Gresham-Barlow School District public meetings in 2021
37 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Board Work Session
The board approved a $447,810 grant from Portland General Electric for an electric school bus and charging infrastructure, with First Student as the bus owner and no general fund cost. They reviewed seven policy revisions (first reading), received updates on the SRO community engagement process, West Gresham Elementary community engagement, and a Test to Stay/Test to Return COVID-19 program. The board also discussed results from a ThoughtExchange survey for the superintendent search.
- Approved Electric School Bus Fund Award Agreement with PGE for $447,810 and MOA with First Student
- First reading of policy revisions: ACB (Every Student Belongs), ACB-AR (Bias Incident Complaint), IB (Freedom of Expression), GBNAA/JHFF (Sexual Conduct Reporting), JHFE/GBNAB (Child Abuse Reporting)
- Update on SRO program community engagement with third-party consultant and Face-to-Face PDX
- West Gresham Elementary community engagement process with R&C Management Group, survey through Dec 31, 2021
- Test to Stay and Test to Return program to begin after winter break
The board approved a grant from Portland General Electric and a memorandum of agreement with First Student to purchase one electric school bus. The district will act as a fiscal agent for the transaction. The board also reviewed several policy updates and received an update on the SRO community engagement process.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with First Student for one electric school bus and charging equipment (7-0)
- Approved $447,810 Electric School Bus Fund Award Agreement with Portland General Electric (7-0)
- Assigned Director Keathley to the Policy Review Committee
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including minutes from previous meetings, a financial report, personnel contracts, and policy updates. The meeting was held online due to COVID-19.
- Approved meeting agenda with removal of section L3
- Approved minutes from October 28, November 4, and November 18, 2021
- Financial report shows projected deficit reduced to $2.5 million
- Approved personnel contracts for licensed and contracted positions
- Approved six policy updates regarding nondiscrimination and harassment
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including personnel contracts and policy updates. Acting Superintendent Hiu detailed a three-part plan to evaluate and improve the district's School Resource Officer (SRO) program following community feedback.
- Approved meeting agenda with removal of graduation requirement Policy IKF review (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, personnel employee contracts, and policy updates (5-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The board is meeting to discuss the next steps in the process of searching for a new superintendent. Members are also discussing future board agenda topics and operational needs.
- Discussion of the Superintendent Search Process and timeline
- Discussion of future board agenda topics and operations
The board approved the meeting agenda. Members discussed community input gathered via Thoughtexchange for the superintendent search and reviewed upcoming agenda topics, including the removal of a graduation requirements item for further policy review.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The board is reviewing several policy revisions, including nondiscrimination and workplace harassment. Additionally, the administration will provide an update on the School Resource Officer (SRO) program and its intergovernmental agreement renewal process.
- First reading of six policy revisions regarding nondiscrimination, equal employment opportunity, and electronic communications
- Review of All Students Belong Policy and administrative rule updates
- Update on the School Resource Officer (SRO) program and intergovernmental agreement renewal
- Board training overview regarding functions and protocol
The board discussed the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, including the reassignment of the Gresham High School SRO and plans for a third-party program evaluation. The board also reviewed several district policies and recommended moving them to the December business meeting for approval.
- Approved meeting agenda moving Information Items before Action Items (6-0)
- Recommended moving first-reading policy reviews to the December consent agenda for approval
- Reassigned the school resource officer at Gresham High School
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved a consent agenda including minutes, a financial report, and personnel contracts. The board also ratified resolutions recognizing Native American Heritage Month and American Education Week. Public comments were submitted regarding school resource officers and mask requirements.
