H. Friend lead in the flag salute.

Pride and Image:

Superintendent Patrick Lee reported that the annual Superintendent's Luncheon honoring the District's top academic students will be held at 12:25 p.m. Board members were invited to attend.

Mr. Lee announced that the District was awarded a competitive three-year grant to support a robust summer school program. He expressed appreciation to M. Cleveland, J. Parks, and the administrative team for their work in securing the grant.

Mr. Lee further reported that Sarah Wicks has been appointed as the Summer School Program Director for the upcoming summer session.

T. Kirkpatrick reported that senior presentations have concluded, and all graduating seniors successfully met the presentation requirement.

An update was provided on the FFA program, noting that a third team has qualified for national competition. If all teams attend, a total of 18 students will represent the District, marking a first for the program.

The Board was informed of the following upcoming events:

• FFA Banquet and Awards Ceremony – May 20
• Rogue River High School Graduation – June 6
• Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony – June 9
• School Carnival – June 10

A. James, who participated via Zoom, provided updates on state testing, student activities, and upcoming events.

A. James reported that the school's Bubble Run fundraiser raised more than $12,000. Incentive awards included a limousine ride and lunch for top participants, with recognition extended to all students who contributed. Appreciation was expressed to La Quacamaya for donating the limousine.

An update was provided on the school's self-management program. Due to the large number of qualifying students, the traditional field trip was transformed into a carnival-style event held on the West Campus.

A. James also shared that Outdoor School is scheduled for June 2–4, with SVA students participating, and noted that Field Day and the Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony are upcoming. Board members were invited to attend these events.

J. Parks highlighted recent student activities, including an all-school tea party dance and participation in Careers and Gears, which provided students with opportunities to explore post-secondary career pathways.

J. Parks recognized staff celebrations, including Administrative Professionals Day and Staff Appreciation Week, and expressed appreciation for the contributions of SVA and District Office staff.

An update was provided on student engagement initiatives, including the successful launch of a grant-funded cooking club. The Board also received information on the upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland, noting increased student involvement in drama and theater.

J. Parks reported on academic progress, including the implementation of assessments and the development of shared academic goals. She also discussed a recent professional development day focused on SVA's unique educational model and shared insights gained from attending an Artificial Intelligence Summit in Portland regarding the evolving role of AI in education.

Upcoming events include the SVA Graduation on June 5 and the Eighth Grade Celebration on June 9.

The Board received the Special Programs Report. In the absence of Michele, Superintendent Patrick Lee provided a brief update on Special Programs activities.

W. Bogard shared that students are currently meeting with Early College advisors and exploring post-secondary opportunities, with approximately 40 students planning to attend college next year.

W. Bogard reported a 90 percent participation rate in state assessments, noting that this achievement is especially significant given the unique structure of the REACH program and the challenges associated with testing participation.

The Board was informed that the REACH end-of-year Field Games event will be held at Evans Valley on June 4. W. Bogard also reported continued strong enrollment interest, with a high number of applications being received across all grade levels.

K. Gibson presented the RREA report to the Board. She reported increased member participation for the 2026–2027 school year and shared that RREA intends to have a representative attend each regular Board meeting. K. Gibson also encouraged Board members to communicate with union leadership regarding matters they would like the association to consider.

K. Gibson conveyed appreciation from the RRJSHS staff for the work of T. Kirkpatrick and E. Figeroa-Wolfe and shared congratulations from the RREA Executive Council to Board members celebrating the addition of a great-grandchild and the graduation of a child.

In response to a Board inquiry regarding union contacts, K. Gibson indicated that J. Fricke and K. Gibson are expected to serve as co-presidents for the upcoming year and would be the appropriate points of contact for the Board.

Board Member B. Sund reported on the successful completion of the RRJSHS senior presentations and commended the accomplishments of the graduating class.

Board Members H. Friend and B. Sund shared that they would participate in the high school graduation ceremony by presenting diplomas.

D. Sweeney provided the monthly financial update and reported that there have been no significant changes since the Budget Committee meeting.

Mr. Art Coolidge of White City, Oregon, addressed the Board in his capacity as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Jackson County. Drawing on his 22 years of experience serving youth across numerous schools, Mr. Coolidge shared his appreciation for the staff of Rogue River Junior/Senior High School.

Mr. Coolidge highlighted the positive impact the school has had on one of the students he serves, who is preparing to graduate. He commended T. Kirkpatrick, E. Figeroa-Wolfe, R. Isom, and H. Wallace for their compassion, patience, and dedication to student success. Mr. Coolidge offered special recognition to Coach Isom for his mentorship and support of student participation in athletics.

Mr. Coolidge concluded by expressing his appreciation for the high quality of the RRJSHS staff and his hope that the District will continue to retain such dedicated educators and support personnel.