H. Friend lead in the flag salute.

Presentation: Charter Renewal Request – River’s Edge Academy Charter School (REACH)

Cecile Enright, Superintendent and Founder of River’s Edge Academy Charter School (REACH), addressed the Board. Ms. Enright introduced Wendy B., Principal, and Anne B., Assistant Principal, to the Board.

Ms. Enright formally requested, on behalf of the River’s Edge Academy Charter School Board of Directors, renewal of the charter agreement with Rogue River School District for a minimum term of five (5) years and, if approved by the District, for a term of up to ten (10) years, pursuant to ORS 338.065.

Ms. Enright stated that a ten-year renewal term would support long-range planning, sustained program improvement, and continued service to students. She reported that REACH remains in good standing with respect to accreditation, fiscal oversight, and governance practices and is prepared to provide any materials requested by the District to support the renewal review.

Ms. Enright requested that the Board place the charter renewal request on the District agenda and schedule a public hearing consistent with ORS 338.055. She further requested that, if the Board approves renewal in principle, the District begins negotiation of a new charter document for the requested term. Ms. Enright stated she is available to meet with District staff or the Board and to provide additional documentation or presentations as needed. She thanked the Board for its consideration.

Ms. Enright offered to answer questions from the Board or members of the public.

J. Chick inquired about the length of the previous charter approval. Ms. Enright responded that the prior approval was for a five-year term with a one-year extension and clarified that the current renewal request is for a minimum of five years. 

P. Lee clarified that this presentation represents the first step in the renewal process and that the Board has thirty (30) days to approve or deny renewal. He stated that the next Board meeting, scheduled for January 20, 2025, would include a motion to renew or not renew the charter. Ms. Enright agreed with the thirty-day process and acknowledged that the review would extend across multiple meeting dates as scheduled.

It was noted that legal counsel for Rogue River School District is Rebekah Jacobson, and legal counsel for REACH is Debra Dison.

H. Friend opened the floor for public comment.

A member of the audience spoke in support of REACH, commenting positively on the work being done with her young students.

Another member of the audience stated that they have four children enrolled at REACH and described their experience with the school as wonderful.

The Board thanked Ms. Enright for her presentation.

H. Friend adjourned the Public Hearing at 6:12PM.

H. Friend called the Regular School Board Meeting to order at 6:12PM and added the following items to the agenda:

Regular Meeting:

Action from Executive Session

Hire - Middle School Wrestling Coach

Note: The person for this hire has changed.

Hire - High School Assistant Wrestling Coach

Hire - Middle School Assistant Wrestling Coach

Hire - Interim Head Girls Basketball Coach

Hire - Interim Assistant Girls Basketball Coach

P. Lee presented the Annual Child Find Notice. This is a requirement by law.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A) requires all school districts to provide a free and appropriate public education to all disabled children from birth to age 21. Anyone acquainted with a disabled young person who is not currently enrolled in special education, and any parent/guardian who believe their child is disabled and in need of services, are asked to speak with the school building administrator or directly call Michele Cleveland, Director of Special Programs, at the Rogue River School District #35 Administration Office (541) 582-6003.

Student Character, Safety, and Well-Being

P. Lee provided an update on the $25,000 grant received. He reported that a press release would be issued during the current week and expressed sincere thanks to the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF). He further reported that an application for the Walker Grant will be submitted in March.

Fostering Communication

P. Lee stated that the current year is a social studies curriculum adoption year. He reported that notifications to the community will be posted in the coming months regarding this process.

He also noted that a new health curriculum was adopted last year. During the current year, a new plan of instruction will be adopted, and it is expected to be a streamlined process.

Legislative Update

P. Lee provided a legislative update, reporting that the upcoming economic forecast was better than predicted. He stated that the State is currently projecting a $300 million deficit, compared to an earlier expectation of a $900 million deficit. While improved, the financial outlook remains challenging.

Update on Oak Trees

P. Lee reported receiving an arborist’s report regarding four black oak trees located at the elementary school. All four trees were deemed low risk, with no elevated risk identified at this time. He stated that no action is required other than corrective pruning, which will be completed as needed.

Questions and Answers

H. Friend asked how the arborists arrived at their final determination. P. Lee responded that a second arborist team, Community Forestry, was brought in to conduct a more thorough evaluation, including analysis of bark thickness and related factors. He noted that this assessment was conducted at low cost and concluded that the trees present no current risk.

Attendance and Student Climate Data

T. Kirkpatrick presented attendance data to the Board, including a review of the regular attender rate, noting that this metric is used by the State in evaluating attendance.

She reviewed student “on track” data and shared results from student survey data. She discussed the types of supports and resources students are accessing.

T. Kirkpatrick then reviewed information related to junior high climate and culture, including an overview of the house system and the role of advisors.

She also reported that cards were sent to families over the break as part of ongoing family engagement efforts.

Family Committee Fundraising and Events

A. James reviewed the Family Committee’s Christmas tree fundraiser. She reported that each grade level in the building decorated a tree at each of the listed locations, including Woodland and Sweet Treats as designated themes. The fundraiser generated a total of $660.

A. James also provided an update on the Winter Concert, which is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, with performances at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

She expressed appreciation to Cody, IT Director, for his assistance and support.

Kudos and Shout Outs

The Kindergarten Team offered kudos and compliments to the high school FFA, the leadership team, and student volunteers.

Writing Instruction and Program Updates

J. Parks presented a report on writing instruction and skill development. She reported that teachers are embedding SMART goals into writing instruction and that professional learning related to writing will take place in the new year.

J. Parks noted a significant amount of writing avoidance among students and stated that SVA is working intentionally to build student confidence in writing. As part of instruction, teachers presented students with a paper intentionally filled with errors and observed students working collaboratively to identify and correct the mistakes.

