Rogue River School District 35

Minutes

RRSD35 School Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday September 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Location

Rogue River School District - District Office
1898 E Evans Creek Road
Rogue River, OR 97537
Directions available HERE

Executive Session was held at 5:30 p.m. in accordance with ORS 192.660 (2)(a) and (h) to consider the employment/hiring of a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, and to consult with legal counsel regarding the legal rights and duties of the public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.


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.


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 School Board Meeting began at 6:04 p.m., immediately following the Executive Session.

Directors Present

B. Sund, E. Poston, H. Friend, M. Jacob

Directors Absent

J. Chick

Guests Present

A. Harrison, D. Ed., A. James, C. Schloegl, D. Sweeney, J. Parks, M. Cleveland (remote), T. Kirkpatrick

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

H. Friend called a meeting of the board of directors of Rogue River School District 35 to order on Tuesday Sep 15, 2026 at 6:04 PM.

Chair Friend led the audience in the flag salute.

 

Chair Friend added the following:

III. ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

C. Resignation – Special Education Life-Skills/Transition Teacher

II. Opening Items

III. Action from Executive Session

A.

Hire - RRES Teacher

E. Poston made a motion to approve the hire of Merisah Poulson, RRES Teacher, as presented.
M. Jacob seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Hire - RRJSHS Head Boys Basketball Coach

B. Sund made a motion to approve the hire of Josh O’Gorman, Head Boys Basketball Coach, as presented.
E. Poston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Resignation – Special Education Life-Skills/Transition Teacher

E. Poston made a motion to accept the resignation of Nicole Bourdon, Special Education Life Skills/Transition Teacher, effective September 11, 2026.
B. Sund seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Special Guest / Presentations

A.

Rogue River FFA Presentation

FFA students presented an overview of their preparation for upcoming competitions, highlighting skills in chainsaw operation, retaining wall construction, food science, FDA food safety regulations, and soil evaluation, including texture, color, and landscaping.

 

Students shared that they had spent the summer studying and practicing knowledge assessments in preparation for competition.

 

The students also discussed their plans to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, October 17–24, which will include sightseeing and competitive events. The estimated cost is $1,500 per student before proceeds from beef sales are applied.

 

The students also referenced September 30 as an important date in their competition schedule.

V. Consent Agenda

A.

Approve Reports

E. Poston made a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items A and B, as presented.
B. Sund seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Approve Minutes - August 18, 2026 School Board Meeting

E. Poston made a motion to approve the minutes from RRSD35 School Board Meeting on 08-18-26.
B. Sund seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. AGENDA ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

A.

Superintendent Report

Superintendent A. Harrison presented her report, highlighting a positive start to the school year, staff training, school safety, enrollment, and district collaboration.

 

She reported that nearly all staff have completed First Aid/CPR training, with the remaining two employees scheduled for training. Additionally, 77% of staff have completed Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.

 

A. Harrison noted strong attendance at school open houses and positive community engagement. She discussed security limitations at the RRES West Campus, resulting in the temporary suspension of community facility use, with requests being accommodated at the East Campus.

 

She shared positive feedback from a neighboring superintendent who toured the district, particularly regarding staff dedication and school culture.

 

A. Harrison reported current enrollment of 822 students, compared to approximately 790 at the end of the previous school year. She explained that September enrollment figures can fluctuate significantly before stabilizing. D. Sweeney confirmed that these fluctuations are typical at the beginning of the school year.

 

Concluding her report, A. Harrison reviewed Phase 2 of her re-entry plan, emphasizing school visits, collaboration with district leadership, and regular communication with union representatives to strengthen relationships and support district operations.

B.

RRJSHS Report

Principal Tori Kirkpatrick provided an update on the successful Back-to-School Bash, noting that approximately 250 hamburgers were served. She expressed appreciation for the readiness of the facilities and the improved organization of office spaces at the start of the school year. She also shared that the school is now using S'more to communicate with families.

 

Principal Kirkpatrick recognized the FFA program, particularly Evan, for managing the barbecue, allowing Nicole to assist with other activities.

 

Principal Kirkpatrick reviewed plans for Homecoming Week, scheduled for September 28–October 2. Activities will include multiple home athletic events, a parade featuring the entire student body, and a bonfire.

 

She also referenced the upcoming RCC Family Night.

