Gresham-Barlow School District public meetings in 2024
39 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Board Work Session
The board will vote to approve a tentative agreement with the Gresham‑Barlow Education Association covering July 1 2024 through June 30 2027. Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates will present the Superintendent Search Leadership Profile Report summarizing interview and focus‑group input. The board will hold an executive‑session discussion on the possible employment of a public officer and will discuss future agenda topics and board operations.
- Approve tentative agreement with GBEA (July 1 2024 – June 30 2027)
- Presentation of Superintendent Search Leadership Profile Report by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates
- Executive session to consider employment of a public officer (ORS 192.660)
- Discussion of future board agenda topics and board operations
- Approve meeting agenda (motion carried)
The Board of Education approved a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Gresham-Barlow Education Association. The agreement is effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. The board also reviewed a leadership profile report for the ongoing superintendent search.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved tentative agreement with Gresham-Barlow Education Association for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027 (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board will meet in a special work session, starting with a closed executive session to discuss negotiations (ORS 192.660(2)(d)). Following the closed session, the board will reconvene publicly to discuss future agenda topics and board operations. No votes or decisions are scheduled in the work session.
- Executive session for negotiations under ORS 192.660(2)(d), closed to the public
- Discussion of future board agenda topics and meeting needs
The board approved the meeting agenda and held an executive session to discuss negotiations. No other substantive decisions were made during the session.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Board is meeting to approve routine consent items, including financial reports and personnel contracts. The session includes updates to seven district policies and recognitions for Sam Barlow High School athletics.
- Monthly Financial Report as of 10/31/2024
- Personnel Report for 2024-2025 licensed new hire employee contracts
- Policy updates for Nondiscrimination, Superintendent and Administrator evaluations, First Aid, Student Health Services, Infection Control, and Safety Threats
- Public comment submitted by Bill Martin regarding Justice
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including financial reports, personnel contracts, and policy updates. The meeting featured recognitions for Sam Barlow High School sports teams and a farewell to retiring Superintendent James Hiu.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, 10/31/2024 financial report, personnel contracts, and policy updates (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board approved the meeting agenda and is reviewing proposed policy changes and a draft resolution for a school support fee related to Gresham's Enterprise Zone. The session also included presentations on academic data and social-emotional learning.
- Approved meeting agenda
- Policy review: First reading of 7 revised policies
- City of Gresham Enterprise Zone School Support Fee: First reading
- Fall Academic Data Review presentation
- Transformative Social Emotional Learning (SEL) update
The board approved the meeting agenda and conducted first readings of several policy updates and a proposed city support fee. No final action was taken on the enterprise zone fee or the policy changes, which are scheduled for future meetings.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Tabled Policy Review (Nondiscrimination, Superintendent/Administrator Evaluation, First Aid, and Safety Threats) to December 4, 2024
- Tabled City of Gresham Enterprise Zone School Support Fee decision to December 4, 2024
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham‑Barlow School District Board met for a special work session on November 6, 2024. After approving the agenda, the board entered an executive session to discuss negotiating real property transactions and information exempt from public inspection under ORS 192.660. The board then reconvened to discuss future agenda topics and announced the regular board business meeting at 7 p.m. on the same day.
- Approve meeting agenda (motion carried).
- Executive session to negotiate real property transactions (ORS 192.660(2)(e)).
- Executive session to consider information exempt from public inspection (ORS 192.660(2)(f)).
- Discussion of future board agenda topics and board operations.
- Announcement of regular board business meeting at 7 p.m., Council Chambers, Public Safety and Schools Building.
The board approved a motion authorizing the board vice-chair to provide a written response to three complaints filed against the board chair under Policy KL. The meeting also included an executive session regarding real property transactions and exempt information.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Authorized board vice-chair to provide written response to three complaints against the board chair (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The board is meeting to approve a consent agenda including monthly financial reports and new employee contracts. The session also includes a first reading of policy updates regarding cybersecurity and sexual harassment.
