H. Friend lead in the flag salute.

P. Lee began by reviewing student safety and emphasized the importance of connecting students and parents in the event of any unforeseen situation.

OSAS District Results

P. Lee then shared his OSAS presentation and read the first slide’s quote to the board. He reviewed what it means for students to be at benchmark.

P. Lee reviewed ELA Achievement Comparison, noting an improvement in district performance. He also highlighted increased participation rates as a result of ongoing efforts.

He reviewed Math Achievement Comparison, noting improvements with varied growth across the district.

He then reviewed Science Achievement Comparison and acknowledged that science scores had decreased somewhat.

A. James explained the additional steps families must take to opt out of the Science assessment.

E. Poston asked about the benchmark comparison between 11th grade and 3rd grade, and P. Lee reviewed the corresponding projections.

Legislative Update

HR1 – “The Big Beautiful Bill” has led to decreased tax collections. P. Lee reviewed how this development could affect the district, along with recommendations from the Legislative Fiscal Office to state agencies. He noted that budget cuts are a possibility in the next legislative session and long-term effects remain unknown, but the near-term outlook appears pessimistic.

Government Shutdown

P. Lee reported that the current government shutdown is having minimal impact on our school at this time, though potential effects may arise further down the road.

Soccer Update:
The soccer team won their game and will advance to the playoffs.

RR FFA:
N. Bambino has taken a nationals team every year since 2019.

T. Kirkpatrick provided an OSAS Data Review.

English Language Arts (ELA):

One student opted out in both 7th and 8th grades.

Gains were shown in 7th and 8th grades; a decrease was noted in 11th grade.

Overall benchmark performance increased compared to the previous year.

Math:

Math benchmarks were similar to ELA results, showing continued gains in proficiency.

Diagnostic testing is conducted during 9th and 10th grades to support progress.

Science:

Scores increased in 8th grade and decreased in 11th grade.

Improvement Strategies

T. Kirkpatrick reviewed Professional Development, Building-Level Activities, and Instructional Expectations.

Ongoing support for staff and students was outlined for the school year.

Discussion:

P. Lee asked about 11th-grade participation and whether teachers or students estimate a percentage who do not fully engage in testing.

T. Kirkpatrick reported that it is a higher percentage and reviewed plans to reduce testing anxiety.

E. Poston asked if the tests were anonymous.

T. Kirkpatrick stated that results are not attached to individual students but are reported by grade level. Staff are able to review indicators to ensure appropriate support.

She noted that data checks began last year and include review of digital note-taking and in-text note skills.

H. Friend asked about identifying areas for improvement and what science courses are currently offered.

Course Offerings:

7th and 8th take science for a full year. One year is physical science, the other is life science. 

9th grade — everyone takes STEM science

10th Everyone takes Biology or Plant/Animal Biology(the Advanced version of Biology)

The 11th and 12th have the choices: Ecology, Veterinary Science (advanced), Chemistry (advanced).

T. Kirkpatrick confirmed that scheduling science courses can be challenging.

E. Poston asked about math opportunities.

T. Kirkpatrick  stated that math offers many options and is not facing the same scheduling issues as science.

She emphasized the importance of a strong Algebra foundation.

H. Friend asked whether tablet use affects learning and memorization.

T. Kirkpatrick noted that it depends on the subject. Chromebooks are used less in math, while science classes use interactive notebooks.

H. Friend emphasized the importance of improving note-taking and study habits.

She asked if structured instruction is provided on how and why to take notes.

T. Kirkpatrick confirmed that this is being implemented through AVID’s Five Steps to the Note-Taking Process.

Staff began professional development on this strategy earlier in the year, focusing on building a strong foundation with 9th-grade students.

A. James provided an OSAS Data Review

A. James highlighted overall gains since the previous year.

In Math, progress is increasingly tied to student comprehension. Staff are working with students to strengthen fact fluency skills.

English Language Arts (ELA):

ELA showed the greatest improvement overall.

Growth was largely attributed to focused efforts on the writing portion of the assessment.

RRES is collaborating with Genevieve, similar to the approach used at the high school.

IXL Data Review

Math IXL:

Students did not experience a “summer slide.”

Current data shows students starting the year one point higher than where they ended last year.

ELA IXL:

Similar positive trends were noted; students maintained gains without summer learning loss.

Fruit and Vegetable Program

Staff shared enthusiasm for the Fruit and Vegetable Program.

All students have the opportunity to try different fruits and vegetables each day.

The program began with common foods to promote participation and comfort.

Upcoming Event – Luke’s Assembly

An assembly is scheduled for November 14 at 9:45 a.m.

The presentation will share a story of hope and resilience.

All are invited to attend.

Additional Discussion

M. Jacob asked about the Rogue Valley Farm to Table program.

It was confirmed that this program is separate from lunch and serves as an afternoon snack.

