March 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  Chair Sherry Duerst-Higgins will call an Executive Session of the Board of Directors of Lane ESD to order.  The Board of Directors of Lane ESD will meet in Executive Session to:

Description:  Guests attending the meeting will be introduced.

Description: 

Lane ESD acknowledges that the lands we call Lane County - the lands that sustain our children, our future, and our collective well-being - are the traditional ancestral home of the Kalapuya, Siuslaw, Molalla, and other indigenous people who have lived in Lane County since time immemorial.  Native children, families, and communities bear witness to a legacy of displacement and forced relocation. As an educational institutions we are accountable for addressing the current and former silencing, erasure and genocide of native people in Oregon and Turtle Island. We aim to join with indigenous people, honoring their resilience, courage, and self-determination in a purposeful pursuit of justice.

Today indigenous people -- alive, diverse,and vibrant -- live in and contribute to the culture of Lane County. We are all blessed by their presence.

1. We commit to support our own, Lane ESD staff, and student learning about indigenous peoples of Oregon, the history, culture, current concerns, and the role of educational institutions in the genocide of Native/Indigenous people and tribes and in the possibilities for repair and justice. As an ESD we will support and encourage the implementation of Tribal History/Shared History curriculum with all our educational partners.

2. The board also commits to building relationships that would help us understand the lived experiences of our native students' families and communities and how LESD impacts our students, in collaboration with the superintendent.

3. The board will review and update the spoken Statement of Accountability Land Acknowledgement annually during our annual organizational meeting or when needed.

Description:  This is an opportunity for the audience to address the Board on topics either on, or not on, the agenda.  There will also be opportunities for the audience to comment on specific agenda items as the Board addresses them.

Comments Regarding Staff Members - Speakers may offer objective criticism of ESD operations and programs. The Board will not hear comments regarding any individual ESD staff member. The Board chair will direct the visitor to the procedures in Board policy KL - Public Complaints for Board consideration of a complaints involving a staff member. The association contract governing the employee's rights will be followed. A commendation involving a staff member should be sent to the superintendent, who will forward it to the staff member, his/her supervisor and the Board.

The Board requests that a public comment add information or a perspective that has not already been mentioned previously, and that the patron refrains from repeating a similar point. To make a comment or present a topic during public comment, if the opportunity is available on the Board agenda, please complete the Intent to Speak card and submit it to the Board secretary prior to the start of the meeting. An individual that has submitted an Intent to Speak card and has been invited to speak by the Board chair, will be allowed three minutes.

Any person, who is invited by the Board chair to speak to the Board during a meeting, should state his/her name and address and, if speaking for an organization, the name of the organization. A spokesperson should be designated to represent a group with a common purpose.

Description:  The Lane ESD Board of Directors has agreed to implement a consent agenda.  All items in the consent agenda are adopted by a single motion unless a member of the Board or the Superintendent requests that such item be removed from the consent agenda and acted upon separately.  

Generally, consent agenda items are matters which members of the Board agree are routine in nature and should be acted upon in one motion to conserve time and to enable the Board to focus on the other matters on the agenda.  

Back-up materials for consent agenda items are included in the agenda packet as needed.  Minutes of this meeting will reflect action on each item.  

If any board member wishes to withdraw any consent group item, it will be moved to the appropriate section of the agenda.   

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lane ESD adopts the consent group as submitted and listed below.
 

Description:  EXAMPLE QUESTIONS ASKED BY BOARD MEMBERS OF A BUSINESS MANAGER DURING A FINANCIAL REVIEW SESSION1)      Are the books balanced and reconciled?
2)      Are all cash and investment accounts reconciled to the general ledger?
3)      Does the adopted budget reflect expected expenditures?
4)      Have payroll reports been filed and have all payroll liabilities been paid timely?
5)      Have all federal and state reimbursement requests as well as required financial reporting forms been filed timely?
6)      Are there any suspected cases of fraud that we need to be aware of?
7)      Are there any suspected changes to the internal control system?
8)      Have there been any significant changes to the internal control system?
9)      Is the business office adequately staffed to allow for proper segregation of duties?
10)   Have there been any changes to the accounting system or accounting policies that are significant?
11)   Has the accounting software and related IT systems been subject to review by an IT professional to ensure seamless backup in the event of a malware, ransomware, or other compromise of computer security?
12)   Are there any other financial-related matters we should be aware of?
13)   Are there any new pronoucements on the horizon that may require additional staff time or disbursement of funds to properly implement?
14)   Are all financial statements that have been provided to the Board accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge?
15)   Have you been asked by the Superintendent to do anything that makes you uncomfortable or to present any information you feel is inaccurate?