- Monthly Financial Report as of 09/30/2024 showing a projected ending cash balance of $14.6 million
- Approval of employee contracts for licensed and administrator new hires for 2024-2025
- First reading of policy updates for EHB Cybersecurity, GBN/JBA Sexual Harassment, and GBNAB/JHFE Reporting of Suspected Abuse of a Child
- Public comments from Bill Martin on government accountability and Juani Santiago regarding a former GHS Principal
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda that included the September 2024 financial report, employee contracts, and policy updates. The session featured reports on district safety and nutrition services, as well as updates on high school turf field installations.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes from six previous meetings (7-0)
- Approved Monthly Financial Report as of 09/30/2024 (7-0)
- Approved Personnel Report: Employee Contracts (7-0)
- Approved Policy Update (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Special Board Work Session
The Board of Directors will meet in executive session to consider the employment of an interim superintendent. Following that session, the board will reconvene to discuss upcoming agenda topics, operations, and meeting needs.
- Executive Session: Consider the employment of a public officer (Interim Superintendent)
- Discussion: Future board agenda topics, operations, and meeting needs
The board approved the meeting agenda. The majority of the session was spent in a closed executive session to consider the employment of a public officer; no substantive decisions were recorded in the public session.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Board Work Session
The board approved the meeting agenda with an addition for the interim search process. It then held a discussion with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to plan the superintendent search, covering tools, confidentiality, community engagement, and the search timeline. The board also discussed future agenda topics and provided announcements about the next regular board meeting on November 6, 2024.
- Approve meeting agenda (motion carried).
- Superintendent Search Planning discussion with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates.
- Discussion of future board agenda topics.
- Announcement of November 6, 2024 regular board business meeting at 7 p.m., Council Chambers, Public Safety and Schools Building.
The Board of Education coordinated with HYA Associates to establish the superintendent recruitment process, including focus group structures and advertising. The board set a date for first-round interviews and determined how to handle candidate surveys and advertising packages.
- Approved meeting agenda with addition of interim search discussion (7-0)
- Selected National Advertising Package 1 and postings with ALAS and NABSE
- Determined no residency requirement for the new superintendent
- Scheduled first-round interviews for January 11, 2025
- Scheduled leadership profile report and candidate slate review for December 4, 2024
- Decided to use a Google survey for high school students instead of the HYA survey
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board approved the meeting agenda and reviewed proposed policy revisions regarding cybersecurity and harassment. The session included an informational presentation on the City of Gresham's Enterprise Zone and an overview of legislative priorities for the 2025-2027 sessions.
- Approved meeting agenda
- Policy review: First reading for cybersecurity and harassment policies
- Information: City of Gresham Enterprise Zone presentation
- Information: Legislative priorities for 2025-2027
- Executive session: School safety matters
The board approved the meeting agenda and reviewed several proposed policy updates, including a new cybersecurity policy. The board also discussed the City of Gresham's Enterprise Zone school support fee but deferred a decision pending more data.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Moved policies on cybersecurity, suspected child abuse reporting, and sexual harassment to the November Business meeting consent agenda
- Tabled decision on Enterprise Zone local school support fee until November 20, 2024
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board will discuss the qualifications, timeline, and process for appointing an interim superintendent to serve from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. The meeting also includes an executive session regarding negotiations and school safety.
- Executive session for negotiations and school safety
- Discussion of interim superintendent qualifications and timeline
- Review of draft qualifications for interim superintendent
- Upcoming agenda topics and board operations
- Approval of meeting agenda
The board held a work session to discuss the qualifications, timeline, and process for hiring an interim superintendent. No formal votes were taken on the search criteria, though the board reached a consensus on the posting duration.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Reached consensus to keep the interim superintendent job posting open for one week
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Public Hearing - Community Comment on Interim Superintendent Qualifications
The Gresham-Barlow School Board is holding a public hearing to gather community input on the qualities and qualifications for an interim superintendent, who will serve from January 1 to June 30, 2025, following Superintendent Hiu's retirement. The board will accept public testimony during the hearing.
