Superintendent Jennifer Kubista reviewed the agenda.

Staff and students from kindergarten through 2nd grade presented to the board things they have been learning in the two-way immersion program at Independence Elementary School. Principal Nicole Smith explained that the TWI program at IES is 90-10 model. 90 percent of the instruction in Kinder is in Spanish, with 10 percent of the instruction in English. That shifts every year until 50 percent of the instruction is in English and 50 percent in Spanish. She added that classes are 50 percent Spanish speakers and 50 percent are English speakers. Staff directed students in reading, sounding syllables, and presenting a small play in Spanish. 

Chemeketa President Jessica Howard and Board Member Betsy Earls updated the board on the partnership between Central School District and Chemeketa Community College. They informed the board that they were going for a renewable bond on the May ballot, and explained that it would not increase taxes. They told the board that it would provide more services at each campus, including paramedic and emergency services, new trades center, nursing, and healthcare.

Dr. Kubista said that in the last five years, 302 Central students have completed a certificate or 2-year degree, or transferred to a 4-year institution.

Amy Jaramillo addressed the board about the safety protocols during pick up and drop off. 

Winne Evans Boaz asked the board if they could answer questions she had. Board Chair Shinkle informed her that public comment was not the venue for a question and answer. She said she would send an email to the board.

Truman Schwartzfager commented to the board about the changing administration at the high school. He also talked about the lack of staff chaperones. He invited the board members to visit Central High School and speak to students and staff. 

Barbara Harriman spoke to the board about the lack of leadership and transparency in the Central School District.

Emergent Bilingual Director Holly Monroy presented a report on the On Track to English Language Proficiency, which indicates the percentage of students who meeting the progress using the Oregon's English Language Proficiency Assessment. Highlights include:

• All the elementary schools surpassed the state and district percentages in 2023-24. 
• Two schools and the district overall demonstrated a continuous growth trajectory across all three school years. 
• In 2023-24, CSD had 44.9 percent on track compared to the state level of 45.5 percent. 
• IES demonstrated the largest growth, moving from 33.8 percent in 2021-22 to 62.8 percent in 2023-24.

Ms. Monroy said that the secondary schools are working on a multilevel team approach. She said that some students aren't comfortable with the speaking portion of the test, so they are trying to offer a separate space for the speaking portion of the assessment. 

Dr. Kubista reviewed the Integrated Plan for 2025-27, aligned with the district's strategic plan. 

She clarified for the board that there is not yet any money attached to the accountability bills in the state Legislature this year. 

Dr. Kubista noted that she is asking the board to consider deleting policy JEBA, Early Entrance (to kindergarten). This would eliminate the policy of allowing early entrance to kindergarten. The community is encouraged to comment on this policy and whether or not to delete this policy and practice. Find a Google Form on the website, or email info@central.k12.or.us with your comments.

Dr. Kubista shared that there is a shortfall in the Governor's Budget and the Central School District state school fund. She said part of the shortfall is the declining enrollment and low attendance -- 62 percent regular attendance at this point. Because of current enrollment projections and lookbacks, the district's share of the State School Fund is expected to be a 3.3 percent increase over last year. Contracted salary and benefit increases will be about a 6 percent increase. She noted that payroll is more than 80 percent of the district's budget. Dr. Kubista noted that the State School Fund budget is not final yet. She said she went to the State Capitol to advocate for special education funding and other funding for schools. 

She addressed board questions, including if other schools in Oregon also see lower enrollment, the district's share of the State School Fund will stay the same. She noted that some districts are seeing increasing enrollment. She added that we are seeing students into alternative choices, such as charter schools or online opportunities. She agreed there are many unknowns about the budget right now.

Director Mike Cook presented the supplemental transportation plan, which hadn't been updated since 1992. 

Director Wahl said he was hoping he could understand some of what students said in the student report. 

Board Chair Shinkle asked what was on the agenda for the April 14 work session. Dr. Kubista said it will be her evaluation in executive session.