quoted. And I'm thankful for that. Yeah.

457
01:36:42.570 --> 01:36:45.679
General Room: I wasn't really prepared for this, but I do ask

458
01:36:45.860 --> 01:37:05.470
General Room: that that be considered. I value teachers, I truly do. But this field and Westlands field is used by the entire community, and I know I don't know if this has been an option before, but the school district that I came from when I was a kid. And I was

459
01:37:05.710 --> 01:37:17.220
General Room: asb president right there on the school board we had outside funding to ask for from companies. I don't know if that's an option. But this is a

460
01:37:18.710 --> 01:37:22.350
General Room: I'd love it to happen this summer, if possible, and I know it could.

461
01:37:23.220 --> 01:37:24.710
General Room: And thank you.

462
01:37:27.450 --> 01:37:30.210
General Room: Thank you, John Mccabe.

463
01:37:42.240 --> 01:37:49.360
General Room: John Mccabe Western Oregon. I guess what I like to comment on some of the sports of football. That's why I didn't let my son play.

464
01:37:50.050 --> 01:38:00.769
General Room: I told him. You need to save your mind. You need to save your body, and he's getting his doctorate this year in animal science from Uc. Davis. So there is an advantage not to play football.

465
01:38:01.300 --> 01:38:08.257
General Room: And there's other ways you can be around other people now going forward in the budget.

466
01:38:09.450 --> 01:38:15.680
General Room: what doesn't seem to be in the budget is the expenditures per student per building.

467
01:38:16.090 --> 01:38:19.360
General Room: We have one building that has way under 200 students.

468
01:38:19.650 --> 01:38:24.440
General Room: and is getting an outsized amount of revenue spent on that school.

469
01:38:25.100 --> 01:38:28.100
General Room: I'm not here to say. Well, you should do it this way, but

470
01:38:28.530 --> 01:38:39.040
General Room: you have to look at that. Where's the fairness to all the other schools? If one school is getting so much more per student than any other schools, and they go well, that's necessary.

471
01:38:39.270 --> 01:38:41.810
General Room: No, it's not. You're destroying the other schools.

472
01:38:42.180 --> 01:38:51.170
General Room: It needs to be corrected in this year's budget. It should have been correct. I mean, it should have been corrected in this year's budget. It must be corrected in next year's budget.

473
01:38:51.300 --> 01:38:56.490
General Room: You cannot destroy the primaries because of certain decisions.

474
01:38:56.750 --> 01:39:02.200
General Room: You know, in the last meeting I had brought up, that maybe the refunding bonds should have been delayed.

475
01:39:03.180 --> 01:39:10.369
General Room: The school district now has to pay an extra $915,000 in interest. The bonds are sold at 5%,

476
01:39:10.910 --> 01:39:16.049
General Room: which caused this $915,000 increase in interest expense.

477
01:39:16.540 --> 01:39:25.380
General Room: I've tried to get the number. Both me Treasury and the Sec have been trying to get the numbers, and they have not supplied to them.

478
01:39:25.500 --> 01:39:35.759
General Room: If they have been denied by Hyper Sandler and the Administration, let's get some transparency here and find out how much did we really lose

479
01:39:35.940 --> 01:39:42.880
General Room: on refinancing these bonds, because one of the things that occurred, unfortunately or fortunately, was me.

480
01:39:43.080 --> 01:39:48.279
General Room: What was done in 2020 with the 2020 CI knew was not lawful.

481
01:39:48.540 --> 01:39:53.239
General Room: I went after the treasury. When this one came up they said, You're correct.

482
01:39:53.500 --> 01:40:08.119
General Room: and so you could not borrow money from nowhere. It had to stay within the framework of what was already borrowed for the Geo bond. And that's what led to the $915,000 increase in interest, expense.

483
01:40:08.500 --> 01:40:12.819
General Room: and potentially the only benefactor, was Piper Sandler in the Commission.

484
01:40:13.500 --> 01:40:17.810
General Room: They're not teachers or anything, so I guess I'm allowed to say that.

485
01:40:18.540 --> 01:40:19.219
General Room: And

486
01:40:20.380 --> 01:40:24.440
General Room: Last June there was a comment made during the budget process.

487
01:40:24.650 --> 01:40:32.730
General Room: June 2024, that diverting interest income away to capital projects perfectly legal.

488
01:40:32.970 --> 01:40:36.870
General Room: Dor has come back and said, it is perfectly not lawful.

489
01:40:37.230 --> 01:40:40.890
General Room: So when you're looking at the budget this year, and all the audits

490
01:40:41.570 --> 01:40:45.529
General Room: stop this unlawful practice and get the money where it belongs.

491
01:40:45.880 --> 01:40:46.710
General Room: Thank you.

492
01:40:47.390 --> 01:40:49.849
General Room: Thank you, Barbara Stratt.

493
01:40:57.260 --> 01:41:23.399
General Room: I'm here tonight with my 89 year old mother, who's been an educator for over 45 years and also coming as a parent, a community member, and someone who believes we all share the same goal, a thriving, student-centered district that reflects transparency, fairness, and trust. But let's be honest. What we're doing right now is not working. There's a growing disconnect between what's happening at the top and what families staff and students are experiencing on the ground.

494
01:41:23.400 --> 01:41:50.499
General Room: and I believe we have an opportunity not to place blame, but to do better together. What I'm proposing tonight is a simple, practical step district accountability through measurable goals. These goals are not meant to replace board priorities. They're here to support them by putting clear trackable expectations in place for the district administrators, especially around budget transparency, communication, equity and responsiveness. Let me share a few of my key principles.

495
01:41:50.730 --> 01:42:10.600
General Room: public budget accountability. Let's have a baseline budget clearly outlined one that maintains existing programs and staff shows the public where funds go but avoids unnecessary cuts unless they are clearly justified. A public facing budget dashboard with quarterly reporting will go a long way toward rebuilding trust

496
01:42:10.720 --> 01:42:39.819
General Room: responsiveness to board requests. When the Board asks for solutions, we should see multiple options objectively researched and presented not one narrative. That's how governance should work board independence in legal and personal matters. It's time to ensure confidential staff free deliberations for sensitive decisions like evaluations like district evaluations and legal counsel discussions. That's not policies that's governess.

497
01:42:39.940 --> 01:42:58.220
General Room: And finally, a culture shift that starts at the top right now, the board is being asked to trust leadership without the tools to verify when the public is coming to the board with repeated concerns. Hello, transparency that everyone's talking about. That's not a breakdown in communication. It's a red flag in leadership performance.

498
01:42:58.250 --> 01:43:16.630
General Room: The Board's role is to oversee, not to be overruled. Let's lead with courage and clarity. We're not asking for perfection. We are asking for structure, accountability, and better systems that serve our students, our staff and community with transparency and integrity. Thank you so much.

499
01:43:20.690 --> 01:43:24.960
General Room: all right. And is there anyone else here this evening that would like to provide some testimony?

500
01:43:26.430 --> 01:43:30.950
General Room: Yeah, come on up. If you wouldn't mind sharing your name and your community, please.

501
01:43:32.460 --> 01:43:35.970
General Room: My name is Brian Weibert. I am the

502
01:43:36.840 --> 01:43:38.819
General Room: what am I? What's my official? I'm the

503
01:43:39.050 --> 01:43:43.469
General Room: President in training for the Wilsonville Touchstone Club.

504
01:43:43.956 --> 01:43:54.019
General Room: I've been super involved with the Wilsonville Baseball Community football community and a number of others not just in Wilsonville, but in Westland also, and have number of friends

505
01:43:54.630 --> 01:44:03.139
General Room: who are in both communities. And just to add to what and I apologize, I got here late, but to add to, I'm sure, what has already been shared with you.

506
01:44:03.560 --> 01:44:09.390
General Room: The field condition of the Wilsonville and Westland fields

507
01:44:09.800 --> 01:44:15.260
General Room: is is to me really frustrating. I think that

508
01:44:16.610 --> 01:44:34.500
General Room: it often gets looked at as the football field. It often gets looked at as why do we want to do special things for football programs? And I very much understand that. But I just the reason I was late is because I was at the girls senior night for lacrosse. There is boys, lacrosse

509
01:44:35.050 --> 01:44:44.490
General Room: boys, soccer girls, soccer, football. There's track events that happen on that. There's a youth football that happens there all the time. There's youth soccer events that happen there all the time.

510
01:44:44.800 --> 01:44:48.559
General Room: I wish I had the data, and I don't. But if you looked at the number

511
01:44:48.740 --> 01:44:56.370
General Room: of community members that participate in events on that field. It's so far and away surpasses

512
01:44:56.560 --> 01:44:58.359
General Room: the high school football program.

513
01:44:58.790 --> 01:45:07.360
General Room: It does it a disservice to call that field the football field. It's the community. Athletic field is probably a better name for it.

514
01:45:07.770 --> 01:45:18.280
General Room: and having now coached for 6 plus years in this community and being part of the Youth football program, the number of injuries that we are continuing to see

515
01:45:18.860 --> 01:45:29.429
General Room: are they? Is there a direct A to B line in all of those? No, but I think if we look at other facilities and we're to look at those, I think you could definitely have correlation to that.

516
01:45:30.370 --> 01:45:38.289
General Room: I hope that there's money in our budget that is, for capital improvements. I'm I'm very sensitive to

517
01:45:38.560 --> 01:45:46.100
General Room: teachers and students, and I feel it's really sad that we have to even think about cutting one teacher.

518
01:45:46.970 --> 01:45:58.169
General Room: Unfortunately, in the way the world of finance works, Capex numbers and annual budget numbers are completely different. And that's not how they work. They don't overrun. So just because you're cutting. A teacher doesn't

519
01:45:58.440 --> 01:46:00.719
General Room: impact your capex improvements.

520
01:46:01.040 --> 01:46:08.199
General Room: So I know that's hard. I fully sympathize with it. I have like, I said, friends who have taught in high school, and I don't ever want to see any of them lose their job.

521
01:46:08.390 --> 01:46:14.450
General Room: But the the risk that we continue to subject. Our

522
01:46:15.440 --> 01:46:41.730
General Room: community members, too, because of the field and its current condition to me is something that should strongly be considered by this board, and if there is opportunity to replace the field sooner rather than later. I think that's that's not just again to say, a football program, win. That's a community win because of the number of people in our communities who use those fields, both again, in Wilsonville and in Westland.

523
01:46:42.420 --> 01:46:49.780
General Room: If there's other opportunities, as as Sarah presented, possibly to have community support and raising funds for those

524
01:46:49.990 --> 01:46:53.430
General Room: we should explore those. So I thank you for your time and appreciate it.

525
01:46:54.450 --> 01:46:56.519
General Room: Thank you. Anyone else.

526
01:46:58.290 --> 01:47:26.099
General Room: All right? So at this point in time, we are going to transform this room into the Budget Committee meeting. And so I'm going to, I think, are we moving tables. And okay, we're going to move some tables. We're going to invite our budget committee to come join us up here. And then, once we've done that I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Hughes and Dr. Ludwig to give our budget message, and we will also proceed with

527
01:47:26.400 --> 01:47:34.080
General Room: electing a Budget committee chair and vice chair and then start our budget committee meeting. So let's take a quick minute to make that happen.

528
01:47:46.640 --> 01:47:47.450
General Room: Okay.

529
01:47:50.720 --> 01:47:52.150
General Room: I'll keep that.

530
01:48:27.550 --> 01:48:28.650
General Room: You can. Okay.

531
01:48:34.880 --> 01:48:37.160
General Room: there as well.

532
01:48:51.720 --> 01:48:52.990
General Room: Do you have any comments?

