Board Briefs
Meeting Highlights - December 2017
Local Option Levy
A Board sub-committee will do a more in-depth analysis of the results and the Board will discuss how to proceed at its January 2018 business meeting.
High School - Middle School Schedules
Representatives briefed the Board on the objectives of the review. The high school committee's priorities are:
- to develop a high school master schedule that does not determine student achievement and/or academic performance
- to recognize the importance of student access to relevant curriculum/courses/CTE programs
- strong student and teacher relationships within our schools
- attempt to address achievement improvements for specific subgroups of students
- an awareness of the overall cost to the system
The middle school committee's priorities are:
- focusing on student literacy, supporting efforts to develop highly proficient writers and readers
- focusing on Mathematics, supporting efforts to increase the number of students successfully completing AGS1
- providing a common, minimum experience for all students
- encouraging student exploration
- allowing for student access and choice
The earliest possible implementation of revised schedules for both levels would be the 2019-2020 school year.
Public Comment
- concern over a marijuana retailer opening up near a District bus stop
- allowing middle school students to participate in Physical Education plus two electives year-round.
West TV Principal Kalay McNamee explained that she has had a connection to the school since the 1970s, when she attended the school as a student. McNamee has been the principal at West TV for the past nine years.
McNamee said the small student population allows for teachers and staff to really get to know all the students. Eighty-nine percent of 4th and 5th grade students report that at least one adult cares for them. In addition, parents feel informed and valued as partners in their child's education.
McNamee highlighted improved academic achievement in English Language Arts and steady academic achievement in math. She also recognized the schools challenges. Among them, an academic growth gap in mathematics for female students and student attendance. About 25% of students miss more than 10 days of school per year. McNamee explained to the Board that families in the West TV neighborhoods like to travel, and that could be one reason for the missed school days.
West TV hopes to achieve authorization to become an International Baccalaureate World School Primary Years Programme by June 2018.
This is Dr. Shannon Anderson's second year as principal at Cedar Park Middle School. She expressed to the Board her appreciation for being part of the Beaverton School District.
Dr. Anderson pointed out the school has made great success in advancing the skills and proficiency of English language learners and students with disabilities. She said 8th grade students increased their college readiness proficiency by about 5%, but more work needs to be done.
Dr. Anderson is concerned that the achievement gap at Cedar Park is still very real. Staff at the school are continuing to advance AVID strategies school-wide. More than 70% of teachers have attended an AVID summer institute or AVID strand training. Staff are also focusing on Culturally Relevant Teaching practices, as well as developing career readiness through real-world, innovative projects and opportunities.
Edison Montiel-Espina
Congratulations to Edison Montiel-Espina, a custodian at Merlo Station High School. Edison had a perfect score on the U.S. Citizenship Exam.
Beaverton Rotary
Bethany ES PTO
Individual School Board Member Comments
- Board Member Susan Greenberg attended the AVID conference in Orlando where she spoke with alumni and current AVID students. Susan said she was very pleased the District has adopted the AVID Program.
- Board Member LeeAnn Larsen attended the Oregon Business Summit, where she was concerned with the outlook regarding state revenue reform to increase K-12 funding. LeeAnn said the Oregon School Boards Association hopes to meet with Governor Kate Brown to discuss their concerns.
- Board Vice Chair Becky Tymchuk attended a principal's coffee at Mountainside High School. She also visited Aloha High School and toured the revitalized Career and Technical Education programs. Becky made a school visit to Scholls Heights Elementary School and also attended the AVID conference in Orlando.
- Board Member Tom Colett reiterated the need for state revenue reform. He also encouraged voters to pass Measure 101 to avoid further cuts in state school funding.
- Board Chair Anne Bryan encouraged other board members to participate in mock interviews for high school students.
Other Reports, Discussion & Action
The full packet with meeting materials can be found on BoardBook.
Directors: Anne Bryan (Chair), Becky Tymchuk (Vice Chair), Tom Colett,
Susan Greenberg, LeeAnn Larsen, Eric Simpson, Donna Tyner
Beaverton School District
The Beaverton School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of the Beaverton School District that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veteran status, genetic information or disability in any education programs, activities or employment.
Email: community_involvement@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: beaverton.k12.or.us
Location: 16550 SW Merlo Rd, Beaverton, OR, United States
Phone: (503) 356-4360
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeavertonSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @beavertonsd