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lane ESD accepts the Financial Report for January 2025.

Description:  By law, the budget committee is charged with making recommendations concerning financial priorities. The budget committee will have the responsibility for reviewing the financial program of Lane ESD, reviewing the proposed ESD budget as presented by the superintendent and recommending an annual ESD budget in keeping with the provisions of applicable state laws.

Educational policy decisions, however, are the responsibility of the Board, not the budget committee. The committee does not have the authority to add programs or to approve additional personnel or increase salaries. While the committee may, in effect, delete programs because of a fund decrease in arriving at a levy figure, the committee is charged primarily with a fiscal evaluation of programs. The committee may, alternatively, recommend an amount that changes the proposed budget and may request the administration make such changes in accordance with priorities set by the Board.

The budget committee consists of the elected Board members and eight members appointed by the Board from component school district boards or designees of component district Boards. The members appointed by the Board shall consist of five members selected by ESD zone and three members selected at large. To be eligible for appointment, the appointive member must:
1. Live and be registered to vote within the ESD and, if a zone representative, must live within the appropriate zone;
2. Not be an officer, agent or employee of the ESD.No budget committee member may receive any type of compensation from the ESD. Reimbursement of budget committee expenses shall be in accordance with Board policy and administrative rule BHD/BHD-AR.

The Board will announce the vacancies and receive recommendations of interested members of component school district Boards or designees of component district boards. Candidates for vacant positions must reside in the vacated zone. At-large vacant positions will be filled from among members of component school district Boards or designees of component district boards.

The appointive budget committee members will be appointed for three-year terms in the September meeting. The terms will be staggered so that approximately one-third of the appointive members’ terms end each year. The Board may appoint budget committee members to as many consecutive terms as deemed appropriate. If any appointive member is unable to complete the term for which he/she was appointed, the Board will announce the vacancy at the first regular Board meeting following the committee member’s resignation or removal. An appointment to fill the position for its unexpired term will be made at the next regular Board meeting. 

The budget committee will elect a presiding officer from among the members at the first meeting. It may also establish such other ground rules as necessary for successful operation of the committee.

A majority of the constituted committee is required for passing an action item. Majority for a 15-member budget committee is 8. Therefore, if only eight members are present, a unanimous vote is needed for passing an action.

As provided by law, the committee will hear the budget message presented by the superintendent, receive the budget document, listen to comments and suggestions by patrons and announce the time and place for its future meetings. All meetings of the budget committee are open to the public.

The budget committee may request any information for the preparation or revision of the budget document from any ESD officer or employee. It may request the attendance of any employee at its meetings. Such requests by the budget committee should be made through the superintendent and/or budget officer. The budget committee will approve the budget document as submitted by the superintendent or as subsequently revised by the committee.

After approval of the original or revised budget document, the budget committee’s duties cease. The hearing on the approved budget is held by the Board. 

Lane ESD's Budget Committee has the following positions vacated by end of term (June 2024):

• Position 2: Eugene 4j School District's Alicia Hays
• Position 3: Springfield Public School's Emilio Hernandez
• Position 4: Blachly School District's Dwight Coon
• Position 5: Lowell School District's Jim Chapman

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lane ESD declares Budget Committee vacancies for positions 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Description:  The Board will announce the vacancies and receive recommendations of interested members of component school district Boards or designees of component district boards. Candidates for vacant positions must reside in the vacated zone. At-large vacant positions will be filled from among members of component school district Boards or designees of component district boards. The appointive budget committee members will be appointed for three-year terms in the September meeting. The terms will be staggered so that approximately one-third of the appointive members’ terms end each year.

