During the Newberg-Dundee School Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 10, the School Board considered action items including an out-of-country travel request to Japan, tuition for out-of-district students taking classes here, and more. School District staff also delivered reports and expressed their appreciation for their community.
Donations and Appreciation
- Superintendent Stephen W. Phillips began the meeting by thanking Director Kaden Christensen and the MVMS Jazz Band for putting on a pre-meeting performance. Phillips also thanked Jem 100. Jem 100 owner Tom Vondrachek and his son-in-law, Eric Harrison, who helps manage the business, donated their time and their ice cream to add sweetness to the Mountain View Middle School Jazz Band’s concert on Oct. 10.
- The Board then approved the Consent Agenda, a list of housekeeping items that included donations. The Loie Maresh Memorial Reading Fund LLC gave $1,250 to Dundee Elementary. First United Methodist Church Newberg gave $500 to the Catalyst Resource Room.
Student Leaders
- Chair Woodward introduced six candidates who attended the meeting to pitch themselves for one of three Student Representative positions. The School Board interviewed the students, asking about their leadership activities and goals. The board will make their decision within the next week. The students will serve until June 30, 2024.
Reports, Presentations, and Discussion
- Director of Finance Heather Bixby shared revenue and expense reports.
- The School Board announced an opening on the Budget Committee in Zone 4. For instructions on how to apply and an application, visit the School District website.
- Phillips detailed a potential daycare project, which may involve partnering with local early childhood leaders.
Action items
- The Chehalem Valley Middle School Wadayama Exchange Program submitted an out-of-country travel request for a trip to Asago City, Japan in May of 2024. Wadayama Junior High in Asago City and CVMS established a sister school partnership 33 years ago. Read more in this recent story. The School Board approved the request 7-0.
- Dish Wireless LLC is leasing a portion of the School District’s property at 2400 Douglas Ave., and the company requested the temporary use of electricity at the site to operate Dish's equipment. Dish will give the School District $2,500 initially and then $500 each month they use the property. Dish estimates that they will be using the property for a month. The amount of power that Dish will use is similar to what a fridge uses. In addition to paying the School District $3,000, Dish has also offered to add a food cart/trailer hookup to show appreciation for the use of the property. The School Board approved the request 7-0.
- Families with students attending an out-of-district public school or charter school may also choose to take music classes in Newberg-Dundee. After a discussion at the last regular session, the School Board asked the staff to look up the existing policy to determine if there should be tuition for these students. Policy JECB: Outside District/Charter School - Non-Newberg Student says that “The superintendent shall develop procedures through which nonresident or adult students may enroll in the district upon payment of tuition.” Since there is an existing policy and the Superintendent decides whether students pay tuition, there was no board action needed. Tuition has now been set: Trimester 1 will be free, and Trimesters 2 and 3 will be $333.33 each or $667 per year for out-of-district students. In April, the Superintendent plans to announce new fees for the 2024-25 school year.
- By 7-0, the School Board approved items to be put in surplus, including textbooks that were no longer in use.
- By 7-0, the School Board approved the 2022-23 Report on Compliance with Public School Standards – Division 22, as presented. By November 1 of each year, all Oregon school district superintendents are required by state law to update the community on the district’s Standards for Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. The State Board of Education adopted the standards, which can be found in Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 581, Division 22.
What’s next?
- Oct. 24 Work Session: The School Board will meet for a work session at 6:00 p.m. on Oct. 24. Work sessions provide opportunities to discuss specific topics in greater depth. Work sessions are open to the public; however, public comment is reserved for regular sessions. Details on the Oct. 24 work session will be available soon.
- Nov. 14 Regular Session: The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 14. At that time, the Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County (JOY) will perform, Director of Information Technology Scott Marlin will present, and the Newberg-Dundee School Resource Officers will also present.
Questions?
If you have questions about School Board items or would like to request more information about a meeting, please contact Tabitha Renne, the Board Secretary and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent: [email protected].
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