[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6335096,"mediaKeyId","2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17","parentId",2291640,"title","Board renews Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School charter; trustees discuss capacity and transportation","audioSeconds",3232,"startMs",3289000,"endMs",6521000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17&start=3289&end=6521","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17/thumbnail_3289000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6335096/Oregon/Board-renews-Jane-Goodall-Environmental-Middle-School-charter-trustees-discuss-capacity-and-transportation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335096-17cdeda9bf4926de1f1a8e9461db5369/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139827&Signature=UT1esSXJmRL5lwWBWhvRkuNunnQwOUhw8xwEwL8Ll~1Pa48r3D8UVpTe1Q7W-lPXXXabmBTMBQBbPwO7NmIHvTx~55z-iRPnFw51Bd6eN0nvDWOKUMO57jHkyBcexp6-OX01ubh7N5VpcmjZJqoqAC0Mitvqu~PN9Rr18pQi-4-sn8OowJFXZUH6vN0LYTUt~W6SyCtKa6Tu75VZqXdUTHiIIwL4PNNCUMDcFSSQv8~mCVmprn9qvztWfbtvxmvw820ajz14Osu2PmkIxcZoXwnnJB4q3JM0skK5O7f6QWMzeq0C~-EvsgTJOd0gRnnLWO-f~lVmWW5gHMhwCTqspQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Capital Community Media","date","2025-02-11T00:00:00Z","article","The board voted unanimously to renew the charter for Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School (JGEMS), citing sustained program outcomes, field‑based learning and long‑standing community partnerships.

Jay (JGEMS executive director) and Doug (JGEMS staff) presented slides describing the school’s environmental science and project‑based learning model and its community partnerships with organizations including the Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Zoo Foundation. The presenters highlighted a statewide dissemination grant from the Oregon Department of Education and described the school’s efforts to share curriculum with educators beyond the district.

Director questions focused on capacity, equity and transportation. JGEMS staff said the school currently enrolls one section per grade (grades 6–8) with 33 students per class and that the program historically has not scaled larger without changing the model. The presenters said the greatest barrier to diversifying the student population is transportation; they described parent carpools and outreach to fifth‑grade families to increase applications from across the district. Presentation materials also noted the Diacre College Education Fund has provided teacher grants totaling about $650,000 over the past decade to support dissemination activities.

District transportation staff said routes and services could be explored to support charter students but that cost and reimbursement rules would need further review; the transportation director said roughly 70% of routine transportation costs are reimbursed and adding charter stops would require additional cost discussion.

The motion to renew was made by Director Prezzi and seconded by Director Harnish; trustees approved the renewal by unanimous vote. After the vote, JGEMS leaders announced Jane Goodall would visit for the school’s 25th anniversary and deliver a public lecture on April 10.

Why it matters: The renewal preserves an established district‑authorized charter program that specializes in environmental science and notable community partnerships; trustees asked board staff to continue oversight of access and transportation issues.

Ending: The renewal passed unanimously; staff and JGEMS leaders will continue to work on outreach and transportation options to increase accessibility for families across the district.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Salem-Keizer School Board Meeting - February 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board voted unanimously to renew the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School charter after a staff presentation on the school’s environmental, field‑based curriculum and statewide dissemination work.","taxTitle","North Clackamas SD 12, School Districts, Oregon","taxId",14579,"location","Oregon","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6335101,"Board appoints three community members to Salem‑Keizer budget committee amid procedural questions",953,4485000,5438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17&start=4485&end=5438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17/thumbnail_4485000.jpg","/articles/6335101/Oregon/Board-appoints-three-community-members-to-SalemKeizer-budget-committee-amid-procedural-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335101-14fdb25dd879af56c64c00f430fd1bb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139827&Signature=dWfbZM~sIjxdSBMjXpZ2VJVv-mBcCfzkK8PtbMov4af4xaXnxROEtzQQJIhxVk9Fb1~Z9kWXcZc~W6OnPbeVgc67yhjjhbexlT~eVh9Kc3KLGRaIpNiH6RbMomIIIvlaISEfqJnDbrS7XFDUAALNoeCxeVdLzYbPmABVylWLPPomgRVY4cgBqf5mhXYj84cPj9qNjIQq7NQszeq3xkaaTztjbT1aMBULNayoAGrPixRMT9fNUjn6tLksi6tTSWv5gKPytyuyQmdIwSxphgSwqyTbUVYTCtGcrkOL05dmXkFBROb7wdZEneVuJYbA7zDJxpFPCRyqMgbbA25EIecbUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board voted unanimously to appoint three community members to the Salem‑Keizer School District budget committee and heard procedural questions from trustees about application materials and applicant participation.