- Public hearing for community comment on interim superintendent qualifications
- Superintendent Hiu announced retirement effective end of December 2024
- Board will appoint interim superintendent for Jan 1 - June 30, 2025
- Draft list of qualifications provided for reference
- Meeting accessible via Zoom and phone
The Board of Education conducted a public hearing to receive community input on the desired qualities and qualifications for an interim superintendent. One member of the public provided testimony, and the board noted the receipt of two letters. No formal decisions or votes were taken during this hearing.
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda containing minutes from prior sessions, a monthly financial report, and personnel contracts. The meeting included public comments on school safety.
- Approval of consent agenda (minutes, financial report, personnel contracts)
- Monthly Financial Report with $20.8 million projected ending fund balance
- Public comments on school safety at Gresham High School
- Minutes from Strategic Planning Session (Aug 23, 2024)
- Minutes from Regular Business Meeting (Sept 4, 2024)
The board approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, and a resolution declaring October 2024 as School Administrators Month. A significant portion of the meeting involved public testimony from students, parents, and staff regarding a safety incident at Gresham High School on September 20, 2024.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including financial and personnel reports (6-0)
- Adopted resolution declaring October 2024 as School Administrators Month (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board held a work session to interview superintendent search firms and selected Hazard Young Attea (HYA) to assist in recruiting a new superintendent. The board also voted to remove a personnel dismissal item from the agenda and held an executive session on personnel. A public hearing on interim superintendent qualities is scheduled for October 2.
- Board voted to remove item C1 (recommendation for dismissal of teacher Maria Plesa) from the agenda
- Selected Hazard Young Attea (HYA) as superintendent search firm after interviewing two finalists
- Held executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(b) for personnel discussion
- Discussed future board agenda topics and operations
- Upcoming public hearing on interim superintendent qualities on October 2
The Board of Education conducted interviews with search firms to hire a new superintendent. The board discussed RFP ratings, candidate criteria, and the interview process. No final selection was made during this session.
- Approved meeting agenda with the removal of item C1 (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors approved the meeting agenda and recessed into a closed executive session to discuss personnel. The board also received information regarding the District Equity Committee and the SB 732 Plan.
- Approved meeting agenda
- Recessed into executive session for personnel discussion
- Received update on District Equity Committee
- Received update on SB 732 Plan
- Next meeting scheduled for September 4, 2024
The board approved the meeting agenda and held an executive session regarding a personnel matter. The remainder of the session consisted of an informational presentation regarding the District Equity Committee.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved a consent agenda including minutes, personnel contracts, and board goals. The board also approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a firm for the superintendent search process.
- Minutes from July 3, 2024 meeting
- Personnel report: Employee Contracts
- Superintendent Search Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Board Goals approval
- Public comments on Salquist Road property and traffic
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including personnel reports and board goals. The Board also formally declared it had no candidates to nominate for two OSBA Board of Directors positions. The meeting ended before a final decision was recorded regarding the surplus of properties on Salquist Road and Chase Road.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including personnel reports and board goals (7-0)
- Declared no candidates for nomination for OSBA Board of Directors Positions 17 and 19 (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board removed a recommendation to dismiss teacher Maria Plesa from the agenda and instead held a public termination hearing for teacher Laura Martin. After presentations, the board voted 5-0 to adopt the superintendent's recommendation to dismiss Martin for neglect of duty and insubordination effective August 28, 2024.
- Board unanimously voted to dismiss teacher Laura Martin for neglect of duty and insubordination
- Agenda item for dismissal of Maria Plesa (Action Item C) was removed before the meeting
- Executive session scheduled for 6 p.m. was cancelled
- Meeting was held virtually via Zoom with public access
- Next meetings scheduled for September 4, 2024: work session at 6 p.m. and business meeting at 7 p.m.
