Corvallis School District secures Black Student Success Grant to enhance support for African American students

The Corvallis School Board convened on January 9, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives and updates impacting the district. The meeting highlighted the importance of community engagement and the ongoing efforts to enhance educational resources.

One of the primary topics was the upcoming community event scheduled for January 30, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM, which aims to gather around 300 participants to support educational access, learning enrichment, and graduation rates. This event underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering collaboration within the community.

The board also announced plans for a revamped website, set to launch at the end of January. This update follows a communications audit conducted last year, which gathered feedback from staff, families, and the community to ensure the website is user-friendly and informative. The URL will remain unchanged, allowing for a seamless transition to the new site.

Additionally, the board is conducting a survey among staff regarding the academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. This survey is particularly relevant due to the official recognition of Juneteenth and Labor Day, which have traditionally influenced the school year's start date. The feedback will help the district navigate potential scheduling challenges.

Another significant development is the Corvallis School District's partnership in securing the Black Student Success Grant from the Oregon Department of Education. This four-year grant will provide resources aimed at supporting Black and African American students and their families. Key personnel involved in the grant's implementation will meet to strategize on effectively utilizing these funds.

Lastly, an update was provided on the Osborn Aquatic Center. The district has received engineering feedback regarding the facility, with a focus on potentially reopening the outdoor pool while assessing the next steps for the interior renovations.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, emphasizing the board's openness to community input and ongoing dialogue regarding these initiatives.