- Financial report shows projected annual deficit of $3.6 million
- Public comments submitted regarding school resource officers and mask requirements
- Board approves consent agenda including minutes and personnel contracts
- Board ratifies resolution recognizing Native American Heritage Month
- Board ratifies resolution recognizing American Education Week
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including financial and personnel reports. They ratified resolutions for two commemorative recognitions. No decisions were made regarding public requests to end the School Resource Officer program.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including financial report as of 09/30/2021 and personnel report (7-0)
- Ratified resolution recognizing November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month (7-0)
- Ratified resolution recognizing November 15-19, 2021 as American Education Week (7-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board held a work session to discuss the future use of West Gresham Elementary School and review the timeline for a superintendent search. The board also approved the meeting agenda and discussed the reinstatement of the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Approve meeting agenda as presented
- West Gresham Elementary Community Engagement Process
- Superintendent Search Process
- Future Board Agenda Topics
- Pledge of Allegiance Board Agenda Item
The board accepted a committee recommendation for the superintendent search outreach process, which includes a Thoughtexchange discussion and community mailers. The board also reached a consensus to continue reciting the Pledge of Allegiance once a month at business meetings.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Accepted committee recommendation for superintendent search outreach plan (7-0)
- Reached consensus to continue monthly Pledge of Allegiance at business meetings
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will vote to appoint Dr. Shawn Farrens to fill the vacant board Position 4, At-Large, until June 30, 2023. The board will also approve updated board goals for the 2021-22 school year and a Policy Review Committee Charter. Additionally, the board will receive updates on a student engagement equity audit and a $1.3 million fire water tank project at Sam Barlow High School, and discuss a potential school-based health center.
- Appointment of Dr. Shawn Farrens to board Position 4, At-Large, until June 30, 2023
- Approval of board goals for the 2021-22 school year
- Approval of the Gresham-Barlow Policy Review Committee Charter
- Update on Student Engagement and Equity Audit to identify causes of inequities
- Sam Barlow High School Fire Flow Project: $1.3 million for 200,000-gallon water tank and pump station
The board appointed Dr. Shawn Farrens to fill a vacancy for Board Position 4. The board also approved its goals and goal statement and adopted the Policy Review Committee Charter.
- Appointed Dr. Shawn Farrens to Board Position 4, At-Large, until June 30, 2023 (6-0)
- Approved board goals and goal statement as presented (7-0)
- Approved the Gresham-Barlow Policy Review Committee Charter (7-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will discuss and rank candidates interviewed for the vacant at-large Position 4, with a potential appointment. They will also consider approving a Policy Review Committee Charter and finalize board goals for the 2021-22 school year. An executive session on negotiations is scheduled. The work session precedes the regular board meeting.
- Review of board candidates for Position 4 (at-large) following interviews on Oct 7 and Oct 11
- Action item to approve the Gresham-Barlow Policy Review Committee Charter
- Discussion and finalization of board goals for the 2021-22 school year
- Executive session on negotiations under ORS 192.660 (2)(d)
- Future board agenda topics and operations discussion
The board reached a consensus to appoint the highest-scoring applicant, Candidate A, to the vacant at-large board position 4. The board also discussed draft board goals and a charter for the Policy Review Committee, though no formal votes were taken on those items.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Reached consensus to appoint Candidate A to board position 4
- Tabled Policy Review Committee Charter for approval at October 28 work session
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham‑Barlow School Board will approve the meeting agenda and consent agenda items, including several sets of minutes. It will recognize the district’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and ratify a resolution designating October as National Principals Month/School Administrators Month. The board will also hear a Return to Learn presentation providing the latest COVID‑19 health metrics for the district.
- Approve the meeting agenda as presented
- Approve the consent agenda, including minutes from September and special work sessions
- Recognize the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded to CFO Jordan Ely
- Ratify a resolution recognizing October 2021 as National Principals Month/School Administrators Month
- Return to Learn presentation on current COVID‑19 health metrics, quarantine numbers, and active cases
The board approved the hiring of licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year, specifically adding permanent substitutes to address a shortage in daily coverage. The board also ratified a resolution recognizing October 2021 as National Principals Month/School Administrators Month.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda minus item B6 (6-0)
- Ratified resolution for National Principals Month/School Administrators Month (6-0)
- Approved 2021-22 school year licensed personnel hires, including permanent substitutes (6-0)
Special Board Work Session: Board Candidate Interviews for Position 4, At-Large
The Gresham-Barlow School Board is holding a special work session to interview candidates for the vacant At-Large Position 4. The meeting is conducted virtually due to COVID-19 guidelines. The board approved the agenda and will interview candidate Mesha Jones.