533
01:48:58.156 --> 01:48:59.370
General Room: Option? 3,

534
01:49:14.470 --> 01:49:15.530
General Room: 1, 2.

535
01:49:16.930 --> 01:49:17.720
General Room: Oh.

536
01:49:26.430 --> 01:49:27.950
General Room: yeah.

537
01:49:28.230 --> 01:49:29.810
General Room: Yeah. She wants to.

538
01:49:52.770 --> 01:49:54.510
General Room: We have junior high quality.

539
01:49:55.870 --> 01:49:57.200
General Room: Yeah, this is good.

540
01:50:13.050 --> 01:50:15.650
General Room: Yeah, these are doing.

541
01:50:19.310 --> 01:50:20.180
General Room: Walk through.

542
01:50:22.600 --> 01:50:23.969
General Room: No, yeah.

543
01:50:25.025 --> 01:50:37.120
General Room: alright. So let's get things started. We have a slightly new setup. We are trying to avoid the awkward. Let's all sit in one row together. And so hopefully, this is more of a circle.

544
01:50:37.120 --> 01:50:48.430
General Room: So we can start this evening. Budget Committee. Member Gina Day is available online. So Hello, Gina, I'm glad that you could join us. And so at this point.

545
01:50:48.430 --> 01:51:10.430
General Room: just as a reminder under Oregon budget law, every public entity adopts a budget with an equal number of citizen members who serve equally on our Budget committee to review the proposed budget and potentially approve it. So to get started I would entertain a motion to Oh, go ahead, Dr. Ludwig.

546
01:51:11.160 --> 01:51:25.529
General Room: Oh, thank you. So I will officially open tonight's Budget Committee meeting. And then typically the School Board does not serve in leadership roles. And so I would entertain a motion for

547
01:51:26.695 --> 01:51:27.270
General Room: okay.

548
01:51:27.580 --> 01:51:35.659
General Room: thank you. Could we? Please do roll call? I'm just so excited to get to a chair. It is exciting. I know it's very exciting.

549
01:51:35.790 --> 01:51:42.580
General Room: Thank you, Director Shoemaker. Here, Dr. Slip, Troy Taylor.

550
01:51:45.075 --> 01:51:47.369
Louis Taylor: You guys hear.

551
01:51:47.840 --> 01:51:55.299
General Room: Thank you. Mr. What present Director Vidal here, budget committee, member Ginger Fitch here.

552
01:51:55.420 --> 01:52:02.940
General Room: budget committee, member, Charles Steele. Here, budget committee, member Rachel beavers, budget committee, member Gina day.

553
01:52:03.070 --> 01:52:03.830
Gina Day: Here.

554
01:52:04.660 --> 01:52:06.599
General Room: Thank you. And Kishore Kalu.

555
01:52:06.800 --> 01:52:07.490
Gina Day: So long.

556
01:52:07.490 --> 01:52:09.649
General Room: Possibly is on his way.

557
01:52:09.780 --> 01:52:10.500
General Room: Okay.

558
01:52:14.010 --> 01:52:23.400
General Room: all right. Now. I would entertain a motion to appoint a new, or to appoint a chair for our Budget Committee.

559
01:52:27.730 --> 01:52:31.050
General Room: I moved to appoint a chair for our Budget Committee.

560
01:52:39.440 --> 01:52:40.239
Louis Taylor: I'll take it.

561
01:52:42.840 --> 01:52:56.049
General Room: I'm going to. I can take that motion back, can't I? Sure? Yes, I would like to rescind my motion. Withdraw jeez, Louise. Excuse me. I would like to withdraw my motion.

562
01:52:57.210 --> 01:53:05.209
General Room: All right. Well, I'll I would. I nominate Ginger Fitch to be our Budget committee chair. Do I hear a second.

563
01:53:07.150 --> 01:53:12.550
General Room: I second other nominations

564
01:53:19.700 --> 01:53:22.459
General Room: all right, hearing none. Could you please call the role?

565
01:53:24.220 --> 01:53:28.430
General Room: Thank you so much. Anyone in disagreement, please say no.

566
01:53:30.050 --> 01:53:32.979
General Room: thank you. Chair is Ginger Finch.

567
01:53:36.710 --> 01:53:42.089
General Room: So the next thing we need to do is to choose a vice chair.

568
01:53:43.580 --> 01:53:45.869
General Room: Are there any nominations for that

569
01:53:49.720 --> 01:53:56.189
General Room: mate, Charles Steele any second, I'll second

570
01:53:57.180 --> 01:53:59.670
General Room: any other nominations for Vice Chair.

571
01:54:04.080 --> 01:54:08.640
General Room: Will you call the room? Thank you. Anyone in disagreement, please say no.

572
01:54:10.030 --> 01:54:14.460
General Room: thank you. Motion passes vice chair of the Budget Committee is Charles Steele. Thank you.

573
01:54:16.890 --> 01:54:20.899
General Room: And then Dr. Ludwig will present the budget to us.

574
01:54:32.420 --> 01:54:35.289
General Room: Thank you. Budget committee chair Ginger Fitch.

575
01:54:40.690 --> 01:54:50.360
General Room: I'd like to begin by reminding our community how we move through an annual budget approval process and timeline where we are today.

576
01:54:51.410 --> 01:55:00.249
General Room: as you can see by the Blue Circle. We are officially convening for the 1st time the Budget Committee in a public meeting.

577
01:55:00.500 --> 01:55:10.020
General Room: and as you've seen a chair and a vice chair have been selected, and the committee will now receive the proposed budget for the 2526 school year

578
01:55:11.210 --> 01:55:16.260
General Room: as a budget committee. This evening you'll receive the proposed budget document.

579
01:55:16.480 --> 01:55:18.660
General Room: After I deliver the budget message

580
01:55:18.760 --> 01:55:24.739
General Room: and the community will have access to this document tomorrow morning, posted on our district website.

581
01:55:25.270 --> 01:55:29.260
General Room: My superintendent's message will be.

582
01:55:29.880 --> 01:55:36.179
General Room: oh, not that slide yet. My superintendent message will be included in full at the very front of the document.

583
01:55:36.410 --> 01:55:44.149
General Room: and this evening I will not be reading aloud the whole message, line by line, but rather, I'll just be highlighting some portions of it.

584
01:55:45.580 --> 01:55:55.080
General Room: Hey? Next, public school districts are very different than private industry, budgets or household budgets.

585
01:55:55.330 --> 01:56:04.190
General Room: There are 197 school districts, 19 Esds. And more than 130 public charter schools in Oregon.

586
01:56:04.570 --> 01:56:10.310
General Room: all sharing an 11.3 6 billion dollars budget reservoir of funding

587
01:56:11.110 --> 01:56:18.359
General Room: as students move between school districts or leave school districts or arrive in our State or leave our State.

588
01:56:18.600 --> 01:56:22.159
General Room: These funds have to be adjusted and reconciled

589
01:56:22.540 --> 01:56:25.169
General Room: during and after the school year is over.

590
01:56:25.460 --> 01:56:34.349
General Room: which means we're working often across 3 fiscal years. The year before the year we're in and the year ahead with new estimates

591
01:56:35.180 --> 01:56:43.970
General Room: as executive director, Jackie Olson reminds the public. You can see her quote. An adopted budget is a plan. At 1 point in time.

592
01:56:44.500 --> 01:56:48.570
General Room: the following week or month it will change.

593
01:56:48.710 --> 01:56:59.400
General Room: Why? Because the funding might change or the enrollment might change and adopted budgets are based on every school district's best estimates. At 1 point in time.

594
01:57:00.080 --> 01:57:08.860
General Room: for example, we may not know about the increase to special education cap or high cost disability fund that we're advocating for until the end of June.

595
01:57:09.510 --> 01:57:13.039
General Room: But we will all have to adopt a budget by June 30.th

596
01:57:13.680 --> 01:57:24.339
General Room: If the State or Federal government, or a local grant makes any funding changes after the budget is adopted, it will get reflected in what we call the working budget.

597
01:57:24.800 --> 01:57:28.759
General Room: with updates to the School Board over the course of the year.

598
01:57:29.110 --> 01:57:32.380
General Room: and public school districts are governed by many rules.

599
01:57:32.570 --> 01:57:38.150
General Room: There are rules for grants and rules for how to move or not move money within funds or functions.

600
01:57:38.710 --> 01:57:42.469
General Room: After a school year concludes, the budget is audited.

601
01:57:42.710 --> 01:57:47.540
General Room: and change changes that were made become the actual budget

602
01:57:48.280 --> 01:57:57.100
General Room: adopted. Budgets and actual budgets are different because they reflect the finances 12 months apart.

603
01:57:57.860 --> 01:57:59.689
General Room: It is complicated.

604
01:58:00.260 --> 01:58:06.309
General Room: Socrates, Einstein, and Thomas Jefferson remind us that wisdom comes from knowing that there is more to know

605
01:58:06.530 --> 01:58:11.600
General Room: and to suspend certainty, to stay curious and to learn more.

606
01:58:12.170 --> 01:58:16.950
General Room: And I know you'll do that as a Budget committee next.

607
01:58:19.010 --> 01:58:32.110
General Room: So to the Budget Committee and Weston Wilsonville community, I respectfully submit the Westland Wilsonville School district proposed budget for the 2526 school year, in accordance with Ors, 2 9 4.3 9 1

608
01:58:32.600 --> 01:58:37.360
General Room: district budget for the 2025, 2026 school year proposes

609
01:58:37.570 --> 01:58:43.760
General Room: $158,035,887. In the general fund.

610
01:58:44.140 --> 01:58:47.209
General Room: $31,000,683,

611
01:58:47.390 --> 01:58:51.749
General Room: $83,624. In the special revenue fund.

612
01:58:52.280 --> 01:58:57.819
General Room: $44,057,708 in the debt services Fund

613
01:58:58.160 --> 01:59:04.199
General Room: $32,214,601 in the Capital Projects fund

614
01:59:04.700 --> 01:59:24.990
General Room: together, the funds totaling $265,991,820, provide a balanced budget of revenue and expenditures that meet Federal and State regulations, and align with the district goals. The District integrated plan, the district equity, action, plan and individual school work plans.

615
01:59:26.990 --> 01:59:32.139
General Room: Next in the process of assembling a school budget.

616
01:59:32.400 --> 01:59:34.740
General Room: The district moves through several steps.

617
01:59:35.130 --> 01:59:42.320
General Room: Step one begins by rolling forward the current level of staffing programs and services from the current year into the New Year

618
01:59:43.150 --> 01:59:51.740
General Room: as school districts. There's a lot of structure already in place. Classrooms, programs, those just roll forward.

619
01:59:52.280 --> 02:00:01.120
General Room: The second step is that there's an evaluation of those programs, those classroom levels, the operations and the projected need

620
02:00:02.730 --> 02:00:14.440
General Room: step. 3 revenue sources become more known. State school fund, local taxes Federal and state grants and those are projected forward alongside projected expenditures.

621
02:00:15.800 --> 02:00:24.400
General Room: Step 4 is community input it's collected through a survey of staff parents and patrons regarding key investments and priorities

622
02:00:25.280 --> 02:00:32.399
General Room: step 5 adjustments are made based on survey results, and any new information from federal, state or local funding sources

623
02:00:32.730 --> 02:00:37.110
General Room: that then inform the last step which is a proposed budget brought to the Budget Committee

624
02:00:40.690 --> 02:00:48.269
General Room: during the budget development as well as throughout the regular school year. Public school districts have many layers of transparency

625
02:00:48.670 --> 02:00:50.899
General Room: and agency accountability.

626
02:00:51.260 --> 02:00:59.719
General Room: Here are some of the key agencies we work with on a regular basis for consultation as well as reporting of our district's finances.

