Lake Oswego School District outlines bond projects and partnership concerns with Mercy Greenberg

In a recent meeting of the Lake Oswego School District 7J Board, key discussions centered around the expansion of learning spaces and updates on legislative changes impacting education. The board highlighted plans for new STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms across both high school campuses, as well as remodeling efforts for a new Community Transition Program building. These initiatives are funded through bond measures, which are closely monitored by a citizen-led accountability committee to ensure compliance and transparency.

The meeting also addressed recent legislative updates, including Executive Order 25-59 concerning personal electronic devices in schools, and Senate Bill 141, which aims to streamline educational reporting and accountability. This new bill will alter the frequency of performance reporting, requiring the district to report on specific educational outcomes three times a year instead of monthly. These outcomes will include attendance metrics for younger grades and proficiency in key subjects.

In a lighter moment, the board celebrated the start of the kindergarten transition program, welcoming the youngest learners to their first school experience. The program, designed to ease children into school life, has been met with enthusiasm, despite the warm weather affecting attendance.

The meeting also touched on the district's commitment to staff training, particularly the ProAct training program, which focuses on developing non-restraint strategies for managing student behavior. This training is mandatory for student services staff and has seen increased participation from general education staff as well.

Additionally, the board discussed a recent meeting with Mercy Greenberg regarding a tax exemption request. Concerns were raised about the partnership's effectiveness and the need for improved communication and commitment to academic support for students. The board expressed cautious optimism about the future of this collaboration, emphasizing the importance of accountability and clear expectations.

As the school year approaches, the Lake Oswego School District is poised for significant developments, with a focus on enhancing educational spaces and fostering strong community partnerships. The board's commitment to transparency and accountability remains a cornerstone of their efforts to provide quality education for all students.