The Board of Education conducted a public termination hearing for teacher Laura Martin. District administration recommended dismissal based on neglect of duty and insubordination, while the teacher's representative argued the action was retaliatory. The provided minutes do not record a final vote or decision on the dismissal.
- Approved meeting agenda with removal of items B and C (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Board Strategic Planning Work Session (Retreat)
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will hold a strategic planning retreat, taking action to accept Superintendent James Hiu's resignation effective December 31, 2024, and discuss the superintendent search process. The board will also review board goals, safety in schools, the Gresham High School climate survey, and local option bonds and levies.
- Acceptance of Superintendent James Hiu's resignation, effective Dec 31, 2024
- Discussion of board goals and progress tracking for 2024-2025
- Overview of safety in schools and campus monitor roles
- Gresham High School climate survey results and fall plans
- Review of local option bonds and levies, including 2016 bond sunset
The Board discussed a proposal for new board goals focused on safety, belonging, opportunity, and achievement. The board opted to make clerical changes to the proposal and will move it for approval at the September business meeting.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will elect a chair and vice-chair for the 2024-25 school year at this meeting. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from five prior meetings, a monthly financial report with a projected fund balance of $26.7 million, personnel contracts, and policy updates on family leave.
- Election of board chair and vice-chair for the 2024-25 school year
- Monthly financial report as of May 31, 2024, projecting ending fund balance of $26.7 million
- Personnel report: new licensed and administrator hires for 2024-2025
- Policy update on Family Medical Leave and Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance
- Approval of minutes from five meetings (June 5, 17, 18, 2024)
The board elected its 2024-25 leadership and approved the upcoming meeting schedule. Superintendent James Hiu announced his retirement for the end of the year, and the board outlined the upcoming recruitment process. The board also approved annual procedural resolutions and the consent agenda.
- Elected Kris Howatt as Board Chair for 2024-25 (5-0)
- Elected Cathy Keathley as Board Vice-Chair for 2024-25 (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including May 31 financial report and personnel contracts (5-0)
- Approved Resolutions 2025-04 through 2025-08 for fiscal year 2024-25 (5-0)
- Adopted the 2024-25 Regular Board Meeting Schedule for Wednesdays (5-0)
- Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (8 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board approved leadership contracts for the Superintendent and other administrators, as well as a list of new hires for the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting also included a review of proposed policy changes and a presentation on a bond measure for Mt. Hood Community College.
- Approved leadership contracts for Superintendent, Chief of Operations, Deputy Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendent
- Approved list of Administrator New Hires for 2024-2025
- Reviewed proposed policy revisions for Family Medical Leave
- Received presentation on Mt. Hood Community College Bond 2024
- Reviewed Human Resources Audit findings
The Board of Education approved contracts for the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Operations, and Assistant Superintendent. The board also approved the hiring of three new administrators to fill vacated positions. A proposed $131 million bond for Mt. Hood Community College was presented for information.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved leadership contracts for Superintendent, Chief of Operations, Deputy Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendent (6-0)
- Approved new administrator hires for Director of K-12 Schools, Principal of Clear Creek Middle School, and Program Director for Student Support Services (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors held a special work session to hear a recommendation for the dismissal of contract teacher Bill Martin. The board voted to adopt the Superintendent's recommendation to terminate his employment on grounds of insubordination and neglect of duty.
- Dismissal of teacher Bill Martin
- Superintendent recommendation for termination
- Hearing held in open session
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom
The Board conducted a public termination hearing for teacher Bill Martin. District administration recommended dismissal based on neglect of duty and insubordination due to absences since October 2023. The provided minutes end before a final decision was recorded.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors held a special work session on June 5, 2024, to approve the agenda and discuss employment contracts in executive session. The meeting was held at the Public Safety and Schools Building and was available via Zoom.