Students were reported to be very excited about the program.

J. Parks provided a School Update

J. Parks reported that three students took the test before she began in her position; therefore, providing accurate score comparisons is not possible.

She noted that today was a challenging day and that there have been many challenging days this year due to the amount of work being undertaken.

This year, the school welcomed Kelsy Casey, whose energy and focus have helped establish a strong elementary foundation. The teaching team has been fully restructured, allowing resources to be used more effectively. 

J. Parks explained that they had to, and chose to, adjust their daily schedule this year to align more closely with district consistency. While this has been a challenging change, it has strengthened overall coordination.

The school has also expanded partnerships with community organizations. 

Instruction and Assessment

J. Parks emphasized the themes of creativity and perseverance in their approach.

She reviewed the school calendar in relation to assessment schedules, noting that it has been overhauled to include dedicated time for testing.

The team is still determining how to best accommodate off-campus students during testing.

Conferences will include meetings with families to discuss accountability and support.

Student Engagement and Programs

J. Parks reviewed the success of recent Spirit Week activities and highlighted student excitement about various career opportunities.

The school is now officially an ASPIRE school. J. Parks and W. Richter-Roberts attended a conference in Salem to support implementation. They are helping students understand the timing and planning of post-secondary opportunities.

Attendance standards and state requirements were reviewed, along with expectations for students to remain on track for graduation.

The school continues to grow enrichment programs, including participation in OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books).

This week, students enjoyed a fall field trip to a pumpkin patch.

Enrollment and Mentorship

J. Parks is shifting focus to online enrollment for students who are not currently in the district. She expressed excitement about sharing SVA as an opportunity for families.

Jenn also shared that she has had the privilege of mentoring Robert Lamphere.

W. Bogard provided a REACH Update

W. Bogard reported that at the beginning of the month, staff attended the Oregon Charter School Conference, where REACH gave a presentation.

In October, the school will hold a Reset Week, during which staff, students, and parents will review Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) and set new goals together.

REACH has launched a new app through Aptegy, which connects to all other school-related applications and the school website for easier access.

The school has implemented a no-Chromebooks policy during lunch, which has had a positive effect, students are engaging in more face-to-face conversations.

Staff have also been participating in AVID professional development (PD) sessions.

The pumpkin patch field trip is scheduled for Friday.

Legislative Road Show

J. Chick attended the Legislative Road Show.

H. Percell, Chief Legal Officer and Interim Deputy Executive Director, from the OSBA legal team was also in attendance.

The event included extensive information about upcoming legislative actions and potential impacts on schools.

Attendees were encouraged to increase engagement and communication with legislators to help share accurate information and advocate for district needs.

J. Chick shared updates about the Early Learning and Wellness Center and the new Junior High addition, noting that attendees were very enthusiastic and supportive of the district’s progress.

Athletics Update

H. Friend reported that the football team won their homecoming game.

She also shared that the soccer team is performing very well and won their game today.

D. Sweeney provided a Financial Report

D. Sweeney presented his first budget projection of the fiscal year.

He expanded on P. Lee's earlier discussion regarding the shift from a surplus to a potential deficit.

The district has experienced a reduction in the ending fund balance.

D. Sweeney noted that there is a reasonable chance the district will break even this year and remain in a stable financial position to manage upcoming challenges.

Regarding the federal government shutdown, D. Sweeney reported that no interruptions have been experienced at this time.

He will provide a more in-depth financial presentation at next month’s meeting.

P. Lee reviewed and presented the Division 22 standards to the board. He reviewed the areas of implementation and/or non-compliance. He reviewed the 23-24, then 24-25, along with a plan forward. 

As required by OAR 581-022-2305: District Assurances of Compliance with Public School
Standards, Superintendent Lee will review the 2024-2025 Division 22 Standards Report with the Board and Community.

The RRSD is in compliance in all areas except;

1. 581-022-2263 Physical Education Requirements *Elementary Grades
In this area, P. Lee will report our status as Implementing Approved Corrective Action.

P. Lee will report the following Corrective Action Plan & Timeline;
For the start of the school year 2025-26, RRES has a schedule in place that meets elementary minutes requirements. We will be compliant this year.

2. 581-022-2045 Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Plan
In this area, P. Lee will report our status as Out of Compliance.

P. Lee will report the following Corrective Action Plan & Timeline;
We met all components related to the required instruction on these elements, but we overlooked producing an actual written comprehensive plan. We are actively working on the plan now and will have it done before the end of this school year.

Legislative Policy Committee Review

The Board reviewed the Legislative Policy  Committee (LPC) election information.

J. Chick noted that all three candidates attended the Legislative Road Show, giving him the opportunity to hear each of them speak.

Jay commented that N. Seable stood out due to his experience.

The Board reviewed nominating someone for the position with the OSBA Board of Directors.