627
02:01:01.100 --> 02:01:09.540
General Room: You can see that the School Board is one of those agencies responsible for the fiscal overview of the budget, and receives reports at board meetings.

628
02:01:09.770 --> 02:01:15.219
General Room: and can schedule times to meet with the Cfo. Or superintendent anytime upon request.

629
02:01:16.440 --> 02:01:20.970
General Room: Western Wilsonville School district has for about 4 years now also contracted

630
02:01:21.330 --> 02:01:32.189
General Room: with an Oregon licensed Cfo to review our budget development, provide trainings to new staff as needed, give us recommendations for any changes to procedures or best practice

631
02:01:32.590 --> 02:01:37.159
General Room: and review the proposed budget that you'll receive tonight

632
02:01:41.300 --> 02:01:44.559
General Room: in the budget message. You'll read about key investments.

633
02:01:44.680 --> 02:01:53.770
General Room: Key investment priorities are those that are research-based or proven to exemplify the quality of learning and the quality of care every parent wishes for their child

634
02:01:54.410 --> 02:02:09.980
General Room: key investments that our community has identified through surveys and comments include the list that you see here quality, staff class size, excellence in teaching. You can see curriculum. Diverse learning needs

635
02:02:10.310 --> 02:02:13.599
General Room: mental health and behavioral needs, inclusion.

636
02:02:13.720 --> 02:02:22.729
General Room: varied assessments that measure progress access to regular coursework enriched programs, many of which you heard tonight from our students

637
02:02:22.870 --> 02:02:28.140
General Room: expanded stem and cte programs, early childhood and instructional technology.

638
02:02:30.980 --> 02:02:39.020
General Room: And we measure the outcomes of our investments by collecting, analyzing, and utilizing a broad range of evidence.

639
02:02:39.610 --> 02:02:51.400
General Room: Whether it's graduation rates. You can see our outcomes here. We have the highest graduation rate in the State of Oregon for a multi high school district at 97.7%,

640
02:02:51.950 --> 02:02:59.450
General Room: and each vocal group of our Weston Wilsonville students also increased and outperformed the State's overall rate.

641
02:03:01.150 --> 02:03:13.369
General Room: We've made increases among regular attendees, 9th grade on track and increasing student participation in ab courses, ap courses, Ib. Courses and dual credit classes at our High school.

642
02:03:14.890 --> 02:03:25.249
General Room: The Oregon State Assessment academic achievement results on school and district report cards are indicators of how students are making growth in meeting grade level standards as they progress through school.

643
02:03:25.390 --> 02:03:30.410
General Room: And each school State report card provides data on academic achievement and growth.

644
02:03:31.300 --> 02:03:41.999
General Room: We also have interim assessments that are given across the district that provide valuable information to help students monitor their own learning and help teachers adjust and prepare instruction

645
02:03:42.790 --> 02:03:50.390
General Room: and help school and district teams effectively, effectively plan targeted interventions and resources as needed

646
02:03:51.190 --> 02:03:55.689
General Room: anecdotal and qualitative data from students, staff and community surveys

647
02:03:57.240 --> 02:04:04.109
General Room: and district or school-based forums provide additional information about how students are accessing their learning

648
02:04:04.370 --> 02:04:07.380
General Room: or experiencing a sense of belonging at school

649
02:04:10.240 --> 02:04:17.269
General Room: this year. Messages about the proposed 2526 budget were communicated early in January.

650
02:04:17.550 --> 02:04:31.649
General Room: due to the small Schools task force and consideration process that involved a School Board decision. By the end of January. The School Board needed to know the implications of their decision on a future budget as well as on the community.

651
02:04:31.990 --> 02:04:42.840
General Room: and because the Governor had made her proposal for A. K. 12 State School Fund. In December we were able to use this estimate to roll forward projections for the 2526, school year.

652
02:04:43.490 --> 02:04:46.739
General Room: and the level of reductions needed to balance the budget

653
02:04:49.060 --> 02:04:57.970
General Room: to honor a request by association groups for an earlier timeline. In making the reductions, the district moved forward with licensed reductions by mid-march

654
02:04:58.090 --> 02:05:03.550
General Room: classified reductions, by early April and administrator reductions. By the end of April

655
02:05:04.290 --> 02:05:08.630
General Room: the 15 million dollars of reductions for the 2526 school year.

656
02:05:08.950 --> 02:05:10.810
General Room: We're in the following areas.

657
02:05:11.600 --> 02:05:15.150
General Room: And a detailed letter to the community was sent on April 10th

658
02:05:15.360 --> 02:05:19.109
General Room: and is repeated in the budget message which you'll receive tonight.

659
02:05:23.080 --> 02:05:30.229
General Room: There are outstanding factors that could continue to impact the budget. The proposed budget that you'll receive tonight.

660
02:05:30.710 --> 02:05:36.129
General Room: And there's a list here. Student enrollment, whether it goes up or down

661
02:05:36.630 --> 02:05:40.559
General Room: grant allocations. We're currently operating with estimates.

662
02:05:40.830 --> 02:05:44.829
General Room: Those will be finalized in the fall. And we'll make those adjustments.

663
02:05:45.570 --> 02:05:53.150
General Room: There's potential for increased state funding, whether it's to special education with a high-cost disability fund.

664
02:05:54.100 --> 02:06:04.419
General Room: Senate Bill 849 has designated pers State of emergency and utilizing some fiscal relief

665
02:06:05.050 --> 02:06:11.790
General Room: by bringing down the rate of Pers for the next biennium by 1.6 8% reduction.

666
02:06:13.030 --> 02:06:25.010
General Room: But the legislative session is not over, and should there be passage of other bills or mandates that require school districts to absorb new costs, this could also negatively impact the budget.

667
02:06:26.630 --> 02:06:29.500
General Room: We also follow the national influences

668
02:06:30.310 --> 02:06:34.319
General Room: and our tracking and monitoring information that we receive

669
02:06:34.610 --> 02:06:42.589
General Room: about grants, Federal grants, such as idea, title, grants, Medicaid, or other proposals.

670
02:06:46.250 --> 02:06:54.130
General Room: As mentioned, there's an annual survey that's sent out to the community in April, asking for feedback regarding the key investments

671
02:06:54.440 --> 02:07:00.910
General Room: and which ones our community would continue to have the district prioritize for each fiscal school year

672
02:07:01.420 --> 02:07:11.379
General Room: this district this year. The district also asked for input regarding where to restore back from the reductions. Should there be additional state funding.

673
02:07:11.520 --> 02:07:15.970
General Room: The school district received 337 survey responses.

674
02:07:16.840 --> 02:07:23.810
General Room: The feedback was collected, categorized, and analyzed, and you can see where the priorities lie.

675
02:07:24.510 --> 02:07:27.830
General Room: 89.9% of the respondents

676
02:07:28.260 --> 02:07:34.800
General Room: prioritized filling back reduced teaching positions, 55.8%

677
02:07:34.920 --> 02:07:42.289
General Room: supported staff and specialists and paraeducators being restored 27.9%.

678
02:07:43.120 --> 02:07:49.739
General Room: Ask the district to restore a larger ending fund balance, so that fewer reductions would be made in the following year.

679
02:07:50.700 --> 02:07:57.069
General Room: and then there was about 4 and a half percent that asked for restoration of professional development opportunities.

680
02:07:58.590 --> 02:08:04.929
General Room: The full result of the survey is included in the Budget document that you'll receive tonight

681
02:08:05.060 --> 02:08:09.829
General Room: in the information section, and there are links to all of the survey responses.

682
02:08:14.160 --> 02:08:24.529
General Room: while we will be eager to restore back positions or programs and services for another year. It's always important to consider the two-year biennium.

683
02:08:24.990 --> 02:08:32.620
General Room: knowing that there are still many unknowns, and to keep in mind what is coming on the horizon, and be as prepared as possible.

684
02:08:33.290 --> 02:08:40.459
General Room: Please note the word draft at the top of the slide. This is a very cursory look forward.

685
02:08:40.650 --> 02:08:48.810
General Room: because the more changes that we realize in the 2526 school year will impact the 2627 school year.

686
02:08:50.300 --> 02:08:57.410
General Room: Looking ahead, there are still concerns about declining enrollment, and how that would impact revenue.

687
02:08:58.440 --> 02:09:02.499
General Room: And also, as you can see from the two-year biennium.

688
02:09:03.090 --> 02:09:14.149
General Room: the revenue in year one only increases by 2 and a half percent in year 2. That's how the 49, 51 split is provided from the State.

689
02:09:14.920 --> 02:09:19.239
General Room: but the expenditures at a minimum will increase by 6%,

690
02:09:19.840 --> 02:09:23.439
General Room: which creates a perpetual gap in funding.

691
02:09:24.120 --> 02:09:35.170
General Room: And so, as we think about the quality of the 2526 school year. The School Board will also be looking forward and thinking about fiscal conservatism

692
02:09:35.530 --> 02:09:38.519
General Room: and supports for the following year.

693
02:09:40.410 --> 02:09:41.080
General Room: Thanks.

694
02:09:44.130 --> 02:09:48.630
General Room: Making reductions in a school district is heartbreaking.

695
02:09:49.770 --> 02:09:56.959
General Room: It's complicated, and it impacts all members of the school, community students, staff, and families.

696
02:09:57.200 --> 02:10:07.219
General Room: We recognize that some of our valued staff have lost positions in our district. After devoting considerable time, talent, heart, soul, and passion.

697
02:10:07.870 --> 02:10:13.120
General Room: we are indebted and grateful to their service and their positive impact on our students.

698
02:10:13.350 --> 02:10:15.309
General Room: Truly we thank them.

699
02:10:15.880 --> 02:10:20.139
General Room: We are hopeful that future openings will allow them to rejoin the district.

700
02:10:20.680 --> 02:10:34.569
General Room: We recognize that other educators in our district will have different assignments next year than this last year, and we thank them for making the adjustments necessary, and appreciate the extra time and attention they will spend as they shift into these new roles.

701
02:10:35.120 --> 02:10:41.009
General Room: We're grateful for the continued expertise they bring to our district and the care they provide our students.

702
02:10:44.430 --> 02:10:49.930
General Room: I'd like to end with a series of recognitions and appreciations. First, st to our School Board.

703
02:10:50.540 --> 02:10:54.579
General Room: I wish to recognize the leadership of our School Board members.

704
02:10:55.110 --> 02:11:01.019
General Room: Each Board member has demonstrated extraordinary courage and integrity. This year.

705
02:11:01.690 --> 02:11:05.339
General Room: generosity of time for community listening sessions.

706
02:11:05.570 --> 02:11:09.159
General Room: advocacy at the State level for increased funding.

707
02:11:09.830 --> 02:11:15.459
General Room: dedication to accurate information that is reported out thoughtfully and carefully.

708
02:11:15.840 --> 02:11:19.989
General Room: and support to our staff and students and families.

709
02:11:20.340 --> 02:11:26.190
General Room: Each board member has provided their belief and support in the professional expertise of our staff.

710
02:11:26.360 --> 02:11:32.820
General Room: staying curious and learning, but never demeaning or disparaging the hard work of our employees.

711
02:11:33.700 --> 02:11:43.450
General Room: Lastly, their steadfast advocacy for inclusion of all children to attend their neighborhood schools and learn alongside their peers. In the general education classroom

712
02:11:43.590 --> 02:11:47.619
General Room: honors, the educational and civil rights of our students.

713
02:11:49.630 --> 02:11:52.010
General Room: I wish to recognize our Budget Committee.

714
02:11:52.720 --> 02:11:58.610
General Room: our volunteers who will oversee the accountability of our budget process and document.