- Approved the meeting agenda as presented
- Met in executive session to discuss employment contracts
- Held at Public Safety and Schools Building (1331 NW Eastman Parkway)
- Available via Zoom (Webinar ID: 874 3844 0187)
- Upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for June 5 at 6:45 p.m.
The board held a special work session that primarily consisted of a closed executive session to discuss employment contracts. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made during the public portion of the meeting.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Budget Hearing
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board will hold a public hearing on the 2024-2025 Proposed Budget. The committee previously approved the budget, and this hearing allows for public testimony before the final adoption.
- Public hearing on 2024-2025 Proposed Budget
- Public testimony on the budget document
- Meeting held at Public Safety and Schools Building, 1331 NW Eastman Parkway
- Zoom link provided for virtual attendance
- Followed by a Regular Board Meeting at 7 p.m.
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 procedural hearing.
Regular Board Business Meeting
The board is meeting to approve the consent agenda, which includes monthly financial reports and employee contracts for the 2024-2025 school year. The session also includes public comments regarding school safety, program cuts, and bond spending.
- Monthly Financial Report as of 04/30/2024 showing a fund balance projection $2.1 million higher than budgeted
- Personnel Report for 2024-2025 licensed and administrator new hires
- Public comments on reinstating SRO at Gresham High School and French class removals
- Public comments regarding bond fraud and waste
- State Seal of Biliteracy recognitions for 40 graduating seniors
The Board approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda including financial and personnel reports, and a resolution declaring June 2024 as LGBTQ2SIA+ Pride Month. The meeting also featured extensive student and staff recognitions and public comments regarding school safety and program cuts.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including May 1, May 9, and May 15 minutes, April financial report, and employee contracts (6-0)
- Approved resolution declaring June 2024 as LGBTQ2SIA+ Pride Month (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (7 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board holds a work session to discuss updates to board goals and consider the schedule for regular meetings, work sessions, and budget committee meetings for the 2024-25 school year. No formal votes are taken on these discussion items. A proposed meeting calendar will be presented for first reading in June.
- Board Goals Committee reports on progress and proposed updates to board goals and action measures
- Discussion of dates, times, and locations for 2024-25 regular board meetings, work sessions, and budget committee meetings
- Board sets aside time to identify future agenda topics and operational needs
The board conducted a feedback exercise on four draft goal pillars: Safety, Belonging, Opportunity, and Achievement. Members also discussed whether to hold future meetings on Wednesdays or Thursdays to better accommodate staff and board schedules.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Board Work Session
The board approved the meeting agenda and then recessed into an executive session to discuss matters relating to school safety under ORS 192.660(2)(k). No decisions can be made in the executive session; the board will reconvene afterward for the remainder of the special work session. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming sessions.
- Approve meeting agenda as presented (action)
- Executive session to discuss school safety matters (discussion)
- Recess back into special work session after executive session (procedural)
- Announcements of upcoming board work sessions, budget hearing, and regular board meeting (information)
The board approved the meeting agenda and held an executive session to consider matters relating to school safety. No other substantive decisions were recorded during the session.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
CANCELED - Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board’s special work session scheduled for May 1, 2024 was canceled. The agenda had listed opening items, an executive-session discussion of personnel under ORS 192.660(2)(b), and closing announcements about the regular board meeting at 7 p.m. that same day. Because the session was canceled, no actions or decisions were taken.
- Opening items – call to order, roll call, and agenda approval (action).
- Executive session to discuss personnel pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(b) (discussion, no decision).
- Announcement of the regular board business meeting at 7 p.m. on May 1, 2024 in the Council Chambers, Public Safety and Schools Building.
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved a consent agenda including minutes and a financial report, and recognized student achievements from Gresham High School and Sam Barlow High School.