The Board may appoint budget committee members to as many consecutive terms as deemed appropriate. If any appointive member is unable to complete the term for which he/she was appointed, the Board will announce the vacancy at the first regular Board meeting following the committee member’s resignation or removal. An appointment to fill the position for its unexpired term will be made at the next regular Board meeting.

Blachly School District Board member Dwight Coon has volunteered to participate for another term on the Lane ESD Budget Committee, Position 4, expiring June 30, 2028.

The Eugene School District 4j Board has identified Jenny Jonak and Tom Di Liberto to serve on Lane Education Service District Budget Committee.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lane ESD appoints Dwight Coon, Jenny Jonak and Tom Di Liberto to the Lane Education Service District Budget Committee, term expiring June 30, 2028.

Description: 

Classified Employee Appreciation Week is celebrated every year during the first full week of March.  The Board of Directors of Lane Education Service District recognize the contributions of its Classified Employees:

WHEREAS, the education of youth is essential to the future of our community, state, country and world; and

WHEREAS, classified employees are the backbone of our public education system; and

WHEREAS, classified employees work directly with students, educators, parents, volunteers, business partners and community members; and

WHEREAS, classified employees support the smooth operation of offices, the safety and maintenance of buildings and property, and the safe transportation, healthy nutrition and direct instruction of students; and

WHEREAS, our community depends upon and trusts classified employees to serve students; and

WHEREAS, classified employees, with their diverse talents and true dedication, nurture students throughout their school years.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the (insert name) Board of Directors proclaims March 3-7, 2025, to be CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WEEK; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lane Education Service District Board of Directors strongly encourages all members of our community to join in this observance, recognizing the dedication and hard work of these individuals.

Description: 

The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

Women from every background have long realized that an uneven playing field will never bring equality or justice. Many feel the critical need to speak up and work harder for fairness in our institutions and social interactions.

During 2024, we recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity. They know that people change with the help of families, teachers and friends, and that young people in particular need to learn the value of hearing from different voices with different points of view as they grow up.

Today, equity, diversity and inclusion are powerful driving forces that are having a wide-ranging impact on our country. As members of families, civic and community groups, businesses and legislative bodies, women are in the forefront of reevaluating the status quo. They are looking anew at what harmful social policies and behaviors exist and, often subtly, determine our future. In response, women in communities across the nation are helping to develop innovative programs and projects within corporations, the military, federal agencies and educational organizations to address these injustices.

It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. Throughout 2024, we honor local women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values. Following decades of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness.

Whereas, March is National Women’s History Month, and the National Women's History Alliance has designated the theme for Women's History Month 2024 as "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion"; and
Whereas, this theme recognizes the invaluable contributions of women who have dedicated themselves to advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of society; and
Whereas, women from diverse backgrounds have long been at the forefront of efforts to address systemic inequities and promote a more inclusive and just society; and
Whereas, the courageous advocacy of women for practical goals such as equity, diversity, and inclusion serves as a beacon of inspiration for all individuals and communities; and
Whereas, in 2024, we honor the women who have tirelessly worked to dismantle barriers, challenge prejudices, and create opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background and attacks against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusions programs and training in our institutions;
Now, therefore be it resolved, that Lane Education Service District, do hereby proclaim March 2024 as Women's History Month in Lane County; and
Be it further resolved that, We encourage our communities and organizations to celebrate the achievements of women who have championed equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing these principles in our society. Let us honor the women who have dedicated themselves to advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion, and let us continue to work together to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive world.
 