715
02:11:58.770 --> 02:12:05.230
General Room: I want to thank you for the time that you have given leading up to this evening and over the coming weeks.

716
02:12:05.930 --> 02:12:12.689
General Room: and we thank all who participated in this budget development process by sending us their feedback parents, patrons, and staff.

717
02:12:12.880 --> 02:12:20.039
General Room: This year, especially there was increased interest in learning how schools are funded and how districts assemble their budgets.

718
02:12:22.120 --> 02:12:31.290
General Room: I wish to recognize our stellar business office and the Budget development team. Many who are here tonight. Thank you, Michael and Brad.

719
02:12:32.100 --> 02:12:50.510
General Room: The countless hours they have invested in assembling this document alongside hours of meetings with district staff to ensure programs and numbers are accurately reflected. Their work does not end here. They will continue to account for and adjust finances as revenue and expenditures actualize over the course of the year.

720
02:12:53.490 --> 02:13:14.169
General Room: I wish to recognize and thank our community's generosity, demonstrated in countless ways, volunteering in schools and at events donating time and resources, providing expertise as guest teachers and mentors. We thank our parent leaders with our Ptas and Ptos and booster clubs for their generous hours of service.

721
02:13:14.770 --> 02:13:23.740
General Room: This year several parents worked to relaunch the Westland Wilsonville Schools Foundation, and I want to personally thank Megan Fisher and Tony Collard for doing that

722
02:13:24.120 --> 02:13:28.439
General Room: for reigniting interest and advocacy for additional funding for teachers.

723
02:13:28.670 --> 02:13:42.100
General Room: We thank our entire school community for supporting local option levies and capital bonds together. These supplemental funding sources have helped us preserve teaching positions and protect the general fund from high cost, capital renovations.

724
02:13:42.520 --> 02:13:49.480
General Room: And finally, we thank the many parents who have given time and testimony at the State Capitol for increased funding to public education

725
02:13:50.050 --> 02:13:58.420
General Room: altogether. It is clear that there is tremendous support in our community for our students, our staff, our schools and K. 12, public education.

726
02:13:58.610 --> 02:14:04.730
General Room: We would not be the district we are today without the belief, the support, and the generous investments of our community.

727
02:14:06.290 --> 02:14:19.990
General Room: I'd like to end this evening by recognizing the excellence of our teachers, specialists, staff and administrators who bring their best professional selves to educating children on a daily basis.

728
02:14:20.930 --> 02:14:34.029
General Room: Our Westland Wilsonville staff does not operate in silos. Instead, they work selflessly across departments and schools, levels and roles toward the same goal, eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps.

729
02:14:34.820 --> 02:14:39.390
General Room: and ensuring all students in our district are happy and proud.

730
02:14:40.520 --> 02:14:51.480
General Room: It is imperative to restate that an outdated State School Fund calculation, method, and subsequent inadequate K. 12. School funding allocations cannot continue in Oregon

731
02:14:52.710 --> 02:15:05.929
General Room: reductions across the State occurred last year, and this year, and will occur next year, unless there continues to be collective advocacy and courageous commitment by state leaders, state legislators, and the Governor's office.

732
02:15:06.600 --> 02:15:20.310
General Room: Our state leaders must take into consideration realistic and current workforce payroll cost increases, goods and service cost increases, increased student mental health and special education needs and rising inflation.

733
02:15:21.650 --> 02:15:31.660
General Room: This is not an individual school district financial issue, nor a county issue, nor a regional issue.

734
02:15:31.960 --> 02:15:34.069
General Room: It is a statewide issue.

735
02:15:35.210 --> 02:15:43.100
General Room: the pattern of school districts making reductions across the State in some form or another, at some level or another is a sign.

736
02:15:43.920 --> 02:15:52.070
General Room: continued school budget reductions is a signal. A canary in the coal mine that something needs to be done soon.

737
02:15:53.140 --> 02:16:03.089
General Room: and while we appreciate the goodwill and intention of key legislation, there is always financial and time consuming impacts for school districts with every legislative implementation.

738
02:16:03.940 --> 02:16:07.659
General Room: Funding must accompany new legislation.

739
02:16:08.570 --> 02:16:19.669
General Room: Yes, accountability is important. We measure our student learning outcomes and adjust our instruction, our investments, our interventions, and our practices accordingly.

740
02:16:20.360 --> 02:16:23.059
General Room: But accountability in the words of the governor

741
02:16:23.210 --> 02:16:32.080
General Room: is not about increased reporting or more testing. It's about stewardship of resources, measurable outcomes and transparency.

742
02:16:33.070 --> 02:16:43.270
General Room: The stewardship of resources, however, must 1st assume and prioritize adequate and stable resources, not reduced resources.

743
02:16:45.590 --> 02:16:51.570
General Room: As a last word, I am proud and humbled to serve the Westland Wilsonville School district.

744
02:16:52.040 --> 02:16:55.310
General Room: The amazing students, the talented staff.

745
02:16:55.700 --> 02:16:59.000
General Room: the dedicated parents, and the engaged community.

746
02:16:59.410 --> 02:17:01.400
General Room: and to bring forward a budget

747
02:17:01.629 --> 02:17:10.230
General Room: that, while reduced, still supports the mission and goals of this school district, and most importantly, the academic and social emotional success

748
02:17:10.389 --> 02:17:14.520
General Room: of each student respectfully submitted.

749
02:17:14.850 --> 02:17:16.760
General Room: Superintendent Kathy Ludwig.

750
02:17:21.700 --> 02:17:23.200
General Room: Thank you, Dr. Lockwood.

751
02:17:23.719 --> 02:17:26.929
General Room: Dr. Hughes, do you want to present

752
02:17:30.160 --> 02:17:31.469
General Room: documents.

753
02:17:33.837 --> 02:17:43.910
General Room: Before. Thank you, Ginger, before I present the vice chair will have some overview of the Budget Committee role and responsibilities.

754
02:17:46.900 --> 02:18:09.580
General Room: Thank you, and so I have a chair. Taylor and I have a short slide deck, and this is shared both for the Budget Committee just on our general roles. But then also, just for the larger community to understand how we approach putting or reviewing a budget as as a citizens budget committee.

755
02:18:09.580 --> 02:18:31.079
General Room: And so I'll run through this really quickly, and then make these slides available. But it also shares some advice on how to make the most of these next 2 weeks, because we're going to get a great big budget, and we want to make the most of reviewing that and asking the questions that we have. So this is just a quick overview of the Budget Committee roles and responsibilities. And so if we go to the next slide.

756
02:18:31.110 --> 02:18:58.860
General Room: and if you I put animations in here, forgetting that I wasn't controlling it. So please bear with me. But, as Dr. Mentioned, the local and national news shows us where we are right now as a district. The reductions that we're seeing are not uncommon. And so for this chair Taylor and I just wanted to recognize all of you on the Budget Committee for stepping up and taking on this challenge. Because

757
02:18:58.860 --> 02:19:19.939
General Room: these are not easy times, we do not have discretionary funds available. And so we are looking at really big challenges, and when you see words like sobering fiscal cliff and cuts in headlines across the State, you know the situation that we're in. So thank you for your time. Next slide

758
02:19:20.309 --> 02:19:43.569
General Room: you have in front of you a charge to the Budget Committee. It should be a document that looks like this. And so what we're going to do is we're going to go through some of the key elements that are in this charge. This is from the Oregon School Boards Association, budget, Committee handbook. And so we're going to break this down piece by piece, and what that means for us as a committee. So if we go to the next slide.

759
02:19:44.400 --> 02:19:53.790
General Room: So we're going to break this into 3 parts. So first, st we're going to look at the charge language. So if we click. Next.

760
02:19:54.070 --> 02:20:06.019
General Room: we see here that the language is about how we do not, as a committee, approve staffing levels, salary schedules or negotiate contracts. We also

761
02:20:06.020 --> 02:20:27.530
General Room: do not adjust policies and priorities that have already been set by the School Board, and we don't add delete or increase programs. But we are here to test the reasonableness of the budget. And to make sure that the input that we've received is being reflected. And so a way that we do this unsuccessfully. If we click next

762
02:20:27.710 --> 02:20:49.350
General Room: is to make statements as a committee. So we shouldn't be saying things like we should restore funding to this program, or we must triple this budget and include more positions. So speaking, in declarative statements like this really goes above and beyond the charge that we have as budget committee members.

763
02:20:49.350 --> 02:21:12.610
General Room: And so instead, we recommend asking questions to learn more. And so a different way. To say that we should restore positions would be to ask the question, how would a change in staffing affect student learning experiences? Or if we wanted to talk about the if a budget is sufficient asking the question, is this budget sufficient to purchase new curriculum.

764
02:21:12.670 --> 02:21:18.469
General Room: And so we really encourage you to use these next 2 weeks as a time to ask those questions.

765
02:21:18.650 --> 02:21:39.050
General Room: So when you ask those questions next slide, please. We'll walk through what happens when you ask those questions. So we would like you to, after your review of the budget. Submit your questions in one email directed to the superintendent, the chief financial officer, and the School Board chair by May 15, th

766
02:21:39.160 --> 02:21:42.099
General Room: and you can see a sample from last year.

767
02:21:42.280 --> 02:22:12.129
General Room: What will happen is, staff will respond to those questions in a summary document and distribute it to all members of the Budget Committee. And so you can see in the example, the question will be asked, and then the responses from the district will be provided, and this is an important step to make sure that we're all on the same page as a great question comes in. And so if Budget Committee Chair Fitch thinks of something great, I hadn't thought of it yet I can review what she asked, and then make sure that it aids my knowledge. Next slide, please.

768
02:22:12.360 --> 02:22:17.929
General Room: And so some do's for asking great questions. If you click.

769
02:22:18.100 --> 02:22:34.189
General Room: If you can submit your questions as early as possible, we all can learn from them. We know we're all busy, but I'm just prioritizing some time to get those questions in. When you see responses come back from other budget committee members take a look at those because they may answer some questions that you already had

770
02:22:34.310 --> 02:23:00.909
General Room: to save the inboxes of our staff. Try to send all of your questions in one email, if possible, and I just really encourage you to stay curious and assume positive intent and recognize the professional expertise of our staff. And so, you know, being curious and asking why or asking questions is a great way to do that, and then some don'ts. Please don't wait until the very last night to submit your questions.

771
02:23:00.940 --> 02:23:05.250
General Room: Please don't ignore the questions that others on the Budget Committee have already asked.

772
02:23:05.560 --> 02:23:33.790
General Room: Please don't send them 14 different emails with 14 different questions. And just remember, as Dr. Ludwig pointed out, reviewing the district budget is different than reviewing your personal or business budget. It might look longer and more daunting. And it is. It's not like reviewing your own personal budget. So if you find yourself going there saying, I wouldn't have budgeted this here, ask that question about why? Why is this expense budgeted here and not there.

773
02:23:33.870 --> 02:23:38.410
General Room: because it isn't like the budget you have at home next slide.

774
02:23:38.850 --> 02:23:59.580
General Room: So the next charge language we have is that individual committee members have no authority to direct staff to do specific work, but as a committee we may ask Staff to provide additional information. So some examples of how to not adhere to this charge language.

775
02:24:00.078 --> 02:24:01.629
General Room: If you click next

776
02:24:02.700 --> 02:24:31.869
General Room: at no point. Do you want to be trying to direct major efforts of work? So you don't want to be saying, run a report for me on these expenditures, but instead, a way that you could pursue something like that is, if there is interest across the Budget Committee. You can make a motion to request a report to do that deeper dive, and then, if there is a second, and if there is budget committee vote, then that additional work can be done.