- Interview candidate Mesha Jones for Position 4, At-Large
- Approve meeting agenda as presented
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom
- Vacant Position 4 filled by Director Carla Piluso effective September 3, 2021
- Next Board Work Session scheduled for October 14, 2021
The board conducted an interview with candidate Mesha Jones as part of the process to fill the vacant Position 4 at-large seat. The board approved the meeting agenda and discussed the candidate scoring process.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Special Board Work Session: Board Candidate Interviews for Position 4, At-Large
The Gresham-Barlow School Board is holding a special work session to interview 10 candidates to fill the vacant Board Position 4, At-Large. The interviews will take place in two panel groups from 6:00–7:30 p.m. and 7:45–9:15 p.m., followed by a debrief. The meeting is conducted online due to COVID-19 precautions.
- Board Position 4 vacated by Carla Piluso effective September 3, 2021
- Group 1 candidates: Justin Olson, Julie Frediani, Valerie Cecil, Charles Sabella, Heather Quinn-Barron
- Group 2 candidates: Stephanie Pollard, Shawn Farrens, Daniel Havel, Jacoba Knifong, Martha Croghan
- Interviews conducted via Zoom; in-person attendees must wear masks and distance
- Board will debrief and evaluate candidate responses after interviews
The Board of Education conducted interviews with two groups of candidates for the vacant Position 4, At-Large seat. No appointment was made during the session as one additional interview remains scheduled. The board will review candidates during a rescheduled work session on October 14, 2021.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Tabled candidate debrief and selection pending final interview
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved a contract amendment for $262,300 to manage bond projects and recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month. The meeting included discussions on superintendent search goals, student representation, and filling a vacant board seat.
- Contract Amendment #6 for Cornerstone Management Group ($262,300)
- National Hispanic Heritage Month resolution
- Return to Learn update and dashboard overview
- Discussion on Superintendent Search Process
- Discussion on Board Vacancy and appointment timeline
The board approved a contract amendment for Cornerstone Management Group and ratified a resolution recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month. Members also reviewed COVID-19 vaccination rates, quarantine data, and the superintendent search process.
- Approved contract amendment #6 for Cornerstone Management Group, Inc. for a not-to-exceed amount of $262,300.00 (5-0)
- Ratified resolution recognizing September 15, 2021 - October 15, 2021, as National Hispanic Heritage Month (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda with the removal of Board Goals discussion to the next work session (5-0)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Board is discussing health safety metrics and plans for students returning to school. The meeting includes the approval of employee contracts for licensed and administrator positions for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Approval of 2021-2022 administrator and licensed employee contracts
- Presentation on Return to Learn health safety metrics as of August 31, 2021
- Recognition of Communications Director Athena Vadnais for NSPRA Awards of Excellence
- Report from the Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation
- Public comment from Jennie Richard regarding concerns over district opening
The board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including personnel contracts and previous meeting minutes. District leadership provided updates on COVID-19 vaccination rates among staff and the 'Return to Learn' plan for students.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including July 1 and August 20 minutes and personnel employee contracts (7-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and the Board and Superintendent Working Agreements for the 2021-2022 school year. The meeting was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approved Board and Superintendent Working Agreements for 2021-22
- Approved meeting agenda as presented
- Discussed Multnomah County Public Health COVID-19 decisions
- Reviewed draft Land Acknowledgement
- Discussed future board agenda topics
The Board approved the meeting agenda and reviewed updated COVID-19 guidance from Multnomah County health officials. Members discussed a draft Land Acknowledgement and agreed to include it on future meeting agendas. The session ended during the review of Board and Superintendent Working Agreements.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
Board Strategic Planning Work Session (Retreat)
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors held a strategic planning work session to review board goals, district equity, and budget details. The meeting included an executive session on negotiations and updates on return-to-learn metrics and ELL reporting.
