H. Friend lead in the flag salute.

Student Presentation – Treasure Trade Design

Summer Brandon introduced Cory and Alaska, who presented their “Treasure Trade” design project. The project involves designing and building a small community exchange intended to spread joy in the community while incorporating skills related to measuring, scaling, and design. The students indicated their goal is to have the project included on the Sidewalk Joy map.

J. Chick asked where the students got the idea for the project. Cory explained that an artist in Portland named Rachel invited them to create similar community projects as part of a presentation.

P. Lee asked whether the project is part of a global initiative. Summer responded that their project will include a QR code specific to their installation and noted that similar projects exist in various locations.

During the presentation, the Board was also introduced to Tarmac, a service dog trained by Dogs for Better Lives. It was explained that Tarmac provides support through deep pressure therapy and weighted contact.

Graduation Trends and Growth

P. Lee presented a slide reviewing district graduation trends from the 2020–2021 school year through the 2024–2025 school year. P. Lee highlighted the significant growth observed in the district’s graduation rates over this period.

P. Lee noted that two years prior, the district’s graduation rate was in the mid to upper 60 percent range. The rate increased to approximately 74 percent in the 2019–2020 school year and continued to improve in subsequent years.

The state graduation average was reported at 81.2 percent. P. Lee noted that the district was approximately 1 percent above the state average in the previous year and is currently about 1 percent below the state average for the most recent reporting year.

ODE Vendor Short List and District Grouping

P. Lee reported that IXL was not included on the short list of vendors approved by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). He provided background regarding SB 141, which required ODE to establish comparison targets for districts with similar characteristics by clustering districts and charter schools across the state.

P. Lee explained that the district was initially placed in a cluster that did not accurately reflect comparable districts. An appeal was filed by the district requesting reconsideration. ODE reviewed the appeal and approved the request, placing the district into a more appropriate comparison grouping. P. Lee noted that this outcome represents a positive development for the district.

Superintendent Transition

P. Lee reported that he is looking forward to transitioning his responsibilities as Superintendent to Dr. April Harrison in July. He noted that Dr. Harrison would bring her own leadership style and ideas to the district.

Student Activities and Graduation Projections

T. Kirkpatrick presented a slide presentation to the Board.

She reported that the recent Beef Feed fundraiser raised $50,185, which will support student travel and events. She also highlighted upcoming activities, including the Staff vs. Student Basketball Game scheduled for February 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the high school.

T. Kirkpatrick reviewed 2025–2026 graduation projections. She and R. Davis continue to track student cohorts. The current projected graduation rate is 96.36%, while the Oregon Department of Education projection is 91.379%. She noted that one previously identified dropout has since earned a GED, which will improve the final percentage.

RRES Academic Data Presentation

A. James presented RRES IXL math and ELA data for the school. IXL assessments are administered three times per year, with the mid-year assessment occurring from early January through the end of January.

A. James reviewed data related to the Numbers and Operations strand, Rocket Math progress toward the School Improvement Plan (SIP) goal, and schoolwide ELA performance. ELA IXL scores increased from 55% to 64%, meeting the school’s goal.

A. James also reviewed Reading ATI improvement data.

As part of the presentation, A. James introduced kindergarten teacher K. Smith, who shared observations about student growth, maturity, and learning development throughout the year, noting that some aspects of student progress are not fully reflected in assessment data.

SVA Report

J. Parks presented SVA’s update. She highlighted the Tiny Treasure Trade project by Summer Brandon and recognized the students’ efforts.

She reported a strong start to the second semester and noted the recent loss of a student, Vincent Stark, emphasizing the school’s support for a vulnerable student population.

J. Parks shared that the School of Choice Open House in late January was successful, featuring hands-on passport stations. The first-ever Senior Day was also meaningful, and the largest field trip to date, ice skating on February 5, showcased student community and engagement.

She noted that teacher Desiree, completing her master’s degree, conducted a civics lesson on local government with high student engagement. Current enrollment is 96, with the greatest growth in elementary and middle school grades.

Marketing efforts include a community volunteer, social media, and direct mailers.

Special Programs Report

M. Cleveland presented her Special Programs update, covering TAG, EL, Special Education, and the Backpack Program. Lifeskills students participate in the Backpack Program weekly, with 2–9 students attending.

She also reviewed curriculum adoption plans:

• Social Sciences – under review; an update will be provided next month.
• World Languages – scheduled for next year’s adoption cycle.
• Health – Human Sexuality – meets all standards and Oregon laws; the Board will receive a list of materials and discuss them in March.

K. Gibson, RREA Rep and RRHS Teacher, shared her perspective as a 22-year RR staff member and 29-year teaching veteran. She discussed the use of media in the classroom, noting that teaching requires real-time assessment and flexibility to meet students’ needs, including neurodivergent and English language learners.

She emphasized that teachers often know what they need to cover but must adjust how they teach based on the moment and student needs. Media tools, such as videos or audio, support individualized learning.

K. Gibson offered the Board her and the executive board’s support as a resource to better understand classroom practices and teacher needs.

Board Member Reports

M. Jacob attended a K–12 educator seminar, which included discussions on upcoming funding challenges.

B. Sund reported spending the day in Eagle Point judging FFA interviews.

H. Friend highlighted the FFA Beef Feed fundraiser, noting that a cheesecake sold for $550.00.

The Board reviewed the annual requirement for SEI.

Budget and Staffing Update

D. Sweeney reviewed potential budget reductions, highlighting Article 20 – assistant coaches. The district currently has 38 assistant coaches, with student participation declining, representing approximately $78,000 in costs. Most teams have two coaches, while golf and wrestling have three.

D. Sweeney also discussed enrollment trends, noting a 17% kindergarten loss similar to state-wide patterns and declining numbers in grades K–3.

J. Chick inquired about additional potential areas for cuts. D. Sweeney noted class sizes have decreased from around 60 to 40 students in kindergarten and indicated that more detailed budget information will be shared as budget season approaches.

The Board reviewed the Tentative Budget Calendar for 2026-2027.

Meeting Dates: 

May 6, 2026 First Meeting , 6:00 PM
May 12, 2026 Possible 2nd Meeting, 6:00 PM
May 19, 2026 Regular School Board Meeting, 6:00 PM
June 16, 2026 Public Hearing on the 2026-2027 Budget / Regular Board
Meeting - Adopt the 2026-2027 Budget

Last July 2025 the Board approved the Board Meeting Schedule for the year. On that calendar, June 23, 2026 is listed as the June meeting date. The Board discussed changing this date to June 16, 2026 to keep with their third Tuesday of each month meeting schedule.

Policy and Administrative Regulation Review

P. Lee reviewed changes made to the policy and administrative regulation based on the Board’s prior discussion.

H. Friend raised concerns regarding the paragraph on parental permission, noting she does not believe it is necessary for 8th-grade students. P. Lee clarified that no changes have been made to the existing policy in this area.

M. Jacob requested that the Board review the policy again next month after further consideration.