777
02:24:31.870 --> 02:24:52.380
General Room: Another way to look at this is, instead of asking for that source data. Another great way is to just ask the question, hey, have you looked into expenditures in middle school wellness programs? So rather than saying, Do this work for me just say, has this question been asked, and the staff will gladly let you know?

778
02:24:52.380 --> 02:25:02.770
General Room: Yes, you know we looked into this, and this, you know, aided our, you know, development of this budget. So again, going back to that idea of staying curious and asking questions

779
02:25:03.210 --> 02:25:04.390
General Room: next slide.

780
02:25:04.960 --> 02:25:29.869
General Room: And then, really, importantly, you are a budget communicator. The reason that Oregon Budget law has a Citizens Budget Committee is to take all of the work that's done at the policy level and have citizens be involved in sharing and pushing that information out into the world. And so just remember that as a budget committee member, you have credibility and responsibility to do that.

781
02:25:29.870 --> 02:25:38.820
General Room: and to share the accurate information and ways to get that information. So a way to not do this

782
02:25:38.820 --> 02:25:57.519
General Room: is to, you know, throw your muscle around and say, I'm on the Budget Committee. You can talk to me to get that funded. That's not going to happen as we've already discussed, or to spread misinformation. So if you're out there telling people things that aren't true, just remember that your words carry weight because you're serving in this capacity.

783
02:25:57.520 --> 02:26:23.609
General Room: But some really great ways to do this is to really focus people's attention on the fact that public comment at our next meeting is a really important way for us to get feedback. And so we want people to come to that meeting and offer their ideas and feedback, or to be a wayfinder to tell people how to get to accurate information. And so if you're hearing things in the community that just aren't right

784
02:26:24.000 --> 02:26:33.190
General Room: or just seem, you know, kind of out of left field. Make those connections, say I can connect you with the business office and let you know how to get the facts or the real data.

785
02:26:33.820 --> 02:26:35.350
General Room: So next slide.

786
02:26:36.170 --> 02:27:05.710
General Room: So again, what we have charged staff to do is to listen to the community we've heard about the budget survey. Lots of emails and information will be going out soon about the budget. Expect to see stories in our local newspapers, and then again welcoming people to come to our meeting on May 19, th and to share their ideas and opinions about the budget. Once it's released, we know that there are room. There's room for improvement on all things related to engagement.

787
02:27:05.957 --> 02:27:10.659
General Room: So let us know if there are other ways that you think we should be listening to the community

788
02:27:11.070 --> 02:27:12.250
General Room: next slide.

789
02:27:12.770 --> 02:27:39.509
General Room: And then, lastly, just a reminder. The work that we're doing is very different than what you do at home. The different levels of accountability, reporting and timing for a school district or a government agency are almost double what we would anticipate you would experience. So just keep this in mind everything from the timing of when revenues are received to. When expenses are known, all comes into play

790
02:27:39.850 --> 02:27:41.190
General Room: the next slide.

791
02:27:41.720 --> 02:28:11.310
General Room: So at this point just want to thank you again on behalf of chair. Taylor wants you to go home. Dig into your budget document. We're going to hear more from Dr. Hughes. Remember to ask all of your questions. By May 15.th We meet again on the 19.th If we, if we need to, we'll meet on the 21, st and then the next step in the process after a budget is approved by this committee is, the School Board adopts a budget in June, and the new fiscal year starts on July first.st

792
02:28:11.596 --> 02:28:32.200
General Room: So with that. I just want to close by thanking you again. If there are any questions about Budget committee service, I'm happy to help, or we can talk after this meeting. But yeah, thanks for being here, and thanks for joining the Budget Committee. Thank you. Vice chair with. That was very helpful. I've not seen that before, and I think that level of detail is quite useful to continue on.

793
02:28:33.020 --> 02:28:36.340
General Room: Oh, Dr. Hughes.

794
02:28:39.630 --> 02:28:45.607
General Room: thank you. Vice chair, Wyat. So now I would like to have Michael and Brad come up and

795
02:28:46.280 --> 02:28:49.300
General Room: deliver the budget document to each of you

796
02:29:05.520 --> 02:29:21.429
General Room: while we're waiting. I will note that in prior school boards the decision was made to give Board Committee Budget committee members 2 weekends to be able to go through the budget and provide your questions. And so that's

797
02:29:21.960 --> 02:29:32.600
General Room: that's a hint to go ahead and get started. This 1st weekend, so that you're not doing all at the last minute, but that that's kind of the ideas that you would have plenty of.

798
02:29:32.990 --> 02:29:35.710
General Room: It'll be in time to get your questions in.

799
02:29:36.870 --> 02:30:03.680
General Room: So now we have the budget documents in front of us, and I think my Powerpoint will be the last Powerpoint of the night. But after a whole night after. Yes. So the Budget document overviews the front page. So this one is the proposed 2526 budget for the Western Wilsonville School district.

800
02:30:03.860 --> 02:30:08.620
General Room: So Schooper chat can be very difficult to

801
02:30:08.730 --> 02:30:31.080
General Room: review, complex and difficult to navigate it. So in order to help anyone to look at the school district budget, the key question to ask ourselves is, Where does the money come from? How is the money spent, and what other funds are included in the Budget document?

802
02:30:31.340 --> 02:30:39.710
General Room: So this information will be posted on the Biznet website tomorrow morning for community member to access to it

803
02:30:43.990 --> 02:30:52.640
General Room: the Budget cycle, some school district. They build a budget biennium for our school district. We do it annually.

804
02:30:53.270 --> 02:30:57.279
General Room: Starting from July 1st and end June 30.th

805
02:30:57.910 --> 02:31:07.649
General Room: The key budget component is a safe school fund. The local revenue, which is include a property tax, local option and other revenues.

806
02:31:08.340 --> 02:31:16.229
General Room: The budget development process, forecast revenue expenditure, prepare the budget.

807
02:31:16.360 --> 02:31:23.570
General Room: involve the public, and then the Budget Committee approve the budget document

808
02:31:24.290 --> 02:31:29.059
General Room: after that will be the ongoing financial monitor and oversight.

809
02:31:29.350 --> 02:31:31.710
General Room: At the end of the school year.

810
02:31:31.820 --> 02:31:40.350
General Room: close to June 30th we have financial closeout. We have annual audit, and then we plan in for the upcoming fiscal year

811
02:31:46.070 --> 02:31:51.419
General Room: for our school district. We have a total of 4 funds tied.

812
02:31:51.900 --> 02:31:54.359
General Room: The 1st one is a general fund.

813
02:31:54.620 --> 02:32:05.570
General Room: General funds is the primary operating fund that districts do most day-to-day expense, such as salary supplies and utility

814
02:32:05.760 --> 02:32:23.159
General Room: revenue coming from local property tax sales confirm and other local revenues, such as fees, Clackamas, Esd. Reimbursement, rental facility, rental, some type of donation.

815
02:32:24.250 --> 02:32:41.489
General Room: special revenue under Fund 200, and this is due for specific purposes, such as the Federal and State or local. Each of these grant come with a requirement, are very restricted.

816
02:32:43.000 --> 02:32:49.880
General Room: Debt service fund 300. We use to account for repayment of principal and interest

817
02:32:50.110 --> 02:33:00.070
General Room: for Westland Wilsonville School district. We have 2 debt services. One is Geo. Bond, and another one is a pension bond, the Geo. Bond dep

818
02:33:00.270 --> 02:33:07.870
General Room: the revenue coming from the property tax to pay up the principal and interest the pension bond

819
02:33:07.990 --> 02:33:16.600
General Room: the money, collect from all the fund to pay for it, like, for example, from general fund in

820
02:33:16.780 --> 02:33:40.070
General Room: the actual share pay expenditure. So under the salary. And then we also have the actual Shea payroll cost. So every single dollar that staff earn there is the actual share pay. So the raise it for about 60 to 65% of that. So some of that coming to support pay up the per bond.

821
02:33:41.210 --> 02:33:59.119
General Room: Last, but not least, the fund that we have we call capital projects that support major construction, project, facility and capital access acquisition funded through bond proceeds, and other long-term capital financing sources.

822
02:33:59.990 --> 02:34:05.350
General Room: So now you can get your budget document out.

823
02:34:08.450 --> 02:34:10.939
General Room: So you have big book with you.

824
02:34:11.650 --> 02:34:17.260
General Room: and then you will see that I have the purple sticky note.

825
02:34:22.800 --> 02:34:27.130
General Room: You have this page right here with a purple signify.

826
02:34:27.350 --> 02:34:32.009
General Room: So this one is capture. All of the fund

827
02:34:32.320 --> 02:34:39.640
General Room: are the forefront that the District health for 2526 proposed.

828
02:34:39.960 --> 02:35:01.320
General Room: So in Superintendent Budget Message, she mentioned that the total fund for the proposed 2526 is 265.9 million, and with that we have 158 million of the General fund, or 59%

829
02:35:01.630 --> 02:35:24.859
General Room: representation. So normally at the Budget Committee, people often address what is the total budget of the Western Smithsonville School district, and we can tell that the right hand side is adopted. Budget for the current year 2425, and the left hand side is a proposed that we have for 2526.

830
02:35:25.250 --> 02:35:28.310
General Room: So you can see the general fund.

831
02:35:28.960 --> 02:35:47.420
General Room: The adopted budget for this year is a 58% out of our total budget. And the proposed is about 59, very similar, and the same with special revenue. 11% of this current year, and about 12% for the proposed

832
02:35:50.360 --> 02:35:54.090
General Room: the general fund, we you

833
02:35:54.220 --> 02:36:10.320
General Room: the safe school Fund grant statement from Ode on March 5th of 2,025. So that's the information that we use, based on the 11.3 6 billion. And they say 49, 51 slip.

834
02:36:12.190 --> 02:36:38.490
General Room: The special revenue for this proposed budget, compared to adopted budget last year is similar. The debt services this debt service levies is for Geo. Bond, and the district worked very hard to keep it at $2 89 cents per 1,000 of the excess property value. Assuming that the asset value increased by 3.5%,

835
02:36:45.100 --> 02:36:47.200
General Room: the budget assumption.

836
02:36:48.890 --> 02:37:14.759
General Room: So on on your book you will find that page 2. But the budget assumption under enrollment, the estimate that I submit to ode on December. For this 2526 propose budget is 8,891 average daily membership resident, or 10,228 Admws.

837
02:37:17.300 --> 02:37:21.010
General Room: The per rate had increased significant

838
02:37:21.490 --> 02:37:31.560
General Room: compared this year to next year. So this year for tier one tier 2, we have 7.9 2%. But.

839
02:37:31.560 --> 02:37:34.293
Louis Taylor: Can you just put those.

840
02:37:38.970 --> 02:37:41.400
General Room: 16.0 1%,

841
02:37:41.750 --> 02:38:06.369
General Room: and then for obser stand for Oregon public Service retirement plan for this year a 5.0 8%, but for proposed budget is is 12.8 3%. This rate is already published from the Oregon per with the link that I share with the Budget Committee. Maybe a month ago.

842
02:38:07.800 --> 02:38:16.690
General Room: The inflation is very, very depend on services and vendor. It could go from 5% to 30%.

843
02:38:18.540 --> 02:38:29.040
General Room: Last, but not least in here is the Federal funding. The level of Federal funding remain uncertain. So therefore, this could impact the budget

844
02:38:29.530 --> 02:38:31.760
General Room: after it approve or doubt.

845
02:38:34.640 --> 02:38:42.370
General Room: Okay, so the next one you have in your budget document is the pink that one please

846
02:38:42.570 --> 02:38:43.990
General Room: the pink color.

847
02:38:46.940 --> 02:38:49.100
General Room: So on this page

848
02:38:49.630 --> 02:39:00.940
General Room: the format is very familiar, because this is the format that I use to present the monthly financial report to the board.