- Review of board goals for 2021-22 school year
- Budget overview and capital assets presentation
- District of Choice enrollment strategy discussion
- Return to Learn health safety metrics update
- Executive session on negotiations
The Board of Education held a strategic planning work session to discuss district equity, land acknowledgments, and student learning programs. No substantive policy changes were decided, though the board approved the meeting agenda.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
POSTPONED: Board Social - No Meeting
The scheduled Board Social for August 19, 2021, has been postponed. The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a social event where no board business was to be discussed.
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board held a regular business meeting, electing a new chair and vice-chair for the upcoming year. The board approved a consent agenda including a financial report projecting an ending balance over $24 million and a personnel report for new hires. Public comments addressed special education staffing, mask mandates, and political flags in classrooms.
- Election of Mayra Gómez as board chair for 2021-22
- Approval of consent agenda with financial report showing projected ending balance over $24 million
- Personnel report approving new administrator and licensed hires for 2021-22
- Acceptance of May 2021 board member election results from Multnomah and Clackamas counties
- Public comments on mask mandate, political flags, and special education staffing
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and recessed into executive session for personnel matters. The board also discussed the status of the Sam Barlow High School Fire Flow Project, noting that the contractor, Lusted Water District, has requested to dissolve the agreement due to conflicts with the City of Gresham.
- Approved meeting agenda
- Executive session for personnel discussion
- Sam Barlow High School Fire Flow Project status
- Future board agenda topics discussion
- Public Safety and Schools Building address
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and consent items, including hiring new administrators for the 2021-22 school year. The board also discussed the superintendent search process following the resignation of Superintendent Katrise Perera.
- Approved 2021-22 board meeting schedule for first reading
- Approved employment contracts for new administrators
- Discussed superintendent search process and timeline
- Reviewed Canvas Learning Management System implementation
- Approved meeting agenda and consent items
The Board approved the appointment of Heidi Blakley as the next principal for Hogan Cedars Elementary. Members also discussed the implementation timeline for the Canvas learning management system and the process for searching for a new superintendent.
- Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
- Approved employment of Heidi Blakley as principal for Hogan Cedars Elementary (5-0)
Budget Hearing
The Gresham-Barlow School Board holds a public hearing on the 2021-2022 Proposed Budget, which was approved by the budget committee on May 20, 2021. Following the hearing, the board will vote to adopt the budget during a subsequent business meeting. The meeting is held online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Budget overview and purpose for hearing presented by Jordan Ely
- Public testimony on the 2021-2022 budget
- Budget approved by 14-member budget committee on May 20, 2021
The Board of Education conducted a budget hearing to receive public testimony and answer questions regarding the budget and fiscal policy. No members of the public provided comments. No substantive decisions were made during this hearing.
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will hold a regular business meeting with a consent agenda including minutes, a financial report projecting an ending fund balance over $23 million, and approval of new licensed employee contracts. The board will also recognize students for culinary arts competition wins, State Seal of Biliteracy recipients, and staff nominated for Instructional Leader of the Year.
- Financial report projects ending fund balance over $23 million as of April 30, 2021
- Personnel report recommends new licensed hires for 2021-2022 school year
- Recognition of Sam Barlow High School culinary arts state champion Izabelle Zielinski and other medalists
- Recognition of 5 seniors earning State Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Japanese)
- Nominees announced for Instructional Leader of the Year award
The board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including the April 30, 2021 financial report and employee contracts. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing student achievements in arts and sciences and honoring departing board members.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including May 6 and May 27 minutes, April 30 financial report, and employee contracts (6-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board is meeting to discuss the process for selecting a new superintendent following Superintendent Katrise Perera's announced resignation. The board will review a proposed timeline and questions for community input.
