Rogue River School District 35
Minutes
RRSD35 Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Rogue River School District - District Office
1898 E Evans Creek Road
Rogue River, OR 97537
Directions available HERE
The Board met in executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(a) - to consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, ORS 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations, and ORS 192.660(2)(f) - review of legal letters for litigation.
Representatives of the news media and designated staff shall be allowed to attend the executive session. All other members of the audience are asked to leave the room.
Representatives of the news media are specifically directed not to report on or otherwise disclose any of the deliberations or anything said about these subjects during the executive session. The information discussed is confidential.
Pursuant to ORS 192.660(4), representatives of the news media may attend this executive session; however, the Board may require that information discussed in executive session remain confidential and no final action will be taken.
The open meeting began at 6:23 p.m., immediately following the executive session.
Directors Present
B. Sund, E. Poston, H. Friend, J. Chick, M. Jacob
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
A. James, B. Mortenson, C. Schloegl, D. Sweeney, J. Parks, M. Cleveland, P. Lee, T. Kirkpatrick, W. Bogard
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Opening Items
III. Action from Executive Session
A.
Hire - Volleyball Coach
B.
Retirement - Jr. High Teacher
IV. Consent Agenda
A.
Approve Reports
B.
Approve Minutes - February 17, 2026 Regular Board Meeting
V. AGENDA ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
A.
Superintendent Report
Legislative Update:
P. Lee reported that the short legislative session has concluded. He stated that funding is expected to remain stable for the current year and the next, with no reductions anticipated for FFA programs. He noted that both OSBA and COSA have expressed concern about the potential precedent of drawing funds from education budgets, though it is hoped this will be a one-time occurrence.
P. Lee further reported that HB 4160 has passed, and the district is ahead of the curve in its implementation. He also shared that SB 1596, regarding play-based learning for grades K–5, aligns with the district’s current kindergarten model, placing the district ahead in this area as well.
Outstanding Environments:
P. Lee reported his recent involvement in supporting OBOB on a Saturday morning. He also shared an experience assisting kindergarten students in learning proper brushing and flossing techniques. Additionally, he noted his enjoyment in attending the high school Airband performance earlier in the week.
B.
RRJSHS Report
Report – RRJSHS Celebrations:
T. Kirkpatrick presented her slide and reviewed recent RRJSHS celebrations. She reported that the Brain Bowl team earned 1st place honors. She also noted that the OBOB team achieved 2nd place as a Wildcard selection.
T. Kirkpatrick further reported that Christine Renfrew received the Compass Award in recognition of her work as an inspirational robotics coach.
In addition, she shared that the sophomore class won this year’s Air Band competition. She noted that students demonstrated significant dedication in their preparation, and that junior high students now attend annually to observe and prepare for future participation. She commented that the event fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among students.
C.
RRES Report
A. James presented and reviewed her slide with the Board. She reported that Paula, the library technician, had organized a large table of books available for giveaway.
A. James also announced that Kindergarten Round-Up is scheduled for April 9, 2026.
D.
SVA Report
J. Parks reported that student needs remain high and budgets are currently stretched, making conditions challenging at this time. She stated her intention to also highlight several positive developments.
J. Parks reported that the “Tiny Treasure Trade” initiative has recently debuted and has been both fun and engaging for students. She further noted that enrollment at SVA continues to grow, particularly in the younger grades, and that she has already met with five prospective families during the current week.
She shared that the 100th day of school was celebrated with a campus-wide activity in which her daughter hid over 100 small ducks throughout the school.
J. Parks also reported strong engagement during conference attendance, noting that efforts were made to ensure meaningful connections among students, families, and staff. She described the conversations as both challenging and impactful.
Additionally, she reported that SVA participated in Battle of the Books for the first time, and that students have been recognized through the Kiwanis Students of the Month program.
E.
Special Programs Report
M. Cleveland provided a report on behalf of K. Wall. She read a letter from K. Wall, noting that Ms. Wall is currently assisting another district in northern Oregon.
M. Cleveland also referenced a photo included on the slide, stating that it depicted students and their families.
F.
REACH Report
W. Bogard reported on the Early College program, noting that it currently serves 24 students. She explained that the program intentionally selects students who may not have previously considered college as an option.
W. Bogard also reported on the State Testing Family Night, which was designed to help families better understand what students are learning, how their learning is assessed, and how state assessment data is utilized.
G.
RREA - Union Representative to the Board
H.
RRACE - Union Representative to the Board
VI. Reports
A.
Board Reports
B. Sund reported that, at Evans Valley, students have been assisting with community events, including supporting Bingo Night by helping at the popcorn and pizza stations. He noted that students have also expressed interest in volunteering at the upcoming Easter egg hunt, including dressing as the Easter Bunny.
B. Sund stated that students are earning community service credit for their participation, and that their contributions are greatly appreciated by the community.
VII. Business / Fiscal Services
A.
Monthly Financial Update
D. Sweeney provided a budget update, reporting that the district’s financial outlook has improved since February. He noted that state school funding estimates for the upcoming year indicate an approximate 4.4% increase.
D. Sweeney also reported that the seismic grant has encountered an unexpected challenge, as initial cost estimates provided by companies were not accurate. He stated that geo testing is required and is scheduled to take place over the summer.
VIII. Board/Administration
A.
Discussion — IIABB and IIABB AR
H. Friend requested that P. Lee review all edits and changes that had been made to the policy.
E. Poston noted that, within the final paragraph, the last two sentences should be reordered. She emphasized language requiring that, at least five days prior, the title and access information be provided so parents may review materials independently.
B. Sund added that access should include a specific link to ensure the correct version is available. He also expressed support for providing an advance list of materials so parents can track which items their students may view.
E. Poston further noted that a media item currently under Board review had previously been shown and could have been included on an advance list.
H. Friend stated that providing a list five days in advance is reasonable, and B. Sund and J. Chick concurred. H. Friend also noted that some families may not have internet access, and emphasized the importance of providing opportunities at school sites for families to review materials.
Administrative Regulation (AR):
H. Friend requested that P. Lee review all edits and changes to the Administrative Regulation. P. Lee stated that the AR closely mirrors the policy. E. Poston noted that she would like the policy and AR to be aligned with the previously discussed expectations.
IX. Education
A.
Approval - Postponement of Social Studies Curriculum
B.
Approval - Human Sexuality Policy Adoption
X. Board/Administration
A.
First Reading - IIABB and IIABB AR
The Board reviewed Policy IIABB and Administrative Regulation IIABB. By consensus, the Board tabled the item and postponed consideration until the next regular Board meeting scheduled for April 21, 2026.
B.
First Reading - EEA
C.
Adoption - JHFA
D.
Adoption - GCDA/GDDA
E.
Approval - Job Description - Technology Specialist
XI. Good of the Order (Opportunity for District Patrons to Address the Board on Agenda Items)
A.
GOTO
H. Friend read the guidelines for speaking during the “Good of the Order” public comment period.
Nicole Navarro – Special Education Concern:
Ms. Navarro expressed concerns regarding special education services for her child.
Chelsea White – Protocols, Resources, and Student Concerns:
Ms. White expressed concerns regarding district resources and staff adherence to protocols.
H. Friend lead in the flag salute.