[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",6707760,"mediaKeyId","5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875","parentId",5420588,"title","St. Helens School Board approves agenda changes, property purchase authority and other motions; multiple items passed by voice vote","audioSeconds",5165,"startMs",61000,"endMs",5226000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875&start=61&end=5226","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875/thumbnail_61000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6707760/Oregon/St-Helens-School-Board-approves-agenda-changes-property-purchase-authority-and-other-motions-multiple-items-passed-by-voice-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6707760-18a2152395006788e0b995bbb8bb5fd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776065595&Signature=j1RsxFVcEFccjX6bbd9NBN097-lhnsB~yBYQ8vYthsm2AS38b~AxDzb8dpVyCxJoYqDvxeIfsbBYr6AsrCgSgRTJyNUnb5YTYqwjLaMtRutKztHBcN553skSVVa~R2rBXdkUuOH43xWQqzKp~7dquimolA-lcB3dozX2vKhkZvOZFMcSKhl6~sW1ahIyxyhGxqSqvyQStr3GA-UY0cnP4ZRdxfHW7w2OFBOsv0HP3CdatCu0NrJ7MHuZ1~4CxgV2SOxWUQ1bdPWSJnO2Kqz0R3oAYvZXygc-4U6Io1AT~KKnlu7du4EfXG4vb~tCsDmoWiJ9Ivg298vqQ1YOM3AWOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Helens School District OR","date","2025-07-17T09:10:23.11Z","article","The St. Helens School District 502 Board of Directors on a regularly scheduled meeting approved a set of procedural and substantive actions by voice vote, including amendments to the meeting agenda, a motion to remove one consent-agenda contract for separate review, authorization to pursue property purchases related to the district's renovation and remodeling (R&R) program, adoption of construction excise tax rates for 2025'26, and a district determination not to pursue a state'recommended green-energy-technology installation for current bond projects.

Board members opened the meeting by administering oaths to newly seated directors and the student representative, and then handled officer elections and agenda business before moving to action items. The board voted to approve the meeting agenda as presented, after a motion to amend to add roll-call voting and a student representative installation.

On the consent agenda the board approved routine items but removed one personnel-services contract (identified in the packet as item 6.3) for separate review. The board then voted to approve the remainder of the consent agenda and separately made a motion to direct the superintendent to review and attempt to renegotiate or cancel the removed contract, citing the district's budget shortfall.

The board then approved by voice vote a resolution authorizing district staff to pursue purchases of properties related to the R&R program up to the dollar amount shown in the board packet. During discussion trustees debated whether the cap should be raised from $200,000 to $300,000 and whether a public-sewer requirement should remain in the resolution.

Directors also approved a construction-excise-tax resolution establishing rates for the 2025'26 year as provided by county/state schedules, and they approved a staff recommendation to decline to implement a green-energy-technology installation (photovoltaics or similar) for the current bond work on the basis that projected payback was 25'32 years and other bond priorities (paving and targeted HVAC/air-conditioning work) were more urgent.

In executive-session follow-up, the board voted to accept an appeal request and delegated authority to the board chair to assign an investigator. The board also moved to unseal an independent investigative report for review by the current board only; that motion passed after an amendment and voice vote.

Most votes were taken by general voice vote (\"all in favor say aye\"). The meeting record shows unanimous or near-unanimous voice votes where roll-call tallies were not read into the record.