849
02:39:01.380 --> 02:39:06.950
General Room: So this is called the General Fund Budget at a glen in that format

850
02:39:08.560 --> 02:39:26.789
General Room: the top section. It bring in all of the anticipated revenue that the school district anticipate to receive this coming year, so the total that we anticipate to receive this coming years is 143.9 million.

851
02:39:26.790 --> 02:39:38.630
General Room: and then below that is a total expenditure. The total expenditure, including 1 million contingency equal, 151.5 million.

852
02:39:38.700 --> 02:39:46.379
General Room: So with the superintendent budget method, you can see the revenue that we anticipate to bring in

853
02:39:46.490 --> 02:39:57.509
General Room: could not cover the total expenditure that the district obligate. To spend. The difference between revenue and expenditure is 7.5 million.

854
02:39:58.370 --> 02:40:08.170
General Room: With the estimate ending fund balance of this year. 14 million. That's it. A number I present to the school Board last month.

855
02:40:08.170 --> 02:40:29.799
General Room: I capture that number, and I embed it into this proposed budget, and say, if that number is the ending fund balance for this year, carry forward to next year, then our estimate ending fund balance for our proposed budget will be 6.5 million or 4.2 5

856
02:40:29.970 --> 02:40:33.619
General Room: 4.5 2% of the total revenue.

857
02:40:41.470 --> 02:40:42.810
General Room: Nat, please

858
02:40:44.590 --> 02:40:55.830
General Room: the major funding source for Oregon School district is, we have 2 primary sources, the State School Fund and the Property Tax

859
02:40:56.110 --> 02:41:12.620
General Room: State School Fund and Property Tax. They have the inverse relationship. So if the States collect various taxes, such as income tax, Allocate Fund for K. 12, allocation through the State School fund.

860
02:41:13.020 --> 02:41:30.359
General Room: property taxes, low local homeowner and business contribution to the School District Education Fund through property taxes. So together, the safe school fund and the property tax determine a school district per pupil funding formula.

861
02:41:31.560 --> 02:41:53.540
General Room: So the the relationship is inverse, because if we have more, the school district have more in the property tax than we have less in the State School Fund, or vice versa, because this is a card equitable funding for all Oregon school district

862
02:41:58.930 --> 02:42:02.510
General Room: beside a poverty tax and a State school fund.

863
02:42:04.060 --> 02:42:26.430
General Room: We also have other support from our community member. That's either the local option levy for the local option levies in the estimate of 14.1 million that the district anticipate to bring in for 2526, that would cover about 85 fte for the license.

864
02:42:28.020 --> 02:42:41.790
General Room: miscellaneous local revenue that includes our facility, rental fees, interest and donation. So in the pie chart you will see the State school and fund represent 48%,

865
02:42:43.720 --> 02:42:46.499
General Room: the one yeah, the one with a pie jar.

866
02:42:47.610 --> 02:42:48.400
General Room: Yeah.

867
02:42:48.620 --> 02:43:01.940
General Room: the safe school fund represents 48% of our total general fund. And a property tax is 35%. And local option is about 10%.

868
02:43:02.050 --> 02:43:04.470
General Room: The rest is 7%.

869
02:43:11.210 --> 02:43:12.460
General Room: Ness, please.

870
02:43:12.770 --> 02:43:33.919
General Room: So each year in April, superintendent present a budget information to the community member, we have the QR code there. So for anyone can go into the Youtube Channel to listen to the budget information.

871
02:43:34.030 --> 02:43:48.149
General Room: And in her budget information she present the current budget landscape with a focus on the stateswide funding enrollment trend and rising costs, such as inflation, salary and insurance.

872
02:43:48.720 --> 02:43:56.019
General Room: So also review the budget process and then goals and the priority of the school district.

873
02:44:03.930 --> 02:44:08.829
General Room: So I'd mentioned earlier. Now you can go to

874
02:44:09.940 --> 02:44:18.550
General Room: your last sticky note is the yellow, sticky notes, and all the way back up the book.

875
02:44:18.840 --> 02:44:24.229
General Room: Then you will see the 2025 purchase survey. Result.

876
02:44:24.680 --> 02:44:33.509
General Room: the Budget survey result. At Dr. Lutz mentioned. We have a total of 337 participants into this surveys

877
02:44:33.660 --> 02:44:35.280
General Room: the budget.

878
02:44:35.460 --> 02:44:45.159
General Room: the the community engagement. We value your input because your feedback have shaped our budget to meet community need

879
02:44:46.020 --> 02:45:00.119
General Room: the the surveys also provide transparency. We are open to about our process, your feedback from the superintendent, webinar and surveys. It's included in the budget.

880
02:45:00.830 --> 02:45:09.539
General Room: This survey is also the teamwork, the steam effort between the district community member and stakeholder.

881
02:45:10.660 --> 02:45:18.589
General Room: So we would like to thank you for listening to superintendent budget information and participate into the surveys.

882
02:45:23.440 --> 02:45:27.980
General Room: The next one is the budget Janparencies and accountability.

883
02:45:28.140 --> 02:45:52.499
General Room: This one, Dr. Lutwest, already mentioned in her budget message, because we have beside the district put together the budget process. We have many stakeholder that review, and in this Powerpoints, and I can share this one to not only mention who are they, but also their role in review our budget.

884
02:45:56.730 --> 02:46:02.440
General Room: So we have Oregon Department of Education, local Budget committee net, please.

885
02:46:02.550 --> 02:46:04.399
General Room: We have schoon bore.

886
02:46:04.540 --> 02:46:11.300
General Room: Then we have Tax Assessor Oregon, Secretary of State, GF. OA.

887
02:46:11.410 --> 02:46:12.899
General Room: And, by the way.

888
02:46:13.060 --> 02:46:34.579
General Room: the Gpoa. Received and reviewed the Westland Wilsonville School district document annually to determine if we meet the high standard requirement for the distinguished budget presentation award, and the Westland Wilsonville School district have received the budget award every year for the past 7 years

889
02:46:37.650 --> 02:46:39.110
General Room: don't been updated.

890
02:46:42.100 --> 02:46:51.440
General Room: So beside that net, please, we have our afternoon auditor review it. We have Oregon department of revenue and

891
02:46:52.160 --> 02:46:55.160
General Room: most important, we have community member.

892
02:46:59.890 --> 02:47:13.279
General Room: So each of these agency and individual played important roles in ensuring the financial integrity and transparency of the Westland Wilsonville School district budget

893
02:47:16.230 --> 02:47:20.240
General Room: for our upcoming budget meeting. We have May 19th

894
02:47:20.440 --> 02:47:31.738
General Room: so like chair Ginger Fitch and vice chair reminder that if you could submit your budget question to us

895
02:47:32.340 --> 02:47:55.109
General Room: as soon as possible. It would be appreciated. But if you don't, then you can bring your question to the meeting as well. So may 19th is a Budget committee meeting from 5 to 7, and then we have May 21 if needed, and then May 16, th when the board have the budget hearing and adopt the budget.

896
02:47:56.140 --> 02:48:08.939
General Room: So my last one is, I want to sincere thanks. Everyone who support the 2526. Propose budget. Thank you to Dr. Lutwitch, and thank you to the leadership team.

897
02:48:09.080 --> 02:48:14.149
General Room: school, principal administrative Assistant Department staff

898
02:48:14.260 --> 02:48:18.169
General Room: to taking the time to meet with me and provide valuable input

899
02:48:18.680 --> 02:48:34.040
General Room: special. Thank you. To Michael Brad and Virginia in the business office for their dedication and attention to detail in producing the final document. It truly was a team effort.

900
02:48:34.710 --> 02:48:47.179
General Room: and last at a half, fail for me to thank you, Miss Kelly Douglas, the director of Superintendent Office, for her incredible support and care in shaping the final presentation.

901
02:48:47.300 --> 02:48:48.560
General Room: And thank you all.

902
02:48:51.460 --> 02:49:01.160
General Room: Thank you, Dr. Hughes, and and to the others that are here, and to Dr. Douglas for your help in getting this ready.

903
02:49:01.480 --> 02:49:25.630
General Room: I will just ask as before. As you get questions, you'll be responding and not waiting until that time, and so that's always helpful when others are thinking about what questions they might have to get those. As soon as you do, you'll you'll already be getting information, and some many of them will answer questions you already have thought of on your own.

904
02:49:25.880 --> 02:49:32.260
General Room: That ends the Budget Committee, and I'll return it to vice chair white.

905
02:49:40.690 --> 02:49:58.779
General Room: but we will close the Budget committee portion and we will move on to the next item on the agenda, which is our department of operations, and so I'm pleased to welcome Mr. Jeremy Nichols to talk about the proposed renewal of our 1st student bus transportation contract.

906
02:50:03.560 --> 02:50:11.230
General Room: Let's take a quick. We'll take a 2 min break and then move tables, and then we will turn it over to Mr. Nichols.

907
02:50:12.740 --> 02:50:17.340
General Room: Oh, yeah, perfect. Okay, no. We're still gonna take a 2 min break, though.

908
02:51:04.090 --> 02:51:05.050
General Room: All right.

909
02:51:06.100 --> 02:51:07.260
General Room: Hello, Board.

910
02:51:07.610 --> 02:51:09.159
General Room: Try to make this brief.

911
02:51:09.470 --> 02:51:32.349
General Room: So we have the proposed extension of our contract with 1st student, our transportation provider brief history. Back in 2,007 we went out for Rfp. For transportation services, comprehensive transportation services, and at that time was Laidlaw did was awarded that contract, and

912
02:51:33.100 --> 02:51:46.619
General Room: that contract had provisions for 5 year extensions. So in 2010 an extension was negotiated and approved by the School Board again in 2015, and again in 2020.

913
02:51:46.710 --> 02:52:05.560
General Room: So this contract extension that we're currently under does expire June 30th of this year. And so we begin the process of renegotiating again with 1st student. Of course this is all with legal counsel on both sides have reviewed the contract thoroughly many times.

914
02:52:06.099 --> 02:52:14.289
General Room: Bottom line is, we've been very pleased with 1st students performance. They're extremely responsive. Quite frankly, they do a great job.

915
02:52:14.780 --> 02:52:20.439
General Room: and they've made improvements as things have changed as

916
02:52:20.910 --> 02:52:33.050
General Room: as the times have changed, especially Post Covid. There was a lot of changes that had to be made especially with pay rates, and so on, and so forth, and I detailed some of that in the memo that was given

917
02:52:34.080 --> 02:52:55.279
General Room: so I did want to touch on a couple of highlights. A couple of them mentioned in the memo, and I wanted to color a couple of those real quickly for you. So in the contract the only few changes, some terminology was changed. For example, you know, pupil was replaced with student. It's kind of updated language, kind of throughout.

918
02:52:55.340 --> 02:53:10.930
General Room: Went through with a fine tooth comb. To be honest with you some procedural updates in relation to student behavioral or health related issues. So there was kind of streamlining the process of what's expected of them

919
02:53:11.110 --> 02:53:15.910
General Room: and their communication to us about whatever might be going on with students

920
02:53:16.130 --> 02:53:35.699
General Room: on the bus. And of course the the big one that most people are interested in is the rate increase went back and forth with 1st student and settled on a 6% increase in year one and then a 7.8 5% increase in years. 2. Through 5

921
02:53:35.950 --> 02:53:38.612
General Room: of this extension

922
02:53:39.760 --> 02:53:49.260
General Room: few fine points on that as far as the the standard home to school route rate, we landed. So this coming year it'd be $530

923
02:53:49.600 --> 02:54:04.669
General Room: compared to some other school districts around. It's actually quite a bit lower than some others. So Portland public is at 6 52, Gresham, Barlow, 6, 12. Mcminnville. Mcminnville is 574

924
02:54:06.090 --> 02:54:24.309
General Room: At that same time. Our location 1st student is able to pay their drivers $31 an hour as a starting rate. And that's been one of the big changes, right? Because of the economic climate coming out of covid and inflation being what it was.

