Casey Blochowiak from Studer Education reviewed the results of the experience surveys with the Board. 

The board discussed the results, with a focus on how the district could encourage more participation, including offering incentives for completing the survey while maintaining anonymity. Ms. Blochowiak noted that overall, employee participation was up, while caregiver participation was slightly down over last year. She suggested emphasizing how the surveys impact people so they understand the importance of the feedback. Superintendent Kubista shared that improving the culture and climate will impact all of the district's goals: Student growth and achievement, staff leadership and continuous improvement, family engagement, and community partnerships. Director Graham noted that the incoming student representatives to the board could help increase student participation in surveys next year. 

The board recessed from 3:36 p.m. to 3:44 p.m.

Dr. Kubista reviewed the new state accountability metrics and how they relate to the district's performance metrics. The district is already tracking most of the state accountability metrics, except for the focus on K-2 attendance, and a local option metric. 

Dr. Kubista explained that if the district does not meet the goals, the consequences include higher levels of state assistance, from Oregon Department of Education coaches to the ODE helping with the budget process and priorities. 

The Board recessed from 4:34 p.m. to 4:43 p.m. 

The budget hearing started at 4:43 p.m.

Director of Finance and Operations Cec Koontz presented an update on the 2026-27 budget. She noted a continued hiring freeze on resignations and retirements. She reviewed the options for a Mental Health contract with Polk County Family and Community Outreach, and included suggested options for cuts elsewhere to continue a mid-tier mental health contract with the county:

• Use 0.5% of the contigency
• Move all staff at the Annex back to the District Office
• Credit received from WESD
• Slight increase in the State School Fund

Ms. Koontz noted that the mid-tier contract included three bilingual mental health associates, one at each elementary school, and eliminated school-based mental health associates from both the middle and high schools. She added that to keep a mental health associate in each building would cost the district an estimated additional $200,000. 

Public Comment on the Budget Hearing:

Erika Hendren asked if there was a plan to get enrollment back up. She also asked if there was a way to save money on curriculum purchase of consumables. She shared her concerns about the hiring freeze and getting less desirable candidates, and asked if there was a way to share the three mental health associates with the middle and high schools. 

The public comment ended at 5:05 p.m.

The Board of Directors recessed into executive session at 5:31 p.m. for the following purpose: 

Under the provisions of ORS 192.660 (2) (d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations. 

Specific information discussed in executive session shall not be made public and shall remain undisclosed. 

The Board remained in executive session under the provisions of ORS 192.660 (2)(i) under Open Meeting Law to review and evaluate the performance of the superintendent or any other public officer, employee, or staff member, unless that person requests an open hearing.

Specific information discussed in executive session shall not be made public and shall remain undisclosed.

The board recessed out of executive session and resumed regular open session at 6:25 p.m.