Dr. Kubista amended the agenda to remove the student presentation by La Cima, which will present at the October board meeting instead.

Board Chair Graham issued the student oath of office to student representatives Skyler Steeves and Aaron Villeneuve. 

Dr. Kubista and the board honored the CHS Baseball team, coaches, and their families. 

• JOINING US THIS EVENING IS THE 25-26 5A STATE BASEBALL CHAMPION CENTRAL PANTHERS with HEAD COACH BEN KRAMER
• BEFORE TURNING IT OVER TO BEN TO SHARE A FEW WORDS, LETS SHARE A RECORD THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THAT GAME.  
• Joe Mendazona is fourth all-time IN OSAA HISTORY, TO THROW A NO-HITTER IN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.  
• HE IS THE first since 2014 and 
• The first 5A pitcher to throw a no-hitter in a state championship game.
• THROUGH SEVERAL INNINGS OF RAIN, THIS TEAM MADE KEY HITS TO BACK THE AMAZING PITCHING THAT WAS ON DISPLAY THAT DAY.  
• PLEASE GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO YOUR 25-26 CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 5A STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONS! 

Dr. Kubista and the board honored the work of College and Career Coordinator Crystal Larson.

• I recently received an email from Lori Ellis, ASPIRE Program Administrator, highlighting Crystal’s work in the program. She said she wanted to also send a separate letter of appreciation to me and to our high school administrators. She shared much appreciation to Central School District and Central High School for strongly supporting career and college readiness work.
• We also received a letter, noting the ASPIRE program from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission: 
  • I'd like to share some of the things in the letter: 
  • " From the moment I met Crystal, her passion for supporting students and families in the college and career planning process was unmistakable. She has worked with determination to make the ASPIRE/College and Career Center both accessible and welcoming. Her consistent communication—through emails, newsletters, and regular student-facing videos—demonstrates her commitment to ensure that no student slips through the cracks and that every student has a plan for life after high school.
  • "Having worked in career and college readiness for many years, I want to ensure you are fully aware of the remarkable impact Crystal has made. In just a year and a half, she has elevated Central High School’s ASPIRE program to one of the top performing sites in the state. Under her leadership, FAFSA/ORSAA completion rates have risen from 37.4% to nearly 80%—an extraordinary turnaround in such a short period of time.
  • "She has met individually with all 230 seniors to support FAFSA completion, scholarships, applications, postsecondary planning, and decision-making. Just as importantly, she ensures students explore a full range of options, including college, apprenticeships, trades, military service, and workforce opportunities. "
  • Please join me in celebrating Crystal Larson who embodies our goal of Student Growth and Achievement as well as Staff Leadership and Continuous Improvement  where every student is successful in school, career, college, and community.

• Margaret Cole (joining virtually) asked the board of directors to consider aligning the school year calendar with Salem-Keizer School District. She noted that the calendar started before Labor Day this year for the first time since 2015.
• Arika Hendren requested more direction for students regarding professional boundaries, a larger venue for the board meetings, and efforts to celebrate all students and staff.
• Joanne Divan addressed the OSEA's perspective on insurance and bargaining.
• Gayle Bewley addressed the OSEA's perspective on wage increases.
• Kira Daczewitz discussed teacher morale.
• Diane Nelson talked about staff morale.
• Jillian Jones talked about the lack of contracts.
• Stacy Fields addressed bargaining and working conditions of staff.

Executive Director Brian Flannery and Dr. Kubista reviewed the Safety and Security protocols in Central School District and the Standard Response Protocol. 

Student representatives asked about how students can report concerns. Dr. Kubista reminded them about Safe Oregon.

Dr. Amy Jackson and Dr. Kubista reviewed the Integrated Plan, as required by the state.

Dr. Kubista provided an update on the first two weeks of school, including:

• Attendance
• New mascot at Independence Elementary School
• 9/11 memorial
• New universal screener (state mandated)
• New volunteer process

The board reviewed policy IKJ Artificial Intelligence for a second reading. The board is expected to adopt this policy at its Oct. 5 meeting.

The board reviewed updates to policy IKC Class Rankings - Valedictorian and Salutatorian for a first reading.

Board members asked about foreign exchange students earning honors. 

The board recessed into executive session at 8:36 p.m. 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. No decisions were made in executive session.

The board concluded executive session at 10:11 p.m. and resumed regular session.