925
02:54:25.240 --> 02:54:31.979
General Room: the whole industry. There's a driver shortage nationwide, and it was affecting

926
02:54:32.190 --> 02:54:54.429
General Room: really every location. But you know, we speaking for our location. It was. It was pretty dramatic. And so with that they were able to kind of gain that competitive advantage. And they've really turned the corner in recruiting and in retaining quality Cdl drivers, which is vital

927
02:54:54.430 --> 02:55:10.990
General Room: for the safety of our students in the transportation, and and so their their quality of driver is, they say, at an all time high. And we would agree because we get to interact with them on a daily basis.

928
02:55:11.440 --> 02:55:12.640
General Room: And

929
02:55:12.960 --> 02:55:33.140
General Room: one more little fine point before we kind of move this along as far as the bottom bottom line, which I'm sure you're interested in cost to the district. It's a little, it's a moving target. But we have an approximate number because we get reimbursed 70% from the State of Oregon, for

930
02:55:33.280 --> 02:55:46.520
General Room: it's all standard home to school routes that are a qualifying route, right? Which is outside the walking boundary, which is one mile for primary schools, 1.5 miles for secondary schools.

931
02:55:47.310 --> 02:55:52.889
General Room: All told, bottom line. The increase this next year is about a hundred $50,000.

932
02:55:53.070 --> 02:55:57.950
General Room: After that, after all, the reimbursement costs are calculated.

933
02:55:58.130 --> 02:56:04.590
General Room: And so that's where we stand. And that's what is presented to you.

934
02:56:05.154 --> 02:56:15.360
General Room: Along with that, there are 2 updates that I wanted to just weave in here before any discussion were to take place. We are excited. We recently.

935
02:56:15.760 --> 02:56:43.839
General Room: We're awarded a grant from Pge for $728,000 for the purchase for students purchase of 3 new electric buses and infrastructure. It's pretty exciting. We just completed that process, and it just got signed, and so they'll be moving forward on that process. I actually get to learn more this Thursday at a symposium down at Salem. Kaiser.

936
02:56:43.860 --> 02:57:04.570
General Room: The second note that I wanted you all to be aware of is House Bill 4,147 did pass last year, and it went into effect January 1st of this year which allows transportation providers for schools to install the stop arm cameras to assist law enforcement in

937
02:57:06.210 --> 02:57:21.459
General Room: a picture, a video of cars that are passing the the stop arm. So that happened, and 1st student does not have any of those at our location yet, but the plans are for them to to go that direction at some point. So

938
02:57:21.700 --> 02:57:27.469
General Room: that's what I have for you. And with that the sample motion

939
02:57:28.670 --> 02:57:34.460
General Room: is that we were hoping to renew this contract for another 5 years.

940
02:57:37.440 --> 02:57:46.679
General Room: Great! Thank you so much, and at this time I'll look to my fellow board members. I would entertain a motion, and if we have a motion in a second we can open it for discussion.

941
02:57:49.720 --> 02:57:59.729
General Room: I moved to renew a 5 year contract extension between the school district and 1st student, beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, th 2030.

942
02:58:00.810 --> 02:58:01.980
General Room: I second.

943
02:58:02.350 --> 02:58:03.140
Louis Taylor: Offset.

944
02:58:06.050 --> 02:58:11.930
General Room: Double second double second by Lewis. All right. Any questions or comments from the board.

945
02:58:14.536 --> 02:58:29.209
General Room: I saw the the rate increases. Can you tell us what they have been in the last contract? Roughly. Last contract, the best of my knowledge, it was amended, I know, from the adoption of the 2020 extension.

946
02:58:29.460 --> 02:58:52.850
General Room: The rates were amended in for the 2223 school year, essentially coming out of Covid and realizing the economic conditions. So I don't know what they were at the 2020 extension, but if memory serves me, the amended rates were 7%.

947
02:58:53.270 --> 02:58:54.430
General Room: Is that correct?

948
02:58:54.860 --> 02:58:55.800
General Room: Do you know.

949
02:58:55.930 --> 02:59:04.520
General Room: I would have to look it up. Don't put that on the record, but that's what memory serves me. But if you need that, I can get it to you.

950
02:59:05.404 --> 02:59:05.969
General Room: So

951
02:59:07.460 --> 02:59:12.109
General Room: then I would have to. Then I would have to get that to you. I don't have it in front of me.

952
02:59:20.350 --> 02:59:25.409
General Room: and just for folks watching at home who might be thinking now about school buses.

953
02:59:25.520 --> 02:59:35.829
General Room: Would this be the time? If someone were to have a complaint about a route? Or you know my child isn't picked up, even though we're 1.1 miles from the school, or

954
02:59:35.980 --> 03:00:00.709
General Room: GI see a bus goes by. It seems empty is a contract the time that we talk about that. And then, if not like, when would be the appropriate time to talk about things like that? Yeah, no? Well, there's always time to talk about those things, because there's the online portal that we have through the district website that you can make any transportation request, and that links straight to 1st student, and they are extremely responsive. If

955
03:00:01.250 --> 03:00:20.540
General Room: that is not going the way any of our patrons would would like, or any of our parents would like. They can certainly come talk to me, and for student and and us collaborate on a daily basis. So we can make adjustments. And we've had those phone calls. We talk through those scenarios

956
03:00:20.880 --> 03:00:32.229
General Room: great. And so it's safe to say that with these rate increases, we continue that level of customer service having that online portal. People can ask those questions. Yes, awesome. Thank you. 100.

957
03:00:33.270 --> 03:00:47.399
General Room: Yeah. I think it's important to remember that, you know, outside a walking boundary. We are obligated to bus students to school, and so we create routes purposely no longer than 45 min on a route.

958
03:00:47.590 --> 03:00:59.240
General Room: But then, when we put those routes together, whether one student gets on, or, you know, 75 students who do live on that route choose to ride that bus. We still have to send that bus.

959
03:00:59.490 --> 03:01:04.750
General Room: So we do understand when sometimes a community member calls and says, I only thought 3 kids on the bus.

960
03:01:04.860 --> 03:01:11.810
General Room: It may be that parents did a lot of driving or something changed, or students decided they didn't want to be bus riders.

961
03:01:11.920 --> 03:01:24.359
General Room: We still have to bust that route. It's kind of like you turn the lights on in the room, whether there's 1 person in the room or 100 people in the room, you still have to have lights on, you know. So there are those kind of components where

962
03:01:24.550 --> 03:01:28.098
General Room: we're mandated to provide that access.

963
03:01:28.830 --> 03:01:34.460
General Room: if we combine too many routes to put more riders on, we would get longer than 45 min

964
03:01:34.570 --> 03:01:39.339
General Room: on a bus, and we have made that commitment to our communities that we don't want our children

965
03:01:39.480 --> 03:01:42.630
General Room: on the bus, you know, for an extraordinary amount of time.

966
03:01:47.400 --> 03:01:49.660
General Room: In regards to the

967
03:01:49.970 --> 03:01:55.680
General Room: pge grant of 720 k. 7, 28 K. Is that for the 3 buses

968
03:01:55.830 --> 03:02:01.639
General Room: is that separate from 1st student will like, will that be part of the district's bus fleet?

969
03:02:02.250 --> 03:02:05.420
General Room: It'll it'll be our local

970
03:02:05.690 --> 03:02:27.030
General Room: bus fleet. So yes, the infrastructure will be installed at the location on Ellison Road that that 1st student has. It's our location. So technically, we are the the grant award winner, and we're the pass through entity. And so 1st student will do the purchasing of the buses and then oversee the infrastructure installation.

971
03:02:30.620 --> 03:02:34.550
General Room: All right. Seeing no further questions or comments. Call the question.

972
03:02:35.480 --> 03:02:43.469
General Room: Thank you. Director, shoemaker. Aye, director, Slough. Aye, vice chair, Wyatt, Director Vidal. Aye, chair, Taylor.

973
03:02:45.210 --> 03:02:46.350
Louis Taylor: Alright. You're back.

974
03:02:46.350 --> 03:02:47.100
General Room: Thank you.

975
03:02:48.810 --> 03:02:49.979
General Room: Alright. Thank you.

976
03:02:53.420 --> 03:02:56.642
General Room: All right. Next up we have.

977
03:02:57.490 --> 03:03:10.310
General Room: Oh, we have a declaration of open positions on a long range planning committee. So positions number 4 and Number 6, and I will welcome Mr. Remo. Douglas up to speak with us.

978
03:03:22.210 --> 03:03:25.650
General Room: Good evening, board as Vice chair. Wyatt said.

979
03:03:26.330 --> 03:03:55.260
General Room: This 1st item for you from me this evening is around 2 openings on the long range planning committee. It's been a long evening. The board is very familiar with these openings, but just to briefly state for folks listening. The long Range planning committee is a very important community member committee. All the members are appointed by the board. They are a major component of our forward looking efforts to understand our facility needs our property needs

980
03:03:55.450 --> 03:04:16.959
General Room: and to oversee the capital construction program finances. When those programs are active, we do have those 2 positions open. The district's very grateful to Ms. Egland and Mr. Diaz. We thank them very warmly at our last committee meeting.

981
03:04:17.528 --> 03:04:23.489
General Room: And so now, staff are recommending that the Board open those 2 positions.

982
03:04:23.630 --> 03:04:33.870
General Room: We would advertise the positions, receive the applications, and then the Board would assign, appoint those 2 members

983
03:04:34.070 --> 03:04:39.580
General Room: at the oh, the June board meeting.

984
03:04:41.680 --> 03:04:46.419
General Room: So with that, hand it over to the board.

985
03:04:47.460 --> 03:04:51.500
General Room: Alright, I? Am I? Hearing a motion? In a second

986
03:04:52.180 --> 03:04:55.929
General Room: I move the Board declare positions 4 and 6

987
03:04:56.850 --> 03:05:03.209
General Room: open for application to the long range planning committee, as of May 5, th 2025.

988
03:05:05.950 --> 03:05:10.450
General Room: I second any questions or discussion.

989
03:05:12.550 --> 03:05:14.450
General Room: All right, please call the question.

990
03:05:14.620 --> 03:05:15.800
General Room: Thank you.

991
03:05:15.900 --> 03:05:23.860
General Room: Director, shoemaker. Aye, director, sloop. Aye, vice chair, Wyatt. Aye, Director Vidal. Aye, chair, Taylor.

992
03:05:24.310 --> 03:05:25.030
Louis Taylor: I.

993
03:05:25.480 --> 03:05:26.060
General Room: Here

994
03:05:28.850 --> 03:05:39.170
General Room: right stay up here for the good stuff we now have Mr. Douglas here to talk about the proposed long range plan adoption. So take it away.

995
03:05:39.690 --> 03:05:40.710
General Room: Thank you.

996
03:05:41.372 --> 03:05:48.069
General Room: So in November of 2023, the board tasked staff in the long range planning committee with

997
03:05:49.030 --> 03:05:55.250
General Room: Updating our long range facilities plan last updated in 2019.

998
03:05:55.350 --> 03:06:00.930
General Room: The Board has been receiving updates over the last year and a half as the committee's done that work.

999
03:06:01.050 --> 03:06:11.199
General Room: There's been dozens and dozens of meetings with hundreds of stakeholders that have resulted in the draft document this before the Board this evening.

1000
03:06:11.470 --> 03:06:24.800
General Room: You'll recall receiving the 1st part in December and the second part in February staff have been available, and had some conversations with board members about any questions there may be.

