Board Members Present: Chair Kris Howatt, Shawn Farrens, Mayra Gómez, David Ligatich, Blake Petersen, and Holly Riegelmann
Recognitions
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Recertification
The school board honored Powell Valley Elementary School teacher Alisha Phillips for earning her recertification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Earning certification requires the completion of comprehensive portfolios documenting their teaching pedagogy, plus the intense analysis of and reflection on their teaching practice. Teachers must submit two new components in their portfolio every five years to maintain their certification.
2024 Community Donations for GBSD Students and Families
Federal Program Coordinator Nancy Singleterry shared how the Gresham-Barlow community supported students and families during the holidays.
Several faith communities adopted local schools, providing gifts and meal assistance. The following schools received support from faith-based organizations:
-Grace Community Church: East Gresham Elementary and Hogan Cedars Elementary
-East Hill Church Family: North Gresham Elementary
-Mountainview Christian Church: Highland Elementary and Gresham Arthur Academy
-Hall Elementary: Supported by an individual community member who provided gifts and food boxes.
The Holiday Joy Box event, organized by GBSD Federal Programs, supported 26 McKinney-Vento students this season. East hill church also donated several gift cards to students in the program.
Throughout the district, GBSD staff generously sponsored students at their respective schools. Gifts and meal support were provided, and several families (students and staff) received assistance with utility payments to ensure they could keep their lights on this holiday season. Federal Programs is exploring options allowing staff and community members to make pre-tax financial contributions, allowing us to establish a flexible fund to meet needs throughout the school year.
Celebration of Licensed Staff Contract
At the school board meeting, time was set aside to celebrate the recently approved three-year licensed staff contract between the Gresham-Barlow School District and the Gresham-Barlow Education Association. Representatives from both teams expressed appreciation for the many hours of work that led to the agreement.
Superintendent and District Leadership Team Update
Interim Superintendent John Koch welcomed students and staff returning this week from winter break. He expressed his appreciation for the recently approved collective bargaining agreement for licensed staff. He shared that the agreement is a testament to the spirit of collaboration between the district and the GBEA.
He shared that the cabinet and instructional leadership team will work on several key items including a continued focus on academic outcomes, monitoring the Oregon Legislature as lawmakers determine how much funding schools will receive for the next biennium, safety summit planning, and long-range facility plan finalization.
Superintendent Koch concluded his remarks by thanking the GBSD’s School Board. He shared that board members make a difference through their tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and leadership. January is School Board Appreciation Month in the GBSD.
Citizens’ Requests of the Board
There were no citizens’ requests of the board.
APPROVED, accepting the recommendation to reappoint John Hartsock, Position 2, and Nick McWilliams, Position 3, and appoint Vaden Green, Position 1, on the Gresham-Barlow School District Budget Committee.
APPROVED, appointing Holly Riegelmann to serve as board vice-chair.
FAILED, posting school board position 3, zone 2
Note: Former board member Cathy Keathley resigned from her position. She has been elected to the Gresham City Council.
Presentations
Healthy and Safe Schools Plan
Executive Director of K-12 Schools Sara Deboy and Director of Facilities Terry Taylor presented the school district’s “Healthy and Safe Schools Plan.” This plan evaluates environmental hazards and plans to address any identified concerns or issues.
Equity Driven Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Implementation Update
Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Michele Cook and school staff members presented an overview of the District’s ongoing efforts as staff develop Equity-Driven Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in schools. The team shared specific strategies and focus areas.
District administration shared the out-of-state trips approved for GBSD schools between September 2024 to present.
Monthly Financial Report as of 11/30/2024
The financial projections are awaiting two significant items: The conclusion of the 2023-24 audit to establish the Beginning Fund Balance, currently estimated at $19.5M, and the calculation of Licensed staff retro pay based on the recently concluded GBSD and GBEA collective bargaining agreement. The 4.5% salary increase will impact the 2024-25 Ending Fund Balance with increases in salary and associated payroll costs. Local tax receipts for November were on track with projections.
Location: Large Conference Room, Public Safety and Schools Building
January 22, 2025
Board Work Session
6 pm
Location: Center for Advanced Learning, Partnership Room
February 5, 2025
Board Business Meeting
7 pm
Public Safety and Schools Building
Can't Attend Board Meetings?
You can watch regular school board meetings LIVE on the GBSD Website. Look for the link on the homepage in the District News section!
You can also watch regular school board meetings LIVE on Comcast cable channel 27 and Frontier cable channel 35. MetroEast Community Media replays the board meeting at the following times:
Second Showing-Monday at 7 pm.
Third Showing-The following Thursday at 4 pm.
If you live in Damascus-
Board meetings are shown on Willamette Falls TV for patrons in the Damascus area. They are scheduled for cablecast on channel 23 every Saturday at 1 pm.