- Approval of consent agenda (minutes, personnel, financial report)
- Monthly Financial Report as of 03/31/2024
- Gresham High School Choir recognition
- Sam Barlow High School Theater recognition
- Sam Barlow High School Band recognition
The Board approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda—including the personnel report and March 2024 financial report—and two proclamations. Public comment focused on safety concerns and a vote of no confidence at Gresham High School. The Board also recognized various student groups and the Communications Department for state awards.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including personnel report and March 2024 financial report (5-0)
- Accepted Asian Pacific American Heritage Month proclamation (5-0)
- Approved National School Nurse Day resolution (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda containing personnel contracts. The board also discussed science curriculum adoption and a charter school facilities update.
- Approval of personnel contracts
- Science curriculum adoption presentation
- Lewis & Clark Montessori Charter School facilities update
- Comprehensive Health Plan update
- Middle School Sports Committee update
The Board approved a request from Lewis and Clark Montessori Charter School to apply for an exemption to count lunch and recess as instructional time. The Board also approved the meeting agenda and a personnel report.
- Approved meeting agenda with removal of items C1 and D1 (6-0)
- Approved personnel report (6-0)
- Approved Lewis and Clark Montessori Charter School application for exemption to use recess and lunch as instructional time (6-0)
Budget Committee Meeting (1 of 2)
The Gresham-Barlow School District Budget Committee will hold its first of two meetings to discuss and potentially approve the proposed 2024-25 budget. The agenda includes electing officers, reviewing budget documents, and a public comment period.
- Elect Chair and Vice-Chair
- Review 2024-25 Proposed Budget ($275,351,735 total)
- Public comment on the budget
- Potential motion to approve the proposed budget
- Set agenda for next meeting on April 26, 2024
The Budget Committee unanimously approved the 2024-25 proposed budget and established maximum expenditures for several funds. The committee also approved the permanent tax rate and the Debt Service Fund tax levy.
- Elected John Hartsock as Chair (unanimous)
- Elected Nick McWilliams as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
- Approved 2024-25 budget total expenditures of $275,351,735 (unanimous)
- Approved General Fund maximum expenditures of $176,726,125 (unanimous)
- Approved Special Revenue Fund maximum expenditures of $70,040,477 (unanimous)
- Approved Debt Service Fund maximum expenditures of $24,170,200 (unanimous)
- Approved Capital Projects Fund maximum expenditures of $4,414,933 (unanimous)
- Approved permanent tax rate of $4.5268 per $1,000 of taxable property value and Debt Service Fund tax levy of $23,055,316 (unanimous)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board voted to approve an investigation into a formal complaint against a board member concerning comments made at a club-sponsored GBSD activity. The board also held executive sessions to discuss negotiations and to evaluate the superintendent. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved investigation of a formal complaint against a board member under Board Policy KL-AR(1)
- Executive session for negotiations under ORS 192.660 (2)(d)
- Executive session for superintendent evaluation under ORS 192.660 (2)(i)
The Board of Education approved a motion for board leadership to conduct information gathering regarding a formal complaint filed by Tina Stinson against Director Mayra Gómez. The complaint concerns comments made by Director Gómez during a National Honor Society event at Gresham High School.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved information gathering by board leadership regarding a complaint filed against a board member (7-0)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will meet in regular session to approve consent agenda items including minutes, a monthly financial report showing a projected ending fund balance of $19.2 million, and a first reading of policy updates on board meetings, fund balance, executive sessions, human sexuality education, and charter schools. The board will also hear public comment on occupational therapist caseloads and recognize student athletes from Gresham and Barlow high schools.
- Monthly financial report as of 02/29/2024 with projected $19.2M fund balance and $3M for turf projects
- First reading of policy updates: BD/BDA (Board Meetings), BDC (Executive Sessions), DBDB (Fund Balance), IGAI (Human Sexuality/AIDS/HIV Education), LBE (Public Charter Schools), LBEA (Resident Student Denial for Virtual Charter School)
- Public comment on occupational therapist caseloads submitted by Stacy Richards
- Recognitions for Gresham High School boys basketball (Nate Gilkey – Defensive Player of the Year) and racquetball (Benjamin Menaker – national champion)
- Recognitions for Sam Barlow High School basketball (4th place in state), racquetball (Payton Colt – national champion), and swimming
The board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda including the February 2024 financial report, employee contracts, and policy updates. The session included several student athletic recognitions and a public request to adopt a workload-based approach for occupational therapist assignments.