Description: 

According to Administrative Rule BB: Board Advisor and Liaisons, the Board intends to have three Board Member Liaisons from component school district Boards. The Board will recruit Board member representatives from a small, medium and large district. The Superintendents will be asked to extend an invitation to their board members in August of each year. The Board will appoint three representative Liaisons to the Board. The typical term for a Board Member Liaison is for one year, renewable with mutual consent of the Liaison and the Board.  The Board Member Liaison is not a member of the Board. The Board Member Liaison will bring component district perspectives to the Board, report component district activities, and share Lane ESD Board information with their district board. The Board Member Liaisons are invited to all Board meetings, and are expected to attend regularly. The Board Member Liaisons will receive a Board Meeting Agenda and packet.

McKenzie School District Board member Danna Brownell and Bethel School District Board member Robin Zygaitis have agreed to serve as a small district and large district Board Liaison to the Lane ESD Board of Directors.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lane ESD appoints McKenzie School District Board member Danna Brownell and Bethel School District Board member Robin Zygaitis as Component District Board Liaisons to the Lane ESD Board of Directors. 

Description:  Lane ESD has engaged with OSBA to complete a desk rewrite of the Board Policy Manual.  Leslie Fisher (OSBA) has provided the following policies/administrative rules for review:

• ACA: Americans with Disabilities Act
• ACB: Every Student Belongs All Students Belong

These updates were first read at the February 2025 meeting of the Board of Directors.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lane ESD adopt policy updates as presented.

Description:  Superintendent Scurto will provide an update in legislative activities if there are any updates.

Description:  At last month's meeting of the Board, the Board first read policies reviewed in the OSBA desk rewrite from Chapter A.  This month, the following policies are being presented to the Board as a first read:

BB: Board Legal Status
BBA: Board Powers and Duties
BBA: Board Powers and Duties
BBA-AR: Services for Public and Private Entities
BBAA: Individual Board Member’s Authority and Responsibilities
BBB: Board Elections
BBBA:  Board Member Qualifications
BBBB: Board Member Oath of
BBC: Board Member Resignation
BBD: Board Member Removal from Office
BBE: Vacancies on the Board
BBE-AR: Procedures for Vacancies on the Board
BBF: Board Member Standards of Conduct (Version 1) - Recommended to delete
BBF: Board Member Standards of Conduct (Version 2) - Recommend to adopt
BBF-AR: Board Member Ethics
BBFA: Board Member Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
BBFB: Board Member Ethics and Nepotism
BC/BCA: Board Organization/Board Organizational Meeting
BCB: Board Officers
BCD: Board-Superintendent Relationship
BCE: Board Committees
BCF: Advisory Committees to the Board
BCG: Legal Counsel - Recommend to delete
BD/BDA: Board Meetings
BD/BDA-AR: Regular Board Meeting Procedure
BDB: Special Meetings
BDC: Executive Sessions
BDD: Board Meeting Procedures
BDDA: Notification of Board Meetings - Recommend to delete
BDDG/BDDC: Board Meeting Agenda
BDDG/BDDK: Minutes of Board Meetings
BDDH: Public Comment at Board Meetings (Version 1) - Recommend to delete
BDDH: Public Comment at Board Meetings (Version 2) - Recommend to adopt
BDDH-AR: Intent to Speak - Public Comment
BDE: Hearings - Recommend to delete
BE: Board Work Sessions - Recommend to delete
BF: Policy Development
BFC: Adoption and Revision of Policies (Version 1) - Recommend to delete
BFC: Adoption and Revision of Policies (Version 2) - Recommend to adopt
BFCA: Administrative Regulations
BFD: Board Policy Implementation
BFE: Administration in the Absence of Policy
BFF: Suspension of Policies
BFG/BFGA: Policy Review
BG: Staff Communications
BH/BHA: Orientation of New Board Members
BHB: Board Member Development
BHD: Board Member Compensation and Expense Reimbursement
BHD-AR: Board Member Expense Reimbursement Procedures
BHDA: Compensation for Legal Fees for Board Members and Employees
BHE: Board Member Liability Insurance
BI: Board Legislative Program (Version 1) - Recommend to delete
BI: Board Legislative Program (Version 2) - Reccommend to adopt
BJ/BJA: School Board Memberships
BK: Evaluation of Board Operational Procedures
BKA: Review of Contracted Service Providers - Recommend to delete
BKA -AR: Process for Review of Service Providers - Recommend to delete
 

Description:  The Board will discuss making the following declaration in support of Eugene School District 4J:

Statement of Support of Lawsuit Filing by American Federation of Teachers, American Sociological Association, and Eugene School District 4J opposing February 14, 2025 "Dear Colleague" Letter sent to School Districts across the United States.