- Superintendent search process and timeline presented
- Board to discuss community input methods and internal vs. national search
- Agenda approved by the board
- Future meetings will be held online due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Upcoming events include budget hearings and school commencements
The board reviewed a proposed timeline for searching for a new superintendent, including plans for community input and the development of quality standards. No final decision was made on whether to conduct an internal, statewide, or national search, or whether to appoint an interim superintendent.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will hold a work session covering school instruction highlights from Powell Valley, Springwater Trail, and Kelly Creek, and a return-to-learn update. The board will vote on a contract with Worksystems Inc. for up to $662,500 to fund student stipends and job coaches for a summer credit recovery and career-linked learning program. Discussions include the superintendent search process following the resignation of Superintendent Perera, a proposed resolution for medically vulnerable educators, and the schedule for 2021-22 board meetings.
- Contract with Worksystems Inc. not to exceed $662,500 for summer stipends and job coaches for 350 students
- Discussion on superintendent search process after resignation of Superintendent A. Katrise Perera
- First reading of policy revisions on electronic communications, superintendent qualifications, flag displays, student dress, and staff religious dress
- Return to Learn update on school health safety metrics and limited in-person/hybrid instruction
- Proposed resolution regarding medically vulnerable educators
Regular Board Business Meeting
The board approved a consent agenda that included minutes, a financial report projecting an ending fund balance over $23 million, a personnel report on employee contracts, updates to policies on naming facilities, memorials, and flag displays, and a Multnomah-Clackamas Regional Educator Network grant for English learners at Gresham High School. The board also recognized nominees for the Excellence in Teaching Award.
- Financial report: revenue exceeds budget by $556K, ending fund balance projected over $23M
- Policy updates: FF Naming of New Facilities, FFA Memorials, INDB Flag Displays & Salutes
- MCREN Grant: funding .5 TOSA for 9th grade English learners at Gresham High School
- Personnel report: licensed new hires for 2021-2022
- Excellence in Teaching Award: nominees from multiple schools
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a modified consent agenda including financial and personnel reports. The board ratified a resolution recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week and acknowledged several student and teacher achievements.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved modified consent agenda including March 31 financial report and personnel contracts (5-0)
- Ratified resolution recognizing May 3-7, 2021 as Teacher Appreciation Week (5-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham‑Barlow School Board will vote to award two construction contracts: $422,703 to Arrow Roofing for a built‑up roofing project at West Orient Middle School and $268,500 to Perlo Construction for a covered sports court at Springwater Trail High School. The board will also conduct a first‑reading review of proposed policy revisions on facility naming, memorials, and flag displays. Additional discussion items include a review of Native American artwork at Gordon Russell Middle School and an update on Return to Learn health metrics.
- Approve $422,703 contract with Arrow Roofing for built‑up roofing at West Orient Middle School
- Approve $268,500 contract with Perlo Construction for sports court cover at Springwater Trail High School
- First‑reading review of policy revisions: Naming of New Facilities, Memorials, Flag Displays & Salutes
- Discussion of Native American artwork and mascot at Gordon Russell Middle School
- Return to Learn update on health safety metrics and instruction models
The Board of Education held a work session focused on instructional highlights from Hall Elementary, Clear Creek Middle, Gordon Russell Middle, and Deep Creek Damascus K-8. The session consisted of video presentations and discussions regarding school demographics, attendance trends, and academic goals. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.
- Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The board reviewed a financial report showing a projected ending fund balance of nearly $19 million. Members approved updates to seven district policies and designated April 19-23, 2021, as Volunteer Appreciation Week. The meeting also included instructional highlights from several local schools.