- Approved meeting agenda with removal of Nutrition Services Annual Report (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including March 6 and March 13 minutes (7-0)
- Approved Monthly Financial Report as of 02/29/2024 (7-0)
- Approved Personnel Report for employee contracts (7-0)
- Approved policy updates (7-0)
Budget 101 Workshop
The district is conducting a workshop to discuss the General Fund, revenue trends, and the budget process. The session includes a review of the budget approval timeline and the roles of district staff and the budget committee.
- Discussion of General Fund balance trends and State School Fund revenue
- Review of Student Based Budgeting and expenditure processes
- Budget timeline: First Budget Committee meeting on April 10, 2024
- Budget timeline: Budget Hearing on June 5, 2024
The Budget Committee met for an informational presentation on the district's budget process. No substantive decisions were made during this workshop.
Regular Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will discuss selling two district properties (Salquist Road for $4.4M and Chase Road for $500k) to fund purchase of the current Gresham Library for a new district office. The board will also review six policy revisions, hear an update on House Bill 2009 (school support fees), and discuss the Multnomah ESD Local Service Plan.
- Offer of $4,400,000 from HEX Investments LLC for Salquist Road property
- Anticipated $500,000 from sale of Chase Road property
- Potential purchase of current Gresham Library (tax value $3,448,880) with $1.3–$1.7M in renovations
- First reading of six policy revisions (board meetings, fund balance, health education, charter schools)
- Discussion of House Bill 2009 imposing school support fees on tax-exempt businesses in enterprise zones
The board approved a counter offer to sell property R339867 to HEX Investments, LLC. Members also conducted a first reading of several district policies and discussed a plan to relocate the district office to a former library building.
- Approved counter offer #1 for sale of property R339867 to HEX Investments, LLC for $4.4 million (6-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Agreed to change fund balance policy (DBDB) to 'at least 8%'
- Agreed to highlighted changes in Public Charter Schools policy (LBE)
Regular Board Business Meeting
This regular board meeting considered a consent agenda including monthly financials, personnel actions, and meeting minutes. The financial report indicates expenditures are trending under budget by approximately $3 million, allowing transfers for future curriculum, technology, and turf field replacement. A presentation from Gresham Arthur Academy on its annual charter school report was also given.
- Consent agenda approved including minutes from February meetings and personnel report
- Monthly financial report as of 01/30/2024 shows expenditures under budget by ~$3M
- Recognition of Sam Barlow High School cheer squad for 5th place at USA Nationals
- Gresham Arthur Academy presented its annual charter school report per ORS 338.095
- Public comment submitted regarding Policy IGAI
The Board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda containing financial reports, employee contracts, and previous meeting minutes. The board also recognized the Sam Barlow High School Cheer team and received updates on district grants and a new website.
- Approved meeting agenda and moved MESD programs topic to March 13 work session (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including February 7 and February 23 minutes, January financial report, and personnel employee contracts (5-0)
Board Strategic Planning Work Session (Retreat)
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will hold a strategic planning retreat to discuss finalizing the board-superintendent working agreement, establishing a calendar request process, and setting board goals. They will receive a secondary academic update on AP programs and graduation. An executive session for negotiations and another for superintendent evaluation are scheduled. The board will also review plans for remaining ESSER III federal pandemic relief funds before the September 30, 2024 deadline.
- ESSER III fund update: review of expenditures and plans for remaining funds before Sept 30, 2024 deadline
- Secondary academic update on Advanced Placement program and graduation summary
- Board-superintendent working agreement draft review and input
- Board goals committee seeks direction to finalize strategic goals by August
- National School Board Association conference planning for April
The Board approved a draft working agreement with the Superintendent and established a new process for requesting board topics. The board also discussed a framework for measurable district goals focused on safety, belonging, opportunity, and achievement.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved draft Superintendent/Board Operating Agreement with added policies and signature lines (7-0)
Special Board Work Session
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will receive an update on the Advanced Placement program and discuss a new format for school improvement plan presentations at a March meeting. The board will also recess into closed executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters.