C.

RRES Report

Principal A. James reported a positive start to the school year, noting that opportunities for staff to come together before students returned helped foster a strong sense of community.

 

She highlighted improvements to student transportation safety, including a new drive-through area and signage installed with assistance from the City. She expressed appreciation for the City's partnership in creating a safer environment for students and families.

 

Principal A. James reported on current enrollment and shared that the addition of a third sixth-grade teacher has already had a positive impact.

 

She also highlighted the implementation of a structured learning environment in Ms. Borja’s classroom, noting that students have responded positively and adapted quickly.

 

Principal A. James shared several examples of student achievement and school culture, including a student proudly meeting a Rocket Math goal, a third-grade class organizing a birthday surprise for their teacher, and a first-grade classroom celebrating National Dot Day through themed activities.

 

She expressed appreciation for the dedication and teamwork of RRES staff and invited Board members to visit the school to observe the positive learning experiences taking place.

D.

SVA Report

Principal J. Parks reported a successful start to the school year, highlighting record attendance at the Back-to-School event, which drew a large turnout of students and families.

 

She reported on current enrollment at South Valley Academy, representing significant growth, with additional enrollment anticipated. She noted that students are increasingly participating in athletics and school activities, strengthening their connection to the school community. Enrollment growth is occurring across grade levels, and the school continues to welcome new students.

 

Principal J. Parks announced that S. Brandon received a $1,500 grant to establish a LEGO Robotics Club at SVA. Superintendent A. Harrison inquired about the grade levels served. J. Parks explained that younger students would participate after school, while older students would have opportunities during the school day, with additional time for collaboration between age groups.

 

J. Parks also reported the theft of two wheels and tires from a school vehicle over the weekend and noted that enrollment growth had created an initial shortage of chairs.

 

She discussed an upcoming staffing transition, with Nicole moving to a new position at the high school, and expressed appreciation that she would continue serving students within the district.

 

Board Member M. Jacob inquired about tracking students enrolling from outside the district. J. Parks confirmed that this information is being monitored and noted that SVA currently serves a significant number of out-of-district students with a variety of educational needs, including talented and gifted students and those requiring additional support.

E.

Q4 Integrated Guidance 25-26 Annual Report

M. Cleveland presented the 2025–2026 Integrated Programs Annual Report via Zoom, reviewing fourth-quarter progress, accomplishments, and challenges.

 

She highlighted progress in early literacy, including professional development, instructional coaching, and implementation of research-based teaching strategies. The district's summer learning program served 137 students in grades K–12. REACH also demonstrated improvements in literacy instruction and student performance through targeted interventions and instructional support.

 

M. Cleveland discussed ongoing challenges related to declining enrollment, budget constraints, staffing limitations, and meeting the needs of diverse student populations. She also addressed efforts to strengthen eighth-grade transition programming and improve student engagement.

 

M. Cleveland announced the approval of the district's Longitudinal Performance Growth Targets (LPGTs).

 

The Board reviewed the report as presented.

F.

Special Programs Report

No report.

G.

REACH Report

W. Bogard expressed appreciation for REACH's partnership with Rogue River School District, noting that RRSD serves as REACH's supporting district.

 

She reported that the first day of onsite classes at the Grants Pass facility was canceled due to a sewage backup. She also reported a theft involving a forced entry into a storage shed, resulting in the loss of graduation gowns.

 

W. Bogard announced an upcoming fundraiser at Wild River Pub on Saturday, October 17.

 

Board Member M. Jacob inquired about the facility issue, and W. Bogard confirmed that it occurred at the Grants Pass location.

 

In response to an additional question regarding enrollment, W. Bogard reported that enrollment had previously reached 229 students but had since declined.

H.

RREA - Union Representative to the Board

K. Gibson, representing the Rogue River Education Association (RREA), reported a positive start to the school year, highlighting strong relationships and communication between RREA, district administration, building administrators, and the Board.

 

She shared that RREA membership has grown to more than 92 members and that this year's Executive Council is the largest in recent memory, reflecting increased interest in leadership and participation. The Council held its first meeting the previous Wednesday, with members expressing appreciation for the support received from district and building leadership.

 

K. Gibson also expressed appreciation on behalf of RREA for the hiring of an additional sixth-grade teacher, noting that class sizes were projected to reach approximately 36 students per classroom before the additional position was filled.