- Approval of financial report as of February 28, 2021
- Updates to 7 policies including Threats of Violence, Graduation Requirements, and Public Charter Schools
- Resolution declaring April 19-23, 2021, as Volunteer Appreciation Week
- Instructional highlights from North Gresham Elementary, West Orient Middle, and East Gresham Elementary schools
- Deletion of policy GCBDAA/GDBDAA regarding COVID-19 Related Leave
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including previous minutes, a financial report, and a policy update. They also adopted a resolution to recognize volunteers in the district. District leadership provided updates on COVID-19 safety metrics and new physical distancing guidance.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including March 4 minutes, Feb 28 financial report, and policy update (6-0)
- Adopted resolution declaring April 19-23, 2021 Volunteer Appreciation Week (6-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board is holding a work session with a closed executive session to evaluate the superintendent, as allowed under ORS 192.660(2)(i). The board will also discuss future agenda topics. The meeting is conducted online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Executive session to review and evaluate Superintendent Katrise Perera
- Discussion of future board agenda topics and operations
- Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19
The board approved the meeting agenda and held an executive session regarding the superintendent evaluation. Members discussed consolidating future agenda requests and the use of federal CARES funds for menstrual products in schools.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
Board Strategic Planning Work Session (Retreat)
The Board of Directors and district leadership are meeting for a strategic planning work session. The session includes reviews of district policies, financial planning tools, and updates on community outreach and curriculum.
- Introduction to Allovue financial planning and analysis tools
- First reading of 7 policy revisions including threats of violence, graduation requirements, and COVID-19 leave
- Discussion on the possibility of conducting an Equity Audit
- Review of community outreach data regarding School Resource Officers (SROs)
- Update on Ethnic Studies and Tribal History curriculum implementation
The Board approved a modified agenda that deferred several information and discussion items to April meetings. Members also received a presentation on Allovue, a financial software tool designed to allocate resources based on student needs rather than building locations.
- Approved amended agenda moving items B2, B5, and D5 to April meeting dates (6-0)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The board met online to review financial reports, personnel contracts, and student recognitions. The agenda was modified to include a discussion regarding teacher vaccinations and accommodations for immunocompromised staff.
- Financial report showing projected revenue $1.6 million below budget
- Projected expenditures nearly $4.1 million below budget
- General fund ending fund balance projected at over $18.4 million
- Approval of various employee contracts and non-renewals
- Recognition of Brennah Rinard as Oregon Kid Governor nominee
The Board of Education approved the consent agenda, including the January 31 financial report and employee contracts. The board also voted to modify the meeting agenda to include a discussion on vaccine accommodations for immunocompromised staff and families.
- Approved modified agenda to include discussion on accommodations for immunocompromised teachers and families (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including financial report as of January 31, 2021 and personnel employee contracts (7-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board held a work session virtually due to COVID-19. The board approved the agenda and appointed Director Amanda Orozco-Beach to serve a three-year term on the Multnomah Education Service District's budget committee. Board members also discussed future agenda topics and operations.
- Appointment of Amanda Orozco-Beach to the MESD Budget Committee for a three-year term
- Board approved the meeting agenda as presented
- Discussion of future board agenda topics and operations
- Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions
The board appointed Director Amanda Orozco-Beach to a three-year term on the Multnomah Education Service District's budget committee. The board also discussed potential changes to future meeting agendas to allow more time for public comment and updates on the Return to Learn process.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Appointed Amanda Orozco-Beach to the MESD Budget Committee for a three-year term (7-0)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board held a special work session online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The board approved the meeting agenda and received updates on legislative bills, bond program status, and plans for limited in-person instruction.
- Meeting held online via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Agenda approved by board vote
- Update on bond program status and remaining funds
- Overview of Return to Learn metrics and Limited In-Person Instruction plans
- Discussion of future board agenda topics
The board held a special work session to receive legislative and bond program updates. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made other than the approval of the meeting agenda.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and received an update on English Language Learner (ELL) student data, confirming the district remains in 'Target Status' with the Oregon Department of Education.
- Approved meeting agenda
- English Language Learner (ELL) Annual Report presented
- District remains in Target Status with ODE
- Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19
- Regular Board Meeting follows at 7 p.m.