Ending: The board scheduled a retreat for Aug. 24, 2025, and confirmed upcoming meeting dates; the meeting adjourned after routine closing announcements.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Helens School Board Organizational Meeting July 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The St. Helens School District 502 Board of Directors on Wednesday approved a package of procedural and policy measures by voice vote, including removing one consent-agenda contract for separate review, authorizing staff to pursue property acquisitions for the district's renovation and remodeling program, adopting construction excise-tax rates for 2025'26 and opting not to install state-listed green-energy technology on current bond-funded projects.","taxTitle","St Helens SD 502, School Districts, Oregon","taxId",38736,"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},6707748,"Board removes mentoring contract from consent agenda amid budget shortfall; former acting principal urges reinstatement",4972,5264000,10236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875&start=5264&end=10236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875/thumbnail_5264000.jpg","/articles/6707748/Oregon/Board-removes-mentoring-contract-from-consent-agenda-amid-budget-shortfall-former-acting-principal-urges-reinstatement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6707748-19c00e507dc52390579240ac1689355c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776065595&Signature=P3ayk-F6pJ4T0DI~QEbb~0d7A6tkTn0kINpoliBn7z1ha5UByXrHPAvbDkeN5Vdj6Wzd1UqsUSsL1Lv8NIYWrA3ddcN3H6qxf3CTF0VXDyp1nDwFDhRscojRBCAmApsDFf~Mo8vAoSHoTnBlBQBFgZM-q6a0B0jCUymUxP0ajVpy5DSah7MLNOd73tSdi3FQqqyefs2qnAiI4V71nZqzU5u8tdRiIb-9kS1jrcBlNhcUrV1ZmVY5qmomMYSmMksKvSe2QAW28SpT5ThGLneXM0KecdY3NDpMIfvpuDnp6EA2Y9gn05u8zflZeHrm~GKF2x-zkPhSHuUzOB8JKkEJuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Helens School District board voted to remove a personnel-services contract listed as item 6.3 from the consent agenda and directed the superintendent to review whether the agreed services could be renegotiated at a significantly reduced cost or cancelled, citing the district's ongoing budget shortfall.

A board member moved to exclude the listed personnel-services contracts from the consent agenda and ask the superintendent to determine whether they could be renegotiated or canceled because those contracts were not included in the adopted budget. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the remainder of the consent agenda passed.

During public comment, Dr. Charlotte Ellis, the district's former acting high-school principal, addressed the board and asked trustees to reconsider removing the mentoring/support contracts from the consent agenda. Ellis said the contracts had been executed and signed by the superintendent and were intended to provide mentoring and continuity for the high school during a leadership transition. She said the funding for the contracts came from Student Investment Account (SIA) funds, not the general fund, and that the contracts were important to maintain progress at the high school and support the newly installed principal. Ellis asked the board to allow the contracted work to continue to avoid disrupting student supports.

Board members acknowledged the concern and said they were not opposed to mentoring in principle but cited the need to align spending with the adopted budget and district priorities.

Ending: The board approved the consent agenda as modified (6.3 removed) and asked the superintendent to report back on renegotiation possibilities before any payment commitments were finalized.

","The St. Helens School District board removed a personnel-services mentoring contract (item 6.3) from its consent agenda and instructed the superintendent to review whether the signed contract could be renegotiated or canceled because it was not contained in the adopted budget.",{"_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},6707753,"Board votes to forgo green-energy-technology installation for current bond projects, citing long payback",321,8925000,9246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875&start=8925&end=9246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875/thumbnail_8925000.jpg","/articles/6707753/Oregon/Board-votes-to-forgo-green-energy-technology-installation-for-current-bond-projects-citing-long-payback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6707753-140dd414d7638b910170708b6b9b9e7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776065595&Signature=kWRRkaFYcjSaz4WsZSr3p7D1wTbmyf8AXY~7di65CbeE17uuVGsPr33LD6FvshTNJBIIujlSpabyjxipjqdaUvMfgkQBE~Vbvd4r0~7dc6hkHt3TBCM5nx-j-iVsJJJooSX9WWe6NkI5snH0unXjDMTLszOhIgDHvwrtshukcwXLe7X1RrXrwxSBa5NYZLfGAe5xnhk6Pp7ThELb5qRpudDMFKdzNPOYNAYGAQs0Eci32OKzu2xKN16m9U8qeXsNKuJt9oavsCNGWovQPtTQo5LzWGTbQP6W6o9oWly27HxE7VevLNkjhctgQExPqLOGdQfft5q0LqrgvReEIRa6Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Helens School District facilities staff asked the board to document the district's consideration of state-required green-energy technology for current bond projects and to approve a finding that the district will not implement such systems at this time. The board granted the request by voice vote.

Director of Facilities Derek told trustees that the Oregon Department of Energy contacted the district seeking confirmation the district had considered the requirement. Facilities presented payback estimates for photovoltaic systems of roughly 25'32 years and noted that the bonded projects already include energy-efficiency measures (LED lighting, efficient boilers, VFDs on air handlers, and efficient pump water heaters) that do not qualify as the state'defined green-energy-technology alternatives. The presenter said the district had originally set aside about $200,000 for green-energy work but later reallocated those funds elsewhere in the bond budget; staff now plan to use available bond funds on paving and targeted air-conditioning improvements.

