Central School District 13J

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Monday March 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Location

Henry Hill Educational Support Center

750 S. Fifth St., Independence, OR 97361

Hawk Hall

Directors Present

Andrea Van Heeswyk, Byron Shinkle, Irene Oliveros-Vega, Jann Jobe, Marc Senyk, Melanie Landon-Hays, Susan Graham

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

Emily Mentzer

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Byron Shinkle called a meeting of the board of directors of Central School District 13J to order on Monday Mar 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

C.

Flag Salute

D.

Adoption of the Agenda

E.

Board vacancy application

The board of directors interviewed Zone 1 applicant Marc Senyk.

 

Susan Graham made a motion to appoint Marc Senyk to be the next school board member for Zone 1.
Jann Jobe seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Byron Shinkle
Abstain
Susan Graham
Aye
Jann Jobe
Aye
Melanie Landon-Hays
Aye
Andrea Van Heeswyk
Aye
Irene Oliveros-Vega
Aye

II. Recognitions

A.

Staff heroes

Alma Manzo, Stephanie Thomas, Madeline Jordan

On Friday, January 9th, three staff members at ACES took part in life-saving actions with a student.  Nurse Madeline Jordan, Administrative Assistant Alma Manzo, and Instructional Assistant Stephanie Thomas, are being recognized for their quick response and immediate care given when a student came into contact with a food item with peanuts, causing a severe and immediate reaction that included tongue swelling and an airway closure. 

 

Stephanie recognized this emergency in the cafeteria and immediately brought the student and the food item to the office, alerting personnel of the urgency of the situation. Madeline and Alma responded immediately, Alma calling the parent and Madeline assessing the situation and administering an EpiPen. 911 was called and the student was transported for further care, but the quick response from Stephanie, Madeline and Alma were crucial in the safety and ultimate recovery of this student.


 

Jessica Stahl

This week, one of our amazing staff members, Jessica Stahl, showed extraordinary care and quick thinking. When a student began choking, she immediately stepped in and performed the Heimlich maneuver, ensuring the student’s safety.
Her calm response and dedication remind us all what it means to be part of the Ash Creek Elementary family—protecting and nurturing every child. Please join us in celebrating her bravery and compassion.

 

Jordan Clark consistently goes above and beyond for our students and staff. He is truly a huge asset to our building. Most notably, Jordan acted quickly and calmly when he removed a burning trash can from the building, preventing potential harm and quite literally keeping our school safe. Jordan Clark exemplifies dedication, courage, and heart. He is a school hero and absolutely deserves recognition for the incredible impact he makes every day.  
 

B.

Classified Appreciation Week

The board approved a resolution to declare March 2 through March 6, 2026, Classified Appreciation Week.

III. Communication from the Floor

A.

Public Comment

Joanne Divan spoke to the board about Classified Appreciation Week and all the things members of the Classified Union do to support students.

IV. Standing Reports

A.

Data report: Attendance, Discipline, Universal Screener (Winter)

Dr. Kubista and Director of Curriculum Amy Jackson presented the data on attendance, discipline, and universal screener winter data. 

The board asked if the summer programs data could be used to push for future funding. Dr. Kubista said that summer funding is secured for next year.

B.

Audit Report

The board heard from David Bledsoe, Pauly, Rogers & Co., about the district's audit. 

V. Consent Agenda

A.

Approval of Minutes

Melanie Landon-Hays made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Jann Jobe seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Melanie Landon-Hays
Aye
Susan Graham
Aye
Byron Shinkle
Abstain
Jann Jobe
Aye
Irene Oliveros-Vega
Aye
Andrea Van Heeswyk
Aye
Marc Senyk
Aye

B.

Finance Report

C.

Personnel Report

VI. Recess into Executive Session

A.

Executive Session - Closed to the public

The board recessed into executive session at 7:58 p.m.

B.

Executive Session - Closed to the Public

The board moved into the second executive sessions at 8:33 p.m.

The board recessed back into regular session at 9:01 p.m.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Board Comments

Board members welcomed Director Senyk to the team.

B.

Items for Action at Future Meetings

C.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Byron Shinkle
Documents used during the meeting
  • Marc Senyk.pdf
  • Classified Appreciation Week resolution (1).pdf
  • March2026_PerformanceMetrics (1).pdf
  • ACB G1 Every Student Belongs revised.pdf
  • GCAB G1 Personal Electronic Devices and Social Media Staff.docx.pdf
  • 2025_12_15_csd_13j_board_plc_minutes (1).pdf
  • 2026_01_12_board_meeting_minutes.pdf
  • Contract RenewalNon-Renewals List - March 2026.xlsx - FINAL.pdf
  • Board Report - March 2026 Updated.xlsx - March 26 (1).pdf