The board approved the meeting agenda. The session primarily consisted of a report on English Language Learner (ELL) data, including middle school math growth and the district's monitoring status for HB 3499.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The board met online to approve the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including financial reports and employee contracts. The session included recognitions for staff and students and a report from the Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation.
- Financial report as of December 31, 2020, projecting an ending fund balance of nearly $17.2 million
- Approval of licensed new hire employee contracts for 2020-2021
- Resolution recognizing March 1-5, 2021, as Classified School Employees Week
- Recognition of Andrew Pate as the 2019-20 Northwest Section Boys Tennis Coach of the Year
- Recognition of Sam Barlow High School students for achievements at the Virtual Mt. Hood Conference Acting Festival
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including financial and personnel reports. They ratified a resolution recognizing Classified School Employees Week. District leadership provided updates on educator vaccinations and current metrics for transitioning to hybrid instruction.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Jan 7 minutes, Dec 31 financial report, and personnel contracts (6-0)
- Ratified resolution recognizing March 1-5, 2021, as Classified School Employees Week (6-0)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board held a special work session to discuss returning to in-person instruction and approved a statement responding to comments made by Clackamas County Commissioner Mark Shull. The meeting was held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Board approves statement on Clackamas County Commissioner Mark Shull
- Discussion on metrics for returning to in-person instruction
- Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Board discusses future agenda topics and operations
- Next meeting scheduled for February 4, 2021
The board held a work session to discuss the proposed Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI) phases and health safety metrics. No formal decisions were made regarding the transition to in-person learning or the status of health metrics.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board held a work session to discuss policy revisions, financial reports, and COVID-19 return-to-learn metrics. The board approved changes to school addresses in the Oregon Department of Education database and adopted the meeting agenda.
- Approved address changes for Deep Creek-Damascus K-8, Lewis and Clark Montessori, and Metro East Web Academy
- Reviewed 5 policy revisions for first reading
- Reviewed 2019-2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
- Discussed response to statements by elected officials
- Reviewed i-Ready Fall 2020 student assessment data
The board approved technical address changes for three schools in the Oregon Department of Education database. The board reviewed the 2019-2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and discussed student growth data from i-Ready diagnostics.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved address changes for Deep Creek Damascus K-8 School, Lewis and Clark Montessori Charter School, and Metro East Web Academy (7-0)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board is conducting a work session to discuss the procurement process for equity consultation services and the first reading of a policy update regarding threats of violence. The board is also discussing attendance at the 2021 National School Boards Association online conference.
- First reading of Policy JFCM-Threats of Violence
- Discussion of Request for Information (RFI) for equity consultation services (estimated under $150,000)
- NSBA 2021 Online Experience registration costs: $675 per individual, $3,600 for first 9 attendees, or $4,500 for 10+ attendees
The board approved the meeting agenda and discussed updates to Policy JFCM regarding threats of violence. The policy was referred back to the policy committee to better incorporate restorative practices while maintaining legal compliance. The board also discussed the process for hiring an equity consultant and the possibility of an equity audit.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham‑Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda that included minutes, a financial report, personnel contracts, and a policy update. The financial report noted an estimated $40,000 reduction in state school fund support and projected an ending fund balance of $16.8 million. The board also recognized Education Foundation emeritus members and declared January 2021 as School Board Recognition Month.
- Approve meeting agenda (action)
- Consent agenda approval: minutes from Nov 5, Dec 3, Dec 17, financial report with $40k state cut and $16.8M balance
- Personnel report: approval of employee contracts per district policy
- Policy update: first reading of revised School Counseling Program policy
- Recognitions: Education Foundation emeritus members and School Board Recognition Month
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including financial and personnel reports. District leadership presented a 'Ready Schools, Safe Learners' plan for returning to in-person instruction, outlining safety protocols and a proposed four-week implementation timeline.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Nov 30, 2020 financial report and personnel contracts (7-0)
- Approved minutes from six meetings held between Nov 5 and Dec 17, 2020 (7-0)