 

She emphasized the importance of continued open communication and encouraged Board members to reach out to RREA leadership at any time.

 

K. Gibson concluded by sharing that students across all schools have demonstrated enthusiasm and positivity about returning to school.

I.

RRACE - Union Representative to the Board

No report.

VII. Reports

A.

Board Reports

Vice Chair B. Sund shared his appreciation for the volunteers who assisted with a recent event. He recognized J. Favro of Chartwells for preparing the food, while he assisted with preparations. He noted that numerous volunteers helped serve the meal, making it an enjoyable experience.

 

B. Sund also shared that he plans to assist with preparing tri-tip and pork loin again this year.

VIII. Business / Fiscal Services

A.

Monthly Financial Update

Business Manager D. Sweeney reported that auditors were onsite the previous week and that the audit process was progressing smoothly.

 

He expressed optimism regarding the district's financial outlook, citing continued enrollment growth across the district. In response to a question from Board Member H. Friend, D. Sweeney reported an increase of approximately 26 students, representing 3.4% enrollment growth.

 

Vice Chair B. Sund shared that he met with the auditors, including S. Woodall, a Rogue River graduate now employed by the auditing firm. He noted that this was her first visit back to the district and that she expressed positive impressions of the facilities and improvements made since her time as a student.

IX. Board/Administration

A.

OSBA Elections Review/Discussion

The Board was reviewed that nominations for the OSBA Board of Directors and Legislative Policy Committee are being accepted through September 30. Interested Board members must receive a nomination from their member board and submit a candidate questionnaire and résumé.

X. Business/Fiscal Services

A.

Declare Surplus for Sale

M. Jacob made a motion to declare the referenced vehicles as surplus district property, authorize the sale and disposal of these vehicles to the highest bidder at the upcoming public FFA auction, and direct that all proceeds realized from the sale of these specific surplus vehicles be allocated directly to the Rogue River FFA Program.
E. Poston seconded the motion.

Declares the following vehicles as surplus district property:
• 1994 Ford E350 Mini Bus
• 2010 Ford Transit Connect Van
• 1996 Ford Club Wagon (Note: Corrected "Club Cafe" to official Ford model name)

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Re-authorization of Sole Source Determination & Contract Award – ZCS Engineering (High School Seismic Rehabilitation Grant)

M. Jacob made a motion to re-authorize the Local Contract Review Board's November 2025 findings of fact and authorize staff to proceed with public notice and contract execution with ZCS Engineering.
B. Sund seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

XI. Board/Administration

A.

First Reading - DLC AR - Staff Travel and Expense Reimbursement

E. Poston made a motion to waive the First Reading of DLC-AR - Staff Travel and Expense Reimbursement, as presented.
B. Sund seconded the motion.

DLC-AR - Staff Travel and Expense Reimbursement

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Adoption - Immigration Policy/AR

B. Sund made a motion to adopt Policy KNA, KNA AR(1), and KNA AR (2), as presented.
M. Jacob seconded the motion.

KNA – Immigration Enforcement on District Property, Required, New
KNA-AR(1) – Interactions with Immigration Enforcement, Highly Recommended, New

KNA-AR(2) – Federal Immigration Enforcement Request Log, Optional, New

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Adoption - April 2026 OSBA Policy / AR Update

E. Poston made a motion to adopt the remainder of the April 2026 OSBA Policy / AR Update, as presented.
M. Jacob seconded the motion.

CBA – Qualifications and Duties of the Superintendent
CBG – Evaluation of the Superintendent
EBB – Integrated Pest Management
EBBA – Student Health Services
GBN/JBA – Sexual Harassment
GCBDA/GDBDA-AR(1) – Family and Medical Leave
GCBDD/GDBDD – Sick Time
JBA/GBN – Sexual Harassment

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

OSBA Board of Director Elections

M. Jacob made a motion to move that the Rogue River School Board nominate Jay Chick for the OSBA Board of Director position #5.
E. Poston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

Resolution No 2026-2027:2 - OSBA Board of Directors Southern Region 5

M. Jacob made a motion to move that the Rogue River School Board support Resolution 2026 2027:2, OSBA Board of Directors Southern Region 5.
B. Sund seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

XII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
C. Schloegl