[{"_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",6479284,"mediaKeyId","5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22","parentId",5701691,"title","Ontario SD 8C board appoints chair and vice chair, approves athletics handbook and multiple resolutions and policies","audioSeconds",310,"startMs",4451000,"endMs",4761000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22&start=4451&end=4761","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22/thumbnail_4451000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479284/Oregon/Ontario-SD-8C-board-appoints-chair-and-vice-chair-approves-athletics-handbook-and-multiple-resolutions-and-policies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479284-1c0f711101bae58db1065abf6f9bf941/orig.mp4?Expires=1773572903&Signature=ncaWqEFc5vn-qyXVefGc0qrZ~8LZPUucLZ-7yB2w1NCNu6Z-U26q0noOQKZ-PnLvt94c~vgCEEcW9kHg-svOkIEtzp~RzEw1Bqd5YeDee9IoSFEQMUSky3E~0Fj2nqlwSuXOXEeP2NBaZc8C0L1WJKq56CUE9xJaAo3yQKTt8sngPKParYejQRRjIhkv0NDBrgnYypcvamcqUuzBz6joeYB~s~8he6g91DMDm~lc3n~VcVKW7kiZzTe2KHPMbzrP97PL8AAIdNe7zg1kgq-m-eZGiaczHMMnMKeMVWZWVOU~4SDgY1fZyRjadVoOFoOYkw0bmi~tgOfJ2junGMESoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author"," Ontario School District 8C","date","2025-08-29T16:07:18Z","article","At its regular meeting, the Ontario School District 8C Board of Directors conducted several formal actions: it appointed board leadership, approved the Ontario High School athletics activities handbook and approved a package of resolutions and policy updates.

Board leadership appointments and approvals were completed by voice votes.

What the board voted on and outcomes

- Chair appointment: A motion to appoint Brett Upmore as board chair was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Vice chair appointment: The board moved to appoint Abby Apodaca as vice chair; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda (minutes, personnel and bills) by voice vote.

- English-language-learners report removal: Early in the meeting the board voted to strike the English learners annual report from the agenda; a motion to remove the item was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Athletics handbook: The board approved the 2025–26 Ontario High School Athletics Activities Handbook after brief discussion of attendance/eligibility for virtual students and an additional athletics-season restriction recommended by staff; motion was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members were told the handbook change was a district recommendation to address recurring athlete scheduling and eligibility issues.

- Resolutions and policies: The board approved multiple resolutions (including designations of administrative officers and a group of consent resolutions numbered in the 25-00x series) and adopted board policy updates (policies 17 through 20) in consolidated votes. Motions were made, seconded and each voice vote was recorded as \"aye.\"

Votes and records

Most votes in the meeting were taken by voice with the chair asking \"All in favor, say aye.\" The transcript records motions made, seconds and that votes passed; there were no roll-call tallies or named nay votes recorded in the transcript. The board used standard voice votes for routine business and consolidated several consent items and policy approvals into grouped motions.

Nut graf: what this means

The appointments set board leadership for the coming year. Approval of the athletics handbook and policy updates signals the board’s acceptance of recommended eligibility and operational rules for the school year; consolidating resolutions and policy adoptions into grouped votes is a common practice for routine items.

What the record shows was not decided

No contested or split recorded votes were reported in the transcript; the meeting did not show any formal motion failures or recorded dissents. Specific roll-call tallies were not recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt provided.

Next steps

Administrators will finalize handbook distributions and update public records for the board appointments and adopted policies. Staff indicated that the board will receive continued reports on program implementation and any state data required for future decisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","August 26th School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board elected Brett Upmore as chair and Abby Apodaca as vice chair, approved the OHS athletics activities handbook and passed a set of resolutions and policy updates; motions were voice-voted and recorded as approved.","taxTitle","Ontario SD 8C, School Districts, Oregon","taxId",46629,"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},6479288,"District communications team details new materials, ParentSquare rollout and emergency messaging tools",510,3974000,4484000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22&start=3974&end=4484","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22/thumbnail_3974000.jpg","/articles/6479288/Oregon/District-communications-team-details-new-materials-ParentSquare-rollout-and-emergency-messaging-tools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479288-b38727a632909533da22ae29566cd3cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1773572903&Signature=NdA3-5QgZNm5Kbq6H9RtM215VIAzTKBX9CCYTlSzEHaGr0jaHLsKOvjzTf1Ci0l8UleHYpyHPOQNX1iWO9CW3gWrB1hVaz44hzYeaHojO3in6OqG5gj5PcyEa87Qz-604Ndwfqk5G-Sw24WDJvqoj6FWm0HJfR3XdDN5i77XV2lCdFfROUM48e2DkC270SL~BmGZyRdebG3L9U0WqIpg704s18w4sGImlwGlSCgHLXTgfbJz0TCLBDhZWUt875RYLBBh3t66xkHhmfszgCCCohg5fKe1blewT48NMJWvR3gfxJFNqSfw1hem740Hm406mIA~WfEV4BsR9t4KUxkKpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ontario School District 8C communications staff reviewed the district profile and new messaging tools the board will use this year, including a