J. Parks reported that she is working with a community member on outreach efforts, including updating communication materials, more clearly telling SVA’s story, and highlighting the full range of opportunities the program offers.

She provided an enrollment update, stating that six new students have enrolled in the past week and a half. She noted that while enrollment had previously decreased, it is now trending upward, with significant interest coming from outside the District.

She identified a notable trend among families seeking accelerated learning opportunities for their students.

She also reported that SVA teachers have been implementing school spirit awards, noting that the current theme day was “Whoville.”

As the program heads into break, she stated that the focus will be on strengthening family partnerships and continued engagement.

Questions and Answers

M. Jacob asked about current enrollment. J. Parks reported that enrollment is 88.

Special Education Update

P. Lee reported Special Education (SPED) student counts across the various programs.

Mr. Lee responded to questions from several Board members regarding student homelessness.video. 

REACH School Update

W. Bogard of River’s Edge Academy Charter School (REACH) presented a school update. She reported on the hard work being done by students and staff and noted a continued instructional focus on writing. W. Bogard stated that teachers are integrating writing into mathematics instruction to strengthen student skills.

She reported that the REACH campuses are increasingly coming together, including collaboration between the Grants Pass and Evans Valley locations.

She shared that middle and high school students have been visiting local nursing homes to sing carols. She described how students engage with seniors by greeting them, shaking hands, and asking about their lives, noting that the experience has been very rewarding for both students and seniors.

She announced the upcoming REACH Chili Cook-Off, scheduled for January 31. She stated that there are opportunities for community members to judge, enter a dish, or purchase tickets. The event will include student chef, amateur, and professional categories.

She also reported the launch of a new REACH mobile application. W. Bogard explained that the app includes a “Rooms” feature that allows teachers to communicate directly with parents. She noted that parents who do not have the app will still receive communications. 

None to report.

None to report.

Public Comment

1. Emily Chmelir

Ms. Emily Chmelir addressed the Board regarding concerns about a teacher’s conduct. She stated that she had removed her child from the class in question and reported that her child is now failing the class. Ms. Chmelir was warned several times about adhering to the public comment requirements. Ms. Chmelir went on to use multiple expletives. Ms. Chmelir expressed dissatisfaction with the District over its handling of the situation.

2. Matt Bruner

An individual later identified as Matt Bruner addressed the Board. Mr. Bruner refused multiple requests to state his name or to identify himself as a resident of the Rogue River School District.

He declined to comply with the Board’s Good of the Order guidelines by not heeding Chair Friends redirection to comply with public comment rules per board policy BDDH, as stated on the public comment card.

Mr. Bruner asked whether the teacher referenced during public comment remained employed by the District. Mr. Bruner was cautioned multiple times because he was violating the public comment rules. After multiple warnings, he continued to violate the rules and a recess was called.

Recess

The Board recessed at 6:59 p.m.

The Board reconvened from recess at 7:15 p.m.

Upon reconvening, H. Friend read ORS 192.660 aloud to those present and provided copies of the statute to Ms. Chmelir and Mr. Bruner.

Due to violations of the Public Comment and Good of the Order guidelines, the Board determined that no further public comments would be accepted for the remainder of the meeting. Public Comment was formally closed.

3. Micah Risley

Micah Risley submitted a Good of the Order comment card after the recess had begun. Her comment was not heard. The topic listed was general in nature.

The Board reviewed and discussed the upcoming Legislative Reception which will concentrate on the budget, especially the dollar amounts for unfunded mandates. Senators and Representatives have been invited.

Enrollment and Audit Update

D. Sweeney reported that there have been minimal changes since the prior update and that enrollment remains the same.

Mr. Sweeney also reported that the annual audit has been completed and that the auditors are scheduled to present their report to the Board at the January 20, 2026 meeting.

Review of Policies IIA and IIABB

The Board reviewed Policies IIA and IIABB. The Board confirmed that all members had the opportunity to read both policies prior to the meeting.

Discussion: Supplemental Materials (Policy IIA)

E. Poston expressed a desire for any supplemental materials outside the approved curriculum to receive additional review. She suggested that someone other than the teacher should review materials before they are shown to students, so that one individual does not make unilateral decisions.

P. Lee provided context, noting that the use of supplemental materials in classrooms is standard practice and not unusual.

E. Poston requested a link or platform where parents could access and review supplemental curriculum materials.

H. Friend inquired about whether there is a timeline requirement for supplemental materials. P. Lee responded that there is no formal timeline; materials may be chosen at any time.

H. Friend noted that, currently, parents cannot review supplemental materials ahead of time due to the absence of a formal structure.

H. Friend asked whether the Board would like to hold a work session via Zoom to discuss these policies in greater detail.

P. Lee encouraged the Board to invite union representatives. H. Friend and B. Sund also recommended including principals in the discussion.

A. Orton was identified as the union representative. It was noted that the District does not negotiate directly with teachers, and teacher contracts are approved by the Southern Oregon Bargaining Council (SOBC).

Discussion: Policy IIABB

P. Lee reviewed a memo detailing changes already enacted at the high school, including distinctions between feature films and documentaries as addressed in the policy.

H. Friend asked whether there is a reason not to adopt the memo district-wide.

T. Kirkpatrick noted that parents have the opportunity to review materials if concerns arise.

E. Poston asked how the implemented changes will prevent similar concerns from arising in the future.

Adjournment
Due to multiple disruptions by a member of the public who had been cautioned multiple times, the meeting was adjourned immediately.

Remaining items were tabled due to the unforeseen adjournment of the meeting.

Tabled.

Tabled.