- Update on Advanced Placement program by Director of Secondary Curriculum Dr. Tim Collins
- New format for School Improvement Plan presentations in March allowing more board-principal discussion
- Executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(b) and (2)(h) for personnel and litigation
- Upcoming Board Strategic Planning Work Session (retreat) on February 23, 2024 at Damascus Campus
The board approved the meeting agenda and received updates on secondary curriculum, including the elimination of Compacted Math and the implementation of Pre-AP Language Arts. The board requested further information on student acceleration and demographics for a future retreat.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
Regular Board Business Meeting
The Gresham-Barlow School Board will hold a regular business meeting, primarily voting on routine consent items including approval of minutes, a monthly financial report with a projected $20 million ending fund balance pending transfers for baseball/softball turf fields, and new licensed hires. The board will also recognize Classified School Employees Week and a donation from East Hill Church, and hear public comments on topics including elementary music/PE funding and nondiscrimination policy.
- Monthly financial report as of 12/31/2023, projecting $20M ending fund balance pending transfers for turf fields
- Personnel report: licensed new hires for 2023-2024 recommended for hire
- Recognize Classified School Employees Week March 4-8, 2024
- Recognize East Hill Church Family Gift of Hope donation
- Public comments received on elementary music/PE funding, nondiscrimination policy, disrupted learning
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda—including January minutes and financial reports—and designated March 4-8, 2024, as Classified School Employees Week. The meeting included reports on the Center for Advanced Learning Charter School and the Healthy and Safe Schools Plan.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Jan 10 minutes, 09/30/2023 financial report, and personnel contracts (7-0)
- Approved March 4-8, 2024 as Classified School Employees Week (7-0)
CANCELED (Weather) - Regular Board Work Session
This regular board work session was canceled due to inclement weather. The agenda had included a first reading of six policy revisions, an update on Equity-Driven Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), a presentation on the Advanced Placement program, and a discussion of House Bill 2009 which creates a school support fee for businesses receiving property tax exemptions in enterprise zones. The board also planned an executive session to evaluate the superintendent.
- First reading of policy revisions: BD/BDA Board Meetings, BDC Executive Session, GCBDA/GDBDA Family Medical Leave, GCBDF/GDBDF Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance, IGAI Human Sexuality/AIDS/HIV/STD Health Education
- Equity-Driven Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) progress update
- Secondary Academic Update including Advanced Placement program overview
- Presentation on House Bill 2009 – new school support fee from enterprise zone tax exemptions
- Executive session planned to evaluate the superintendent (ORS 192.660(2)(i))
Regular Board Business Meeting
The board will consider a consent agenda including the monthly financial report for November 2023, which projects revenues exceeding expenditures by $5.4 million and an ending fund balance of $19.7 million. They will also vote to ratify a resolution recognizing February 2024 as Black History Month. The meeting includes public comments and a superintendent update.
- Monthly financial report as of 11/30/2023: projected revenues exceed expenditures by $5.4 million, ending fund balance ~$19.7 million
- Personnel report with licensed new hires for 2023-2024
- Resolution recognizing February 2024 as Black History Month in the district
- School Board Recognition Month acknowledgment
- Public comments submitted by Chris Koenig, Olivia Green, and Hoan Tran
The Board approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, and a resolution recognizing February 2024 as Black History Month. The meeting included public comments and reports regarding student behavior and special education staffing needs.
- Approved meeting agenda with removal of Nutrition Services Annual Report (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Dec 13 minutes, financial report, and personnel contracts (4-0)
- Ratified resolution recognizing February 2024 as Black History Month (4-0)