The board met in a “mini retreat” to discuss four items including topics the board was unable to get to during an abbreviated annual summer retreat in August. The board will hold a longer board retreat in April.
The board:
• Selected Portland-based SeeChange NW as the facilitator to guide the work for the All Students Belong initiative, the board-led effort to adopt and implement a districtwide student safety plan.
A subcommittee of three board members considered four candidates for facilitators based on community feedback. After initial phone contacts, two candidates were invited in for full interviews on Jan. 24. Two days later, the subcommittee discussed the two remaining candidates and forwarded its recommendation to the full board for a decision.
• Discussed its process for the appointment of community volunteers to 4J’s budget committee. The committee consists of the seven elected school board members and an equal number of volunteers.
The budget committee reviews annual budget proposals to ensure that the district is planning to spend money in furtherance of district goals. The committee examines the proposed budget, listens to comments from community members, asks questions, and then approves the budget to forward to the school board for adoption.
Ideas raised to improve the process included developing a position description, taking steps to attract a more diverse pool of candidates, and setting aside some time ahead of the recruitment period so board members can discuss what they’re looking for in candidates.
• Considered updating its beliefs and values statement to specify its commitment to provide safe learning environments; support meaningful, equitable and highly effective instruction so that all students; and reduce the disparity of outcomes for students of color and students with disabilities. District staff will propose a revised statement based on the board’s feedback for future consideration.
• Continued its discussion about the results of the self-assessment completed by individual board members last year to gauge the elected body’s strengths and identify areas of improvement.
Agenda and Materials
Jan. 27 work session agenda and materials
Jan. 27 work session recording
NOTE: This is a quick summary of the topics and actions at a meeting of the school board. This document is NOT the official minutes of the school board. Official minutes are posted after they are drafted, reviewed and approved by the board. Audio recordings of meetings are typically posted within two days after the meeting.
School Board Meeting Schedule & Information
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