Trustees asked several clarification questions, including whether there were statutory fines for declining the state-listed technology. Facilities said staff did not believe there were immediate penalties, but they would file the state'required online documentation describing the district's consideration and decision. Trustees also discussed whether roofing or other deferred maintenance might alternatively be considered; staff noted bond promises and the bond oversight group's priorities included paving and certain roof items as well.

Ending: The board approved staff'recommended finding and directed facilities staff to complete the state documentation form and return evidence of that filing to the board record.

","The board approved staff'recommended documentation that the district will not install state-listed green-energy technologies (e.g., photovoltaic systems) for current bond-funded projects after staff presented a 25'32-year payback estimate and proposed alternative uses for the funds.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6707755,"Board authorizes R&R property purchases after debate over purchase cap, sewer requirement and fund accounting",1600,6475000,8075000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875&start=6475&end=8075","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5420588-68b1ebf67eae468f5f265e5a936d9875/thumbnail_6475000.jpg","/articles/6707755/Oregon/Board-authorizes-RR-property-purchases-after-debate-over-purchase-cap-sewer-requirement-and-fund-accounting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6707755-1df0f5512e3bd341bd732dc15c289d55/orig.mp4?Expires=1776065595&Signature=nhs-kU4X3LlD3uq~gyLlL2RzV7edk0F~PtbGiBUZkleAyRQ5hB8p44lOdhygc8oECyWUnz3cUer3EDPCtlE80lVVjhcN1fD26qOGPc7B~F83M349LIWu4H1xwKXu3dYyMmukoc~NfykTEoiL~vgG~ot-6Dxc67De0dHhEvHJsRu1hJ3M~nCMmiS96NeMyqu5WkAgJgBE-ki91focGIlH8S5PhfAApo8ymw~j1XvaVsMPYUQD5VPB5DaZ8md--UdW~Q6WSIA9m8DEC3FUb5jhV116Q1302iSr7j9dYfwOUxtNrW05rwlLsOjTTIsVMnHWA7hXY78Jxj9kAi-iGZSR0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Helens School District 502 Board of Directors voted to authorize district staff to pursue property acquisitions under the district's Renovation & Remodeling (R&R) program, but trustees asked for additional information on account balances, appraisal and sale accounting before final offers are accepted.

Board discussion focused on three issues: the maximum purchase amount that staff may commit to without further board approval, whether the district should require public sewer connections for purchased properties (versus allowing septic systems that would later require work), and the current cash position of the R&R fund.

Facilities staff and R&R program leaders told the board that the R&R program has a track record of buying and renovating homes for hands-on student instruction and later selling them, using net proceeds to support the program. Board members cited recent sales figures: one house purchased near $142,000 and later sold for about $479,000, and an earlier property purchased for about $85,000 and sold for substantially more. The presenter said those proceeds have funded equipment, the program bus, tools and teacher support.

At the same time, staff reported that the R&R account was roughly $13,000 in the red pending the most recent sale closing. Trustees urged the superintendent and business office to prepare a clear accounting of R&R inflows and expenditures, including any interfund borrowing or short-term bridge loans, before the district finalizes new purchases. Several trustees said they were comfortable authorizing purchases up to the packet's current cap (as presented to the board) but asked staff to return with a revised resolution or an emergency meeting if higher offers would be required.

On project criteria trustees discussed removing the requirement for public sewer in the resolution because the Johnson property under consideration currently sits on a septic system; staff said that could be addressed by later connecting to sewer when feasible and that parceling the property and selling a small house portion to the R&R program might be an option. Trustees emphasized the district must obtain appraisals and ensure the district receives fair value if property is sold or subdivided.

Ending: The board passed the resolution authorizing R&R property purchases under the existing resolution text and directed staff to return with detailed R&R accounting and any proposed amendments to purchase criteria before any binding purchase agreements are executed.

","Trustees approved a resolution authorizing property purchases tied to the district's Renovation & Remodeling (R&R) program, while members debated raising the purchase cap from $200,000 to $300,000, whether to require public sewer or allow septic, and the program's current fund balance and accounting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

St. Helens School Board approves agenda changes, property purchase authority and other motions; multiple items passed by voice vote

Board removes mentoring contract from consent agenda amid budget shortfall; former acting principal urges reinstatement

Board votes to forgo green-energy-technology installation for current bond projects, citing long payback

Board authorizes R&R property purchases after debate over purchase cap, sewer requirement and fund accounting