We, the Lane Educational Service District Board of Directors, support the decision of our component school district and educational partner, Eugene School District 4J, to join the lawsuit opposing the instructions conveyed on February 14, 2025, to public school districts in the recent "Dear Colleague" letter sent by the US Department of Education. As the governing body of Lane ESD, we are dedicated to ensuring that each and every student in our service area has access to a high quality education, well prepared educators, and curricula that reflect the diversity of our students and their families. The federal guidance not only contradicts our local strategic plan, which centers on creating a "Beloved Community of Learners," but also undermines our state educational standards and mandates set by the Oregon State Board of Education and Oregon Revised Statutes. 

Description:  The Board of Directors will discuss next steps in the Evaluation of the Superintendent.  

Description: 

Description:  Board members are invited to send agenda items to be considered for the next board meeting.  Please call or email to the Board Chair or Superintendent.

Description: 

Description:  Thank you to those who took the time to acknowledge co-workers/staff with kudos.  Employees and Board members can submit a "kudo" any time during the month.   To submit a kudo visit: www.lesd.k12.or.us/forms/kudos.html

Description:  March 2, 2025: Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus Membership Meeting
March 3, 2025: OSBA Board of Directors Meeting
March 4, 2025: Oregon Rural School Board Member Caucus Executive Committee Meeting
March 5, 2025: Oregon LGBTQIA2S+ School Board Members Advisory Committee Meeting
March 5, 2025: OSBA Board of Directors Special Meeting
March 6, 2025: OSBA Board of Directors Special Meeting
March 15, 2025: Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus Leadership Council Meeting
March 18, 2025: Oregon Rural School Board Members Caucus Leadership Assembly Meeting
March 20, 2025: Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus Officers Meeting
May 7-9, 2025:  OAESD Spring Conference
 

Description:  Bethel: During the regular school year the school board meets on the  2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of the month at 6pm for regular sessions. The Board will conduct only one meeting in November, December, March and May, when the board meets on the 2^nd Wednesday only.
Blachly:  The District Board typically meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm, location TBD.
Creswell: Regular Board of Director meetings are typically held the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM.
Crow-Applegate-Lorane: The Board of Directors for Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District #66 holds a regular meeting at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. The meetings are held at Applegate Elementary School and at the Lorane Grange.
Eugene: The Eugene School Board usually meets in regular public sessions on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. This schedule sometimes varies, and additional meetings and work sessions are scheduled as necessary. 
Fern Ridge: Third Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Time: 6:30 p.m.
Junction City:
Lowell: Regular Board Meetings are scheduled for the 4th Monday of the month, with the Meeting beginning at 4:00 pm
Mapleton: The Mapleton School Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month. There is no meeting during the month of July. The School Board meeting is held in the high school at 6:00pm, unless otherwise noted.
Marcola: Regular board meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 PM.
McKenzie: McKenzie School Board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month unless noted otherwise.
Oakridge
Pleasant Hill
Siuslaw: The board of directors meet the second Wednesday of each month with the exception of a regular meeting scheduled for August 21, 2024, and November 20, 2024 . The board normally meets in the district board room located at 2111 Oak Street in Florence, Oregon. The meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. with a work session and the regular meeting will begin at approximately 6:30p.m.  
South Lane: The South Lane School Board usually meets in regular public sessions on the first Monday and third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. for a work session. Meetings normally are held at the South Lane School District Office, 455 Adams Ave in Cottage Grove.
Springfield: The Board of Directors generally meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Regular business meetings begin at 7 p.m. on the second Monday and work sessions are generally held at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. All meetings, unless otherwise noted, are held in the Board Room of the Springfield Public Schools Administration Building