Board Chair Richardson said the committee has 14 members — seven board members plus seven community appointees — and introduced the slate of applicants. After procedural discussion about a handful of applicants who did not submit optional video interviews or respond to follow‑up emails, Director Preci moved to appoint William Gautreich, Jean Gitan and Jessica Peterson. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Each of the three appointees briefly addressed the board after the vote. Jean Gitan said, “Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be part of the budget committee. Looking forward to meeting all of you.” William Gautreich and Jessica Peterson also thanked the board and said they looked forward to participating.

Why it matters: The budget committee reviews the district’s proposed budget and provides public oversight before the board adopts the final budget; members serve terms that expire June 30, 2027, for these openings.

Procedural questions raised: Several trustees asked whether submitting the optional video or attending the meeting was required; staff said videos were requested and that a small number of applicants had not responded to follow‑up outreach or attend the meeting. Trustees debated whether to exclude those unresponsive applicants from consideration; the board ultimately proceeded with the motion to appoint the three present candidates.

Ending: The board welcomed the new budget committee members and invited short remarks from the appointees; staff said further communication would follow about next steps and onboarding.","The Salem‑Keizer School District board appointed William Gautreich, Jean Gitan and Jessica Peterson to three open seats on the district budget committee after discussion about whether applicants who did not submit optional videos or attend should remain under consideration.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6335107,"Superintendent reports balanced budget in Q2; board warned of state, federal and bargaining uncertainties",562,2172000,2734000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17&start=2172&end=2734","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17/thumbnail_2172000.jpg","/articles/6335107/Oregon/Superintendent-reports-balanced-budget-in-Q2-board-warned-of-state-federal-and-bargaining-uncertainties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335107-2e51076810891f47201b60bafab82fa3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139827&Signature=R0A8WE7Q4QU0sFiNVDaDoZ0wuXd5zYLBZ0Sv~vORjUkBDc0UCYoiwcPxwea3HGjkYaPWTqEo3t~~EmzFzWn9IAC~tlYWVCp8w7xTPROaLbuIjFXTb19iK65ERMcV2t4HjgpsgEIdGSuLrsRxm8-M1V6vxE17a9Caud2wpTznQZ3BJT29MRTysL5y6Pk~aVaFL932G-vVuyCiQPadMsh-CocDa6OIoQM8TSqvjvQwoSABFFSTsyJdAHZIghk8424lhNNc9nlx4s71j-g7fnOavynT8SDKl32zrjtIOm4NmxEZvxJYtS9XB58Ewv-PzLlZrZikSREz3If7Wu~6JsPjWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Castaneda presented the district’s quarter‑2 financial overview and told the board the district remains balanced but faces significant revenue and cost uncertainty going into budget season.

Castaneda said the district’s quarter‑1 ending fund balance was “right around $91,000,000” and that quarter‑2 projections show an expected ending fund balance of “about $99,000,000,” helped in part by higher interest revenue and slightly lower expenses. “We are actually spending the amount of money that we’re getting,” she said, describing the district’s budget as balanced following reductions made last year.

Castaneda reviewed several sources of uncertainty the board will consider while preparing the fiscal‑year 2025–26 budget: the Oregon Legislature’s long session, which could change state revenue and carries “close to 3,000 bills” she said; upcoming licensed‑staff bargaining starting in late February or early March; and federal funding timing that the superintendent called “unprecedented” in its uncertainty. She also noted personnel and benefit pressures, saying “there is a $20,000,000 annual increase in PERS” and that a 4% COLA was expected to be implemented next year.

Why it matters: The district’s ending fund balance provides a buffer while the board budgets amid uncertain state and federal funding and forthcoming collective‑bargaining results. The superintendent told trustees a healthy balance is important because funding changes or delays could force mid‑year adjustments.

Questions and follow‑up: Board members asked about assumptions in the forecast and the district’s vacancy‑savings approach; Castaneda reminded the board that vacancy savings reflect the district’s thousands of positions and unfilled roles. She also outlined the district’s plan to bring quarterly updates to the board during budget development.

