The Alsea School Board (ASB) met to address several action items. An announcement was made that Robert Webb has resigned his school board position, effective immediately. The ASB will hold a special board meeting on Monday, January 27, 2023 to appoint a new member to this position. February 4th is the first day for candidates to file for the three available board seats in the spring elections. For more information on how to run for a school board position on the May ballot, interested parties should contact lora.nickles@alsea.k12.or.us or ASB Chair Risteen Follett at risteen.follett@alsea.k12.or.us or 541-740-6037. Below is a complete explanation of how to go through the election process:
https://alsea.k12.or.us/2023/01/11/school-board-elections/
Board Chair Risteen Follett says the ASD needs new members who are able to fully engage in the role of board member by giving of their time freely in a spirit of service leadership, participating in school activities, and sharing responsibilities of board members.
The board voted to terminate the contract with Paradigm Learning with 45 days’ notice and adopt the SeeSaw Curriculum for LAHO. One of the many benefits of this curriculum is that it will allow for collaboration with Alsea School. For more information about SeeSaw, see
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/WebViewer/2548?file=7eaaed91-3752-4d21-96a4-14e3c4649f06
https://web.seesaw.me/features
There were several patron comments from attendees. Joni Olsen made a statement of support and understanding about the research the board has done to work on the current and future budget issues. Steve Boynton, co-founder of Paradigm Learning Systems, made a statement encouraging the board to strongly consider staying with Paradigm rather than adopt a new LAHO learning platform. Mr. Boynton stated that SeeSaw lacks the capacity of Paradigm to serve students with learning challenges. Keenan Elbers and Kayla Wilson asked questions about transfer of seniority during the proposed Reduction in Force. Finally, Bart Rothenberger gave a huge thank you to the community, staff, Alsea Wolverines Booster Club, and all who helped the 1A State Wrestling Tournament to be such a huge success, with 17 teams attending.
After lengthy discussion, the ASD voted to authorize administration to create a proposal for a Reduction in Force (RIF). The RIF was also explained at an all staff meeting the Monday prior to the board meeting. The report submitted by Acting Superintendent Gallagher explaining the reasons for the anticipated RIF can be read at
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/WebViewer/2548?file=15429f81-bbc3-4d7e-a8e0-0a39a2b0712f
This vote does not authorize a RIF but authorizes the development of a RIF plan for review to be voted on at a future meeting. ASB insisted that the proposal include several options for reduced staffing so that the best possible plan can be developed.
The RIF is necessary in order to have a balanced budget proposal in place by the deadline required by the Oregon Department of Education, June 30, 2023. A balanced budget is required in order to receive funding from the Oregon Department of Education. Risteen Follett said that the recent difficult decisions about budgeting and staffing have only been done out of necessity. “As a parent, taxpayer, and board member, I am passionate about the survival of Alsea School District. It’s more than just the unfortunate effect on community members here. It’s the unconditional love and acceptance our students would risk losing, which cannot happen.”