1001
03:06:25.850 --> 03:06:35.409
General Room: This Update of the facilities. Plan is a prerequisite to going out for a general obligation bond for new capital projects

1002
03:06:35.520 --> 03:06:45.919
General Room: and staff are confident that the plan complies with all applicable regulations, which are something we have to submit to the State prior to an election.

1003
03:06:47.660 --> 03:06:58.840
General Room: So with that, happy to discuss any questions the Board may have. But Staff would recommend the board move forward with adopting the updated long range plan.

1004
03:07:01.400 --> 03:07:06.580
General Room: Wonderful. Do we have questions before a motion, or are we go ahead.

1005
03:07:07.150 --> 03:07:11.358
General Room: Oh, so oh, this thing's not working for me tonight.

1006
03:07:12.950 --> 03:07:19.500
General Room: the capital improvement program is so the bond is that separate?

1007
03:07:19.890 --> 03:07:20.899
General Room: Or is this

1008
03:07:21.730 --> 03:07:27.160
General Room: what's going to be on the bond. Is this part of this long range planning like where it says, capital improvement program?

1009
03:07:27.360 --> 03:07:45.029
General Room: Yeah, yeah, I understand the question. And the terminology is, I grant, very confusing. So the long range Facilities plan is a planning document from a point in time, very much as a budget which was discussed earlier. The 1st half the long range plan

1010
03:07:45.140 --> 03:07:53.060
General Room: talks about the district, starts with the programs and opportunities at the district, what the facilities are, and then

1011
03:07:53.260 --> 03:08:02.050
General Room: notes that the district needs to consider capital improvements that may be required. The second part of the plan which you received in

1012
03:08:02.180 --> 03:08:06.800
General Room: February, the capital improvement program briefly reiterates

1013
03:08:07.100 --> 03:08:17.480
General Room: the points from the 1st half, but then focuses on potential capital improvements, and essentially that creates a menu

1014
03:08:17.590 --> 03:08:42.020
General Room: for the board to consider of what might be on a future capital bond staff have worked with the long range planning Committee on Prioritization of Projects. We had the Bond Summit. I know the Board was present for that getting community feedback. We brought all of that to the committee again, who brought a recommendation at a recent board meeting.

1015
03:08:42.230 --> 03:08:51.659
General Room: and, as I understand it. The Board looks to consider what might be on a capital bond on the 21st of May.

1016
03:08:52.030 --> 03:09:09.680
General Room: So what you're approving tonight or adopting tonight is not what may be on a capital bond program, but instead, it is a statement that these are these are the potential capital improvements that may be needed in the coming years.

1017
03:09:10.610 --> 03:09:12.020
General Room: Did that help clarify?

1018
03:09:14.390 --> 03:09:21.120
General Room: Would a applicable analogy be that the long range plan is

1019
03:09:21.310 --> 03:09:38.290
General Room: the pinterest board? If I wanted to remodel my kitchen. The capital improvement plan would be the items required to remodel my kitchen to meet that vision, and then the bond would be the things that we actually pursue. If I were to remodel my kitchen.

1020
03:09:38.910 --> 03:09:40.580
General Room: That is a perfect analogy.

1021
03:09:41.170 --> 03:09:42.480
General Room: I'll try and steal it.

1022
03:09:44.000 --> 03:09:53.430
General Room: I think, another way. That was a very important question, because I think it's often confused in the community. What this document's doing is, it's also

1023
03:09:54.585 --> 03:10:04.469
General Room: archiving those many task force groups that identified those 7 themes and identified tier one

1024
03:10:05.034 --> 03:10:18.500
General Room: category, a sorry category, B, and deferable category C, so they're now written in the plan as a way of remembering that those items had come up and were important, but how they were prioritized.

1025
03:10:19.100 --> 03:10:36.200
General Room: When you get ready on the 21st to then decide about a capital bond you'll be selecting from those categories, but they don't ever go away, because the next bond will go back and look and see what was on that deferable list. And so it really has a historical archival nature

1026
03:10:36.310 --> 03:10:38.409
General Room: to serve the district.

1027
03:10:42.100 --> 03:10:45.279
General Room: Other clarifying questions, before we entertain a motion.

1028
03:10:52.110 --> 03:11:00.539
General Room: I move to approve resolution number 2024, 0 5. Adopting the long range facilities plan as presented.

1029
03:11:02.310 --> 03:11:08.079
General Room: I second any further discussion or questions

1030
03:11:08.470 --> 03:11:20.440
General Room: or comments. I just wanted to comment that I'm in support of this plan. After attending the Bond Summit attending the long range planning committee meeting, I feel like the process

1031
03:11:20.890 --> 03:11:32.369
General Room: has been excellent. I really have thought that everyone did a fantastic job, and it's very thorough. And so I'm going to be approving this.

1032
03:11:36.750 --> 03:11:38.060
General Room: Any other comments.

1033
03:11:39.090 --> 03:11:45.499
General Room: All right, please call the question. Oh, director, shoemaker! Aye.

1034
03:11:45.900 --> 03:11:52.419
General Room: director, sloop. Aye, vice chair, Wyatt. Aye, Director Vidello. Aye, chair, Taylor.

1035
03:11:57.410 --> 03:11:59.400
General Room: That was a yes, thank you.

1036
03:12:00.320 --> 03:12:09.609
General Room: All right, thank you, Mr. Douglas. If I could just one moment really quickly say a few thanks with that being adopted

1037
03:12:10.930 --> 03:12:39.360
General Room: particularly in first, st to our long range planning committee. This is a volunteer group of community members who give an incredible amount of time they always come prepared. They bring great direct questions to Staff to probe. And really, you know, get to the bottom of what they're doing. Make sure they're understanding what's happening. It's wonderful to work with that group. We had many, many community members and members of staff at all levels, who

1038
03:12:39.410 --> 03:12:48.960
General Room: put in their own time and brought feedback to us in developing the scope that's in here. Rebecca Stuker with Arcadus.

1039
03:12:49.030 --> 03:13:01.800
General Room: is our architect, who is sort of the mastermind of updating the plan. She's been an excellent partner for many, many years, and has done exceptional work on this

1040
03:13:01.950 --> 03:13:20.459
General Room: next and right alongside. Rebecca is Amy Berger in the Bond office. She was right, shoulder to shoulder with Rebecca in pushing this thing forward, coordinating tons of things behind the scenes. I asked if she wanted to be here tonight, and she said, No, no, I don't want attention.

1041
03:13:20.670 --> 03:13:26.879
General Room: but she she is very dedicated to this work, and did tremendous work in making this document possible.

1042
03:13:27.745 --> 03:13:46.390
General Room: and then just acknowledging the vision and leadership from Mr. Mcguff and Dr. Ludwig, overseeing the district and leading us in a in a defined direction. So just want to make sure we have a chance to thank all those folks after 18 months of work.

1043
03:13:46.900 --> 03:14:10.899
General Room: Thank you. I wanted to add, thank you to you for your support of the long range planning committee, because it really is a group that asks great questions but needs answers. Right? So it's a constant peppering of folks like you about. Well, what about this? What about this? What about this? Having attended having as the board liaison, and as having attended all but the last meeting.

1044
03:14:11.356 --> 03:14:16.329
General Room: I just want to compliment you for that support role you play in that work. So thank you

1045
03:14:19.910 --> 03:14:20.829
General Room: so much.

1046
03:14:21.860 --> 03:14:39.329
General Room: Thank you, director Shoemaker. I'm going to echo that as well. Thank you. Remo. You've just been remarkable through this process, and your many years of service in the district, and your institutional knowledge and your growing recollection of the history and the projects is really served as well. Thank you.

1047
03:14:43.090 --> 03:14:52.929
General Room: All right. And next up. We have public comment from residents not directly related to the board business from this evening, and we have one speaker so welcome back. Shoba Eason

1048
03:14:58.900 --> 03:15:02.099
General Room: rules about public testimony, and all apply. Go for it.

1049
03:15:14.560 --> 03:15:15.450
General Room: Thank you.

1050
03:15:15.890 --> 03:15:16.670
General Room: Hmm.

1051
03:15:16.970 --> 03:15:22.620
General Room: So one request that I have is we've been talking about increasing revenue to the school district.

1052
03:15:22.750 --> 03:15:33.669
General Room: The ask is to work with the aftercare program to see if preschool kids I understand it might be a licensing requirement to allow preschool kids to be able to attend the after school program.

1053
03:15:33.920 --> 03:15:40.729
General Room: I know for a fact, there are roughly 40 kids that are in the pre-k program that are not

1054
03:15:40.870 --> 03:15:45.020
General Room: joining and going to local Montessori schools because of the

1055
03:15:45.090 --> 03:16:05.760
General Room: absence of aftercare. So and that's just in my small, tiny group of friends. Right? So what I'm thinking is, if there is a possible solution to work with the Aftercare Program Company to look into those licensing requirements, it might be something not for just this fiscal year, but for future years to come that might improve that enrollment program.

1056
03:16:06.097 --> 03:16:15.910
General Room: The second thing is that I wanted to say is Dr. Kathy. I appreciate, I think by end of 2027 you would have made 11 years of commitment

1057
03:16:16.230 --> 03:16:27.259
General Room: to the school district, and I genuinely appreciate the efforts that you've made to the school district, and one of the asks that I have to. All the board members is.

1058
03:16:28.270 --> 03:16:33.500
General Room: you know, I manage a even through Covid, a 2 billion dollar business

1059
03:16:33.850 --> 03:16:38.399
General Room: that I also manage a small startup that I did as well.

1060
03:16:38.640 --> 03:16:40.830
General Room: And so one of the things that I think is

1061
03:16:40.960 --> 03:16:44.559
General Room: I'm held accountable for my budgets right?

1062
03:16:44.730 --> 03:16:55.599
General Room: I don't get grace for those budgets. It is a business I am accountable. And during Covid, as school district went through there were a lot of ups and downs right?

1063
03:16:55.790 --> 03:17:06.480
General Room: So this point in time, I understand that accountability. But what I'm asking is is that this is something every business has to do, we have to be able to budget through that. So

1064
03:17:06.840 --> 03:17:10.990
General Room: I am going to ask and hold you guys accountable for that, because

1065
03:17:11.290 --> 03:17:14.519
General Room: I also in return, are held accountable for that.

1066
03:17:14.810 --> 03:17:19.179
General Room: So what I would ask is is that I think one of the things that

1067
03:17:19.320 --> 03:17:32.710
General Room: I've personally tried to do is periodically change organizations because I don't want to get complacent. I want to bring creative leadership into wherever I go, and that is strategic.

1068
03:17:32.710 --> 03:17:57.429
General Room: I spent several years at an organization, sometimes a decade or more, at an organization. But then it's time to change. So what my ask is is that in 2027 that we look into and thank Dr. Kathy for your support. But look into fresh leadership, and I apologize. I wasn't supposed to say a name. No, we're not. And we're not talking about individual employee performance.

1069
03:17:57.430 --> 03:18:14.969
General Room: I apologize that and so, and I'm sorry. But it is really inappropriate to come to a public meeting and to call out an individual employee. It sets a precedent for every single person that we employ. So I genuinely apologize. I really didn't remember your role. Let's wrap it up. Sure.

1070
03:18:15.080 --> 03:18:20.429
General Room: So. That's all I had to say, and I I am truly sorry that was not my intention.

1071
03:18:21.890 --> 03:18:29.159
General Room: No, ma'am, I really didn't. I remember the role? And I I mean, I forgot the role. So I I'm truly sorry

1072
03:18:35.360 --> 03:18:37.160
General Room: the this meeting is adjourned.