Ending: Castaneda said the board will continue work through budget season and reiterated that many revenue and cost items remain unknown until legislative and bargaining outcomes are settled.","Superintendent Castaneda told the Salem‑Keizer School District board that the district’s quarter‑2 financial forecast shows a balanced budget and an estimated ending fund balance rising to about $99 million, but she warned that state legislative outcomes, licensed bargaining and federal funding uncertainty could change projections.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6335112,"Students and community groups urge Salem‑Keizer board to end district’s phone‑pouch program",0,3015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17&start=3015&end=3015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291640-396602debd226e1c0fdf18b8cfc4ac17/thumbnail_3015000.jpg","/articles/6335112/Oregon/Students-and-community-groups-urge-SalemKeizer-board-to-end-districts-phonepouch-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335112-905a8c662e5e05738ecf04d73aca1a92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139827&Signature=Wle5wggwCXu3Co-KLxzBvMjYYbZ8RwfqiTK8iSCEggH0LlFwYeFc-9Qe1bFBBkfOqG9FKWx-rJ7u33smPTjgCfMeQGywQcmKHvZ5O07E2ROFnlgD9-rBeH4Zv72YRL~yQagSV82AQ3Flr0Wi~b4-3-qaYc0Jk7JKoYXtOtwqtACUMac6rNV7Pw1OvTxW3uLSV-4bkEZ4SNhUQpE3QYg~xls9UYodKBJV4tMN8YjQuEHfpGz9OeLviXXZ-P3NViqmFS-dWPtqOpim3jB3k4Prcyt-nA3axCsXaj45jXDhMNlJVxBD63KVdeeem0Kmr3rXLQw-yc17vZ5kzFpBjSIvbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several students, parents and youth organizers used the board’s public‑comment period to demand that Salem‑Keizer School District end its “Yonder Pouches” phone‑locking program and redirect funds to student supports.

At the meeting, sixth‑grader Nicole Fernandez said the pouches cause anxiety and interrupt learning when students fear not being able to hear a last call from parents. “This has been causing me anxiety and stress, and this makes me not think about school anymore,” Fernandez said, adding, “I think that it's wasteful to spend a million dollars for something that doesn't work.”

Representatives of a youth‑led Latino organization told the board they launched a petition calling for the district to stop the program; the speaker said the petition collected “over 350 signatures” in one week and said students report suspensions, searches and missed class time related to pouch enforcement. Sandra Hernandez, speaking later, said the program “forces middle school and high school students to lock their phones” and called that requirement a “form of control and policing over students.” Hernandez noted the district recently passed a resolution committing to Oregon sanctuary status and called the pouch policy a contradiction to that commitment.

Other commenters described disciplinary practices tied to pouch enforcement — including searches and the threat of suspension — and asked the board to reinvest the student‑investment account funds used for the pouches into “rapid response and wellness programs” and language access. A student who identified himself as Alfonso said he was pulled from class and threatened with suspension for a suspected phone, and that the experience made him feel criminalized.

District staff did not announce a board action on the program during the meeting. Multiple public commenters urged immediate board review and removal of the pouch policy, citing mental‑health and safety concerns. One commenter also suggested district funds be repurposed to Duolingo and language support for students who need extra assistance.

Why it matters: Commenters said the pouch program limits students’ ability to communicate with family during emergencies and increases stress for immigrant students already concerned about enforcement actions. Speakers framed the issue both as a student‑discipline problem and a community‑trust and equity concern.

What the board heard and asked: Board members acknowledged the comments and thanked speakers; there was no formal vote or policy change during the session. Staff had earlier said written comments would be posted online and that translation services were available for in‑person and remote commenters.

What remains unresolved: Commenters asked for a clear timeline for the district to review or suspend the pouch program; the board did not set a date for action in the meeting record.

Ending: Public commenters urged the board to act quickly to protect immigrant students’ communication rights and to redirect program funds to wellness and translation services. The district’s public comment record will be posted on the district website, the board said.","Students, parents and youth organizers told the Salem‑Keizer School District board that the district’s “Yonder Pouches” phone‑locking program harms immigrant students, interrupts learning and risks student safety; speakers asked the board to halt the program and reinvest funds in wellness and translation supports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board renews Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School charter; trustees discuss capacity and transportation

Board appoints three community members to Salem‑Keizer budget committee amid procedural questions

Superintendent reports balanced budget in Q2; board warned of state, federal and bargaining uncertainties

Students and community groups urge Salem‑Keizer board to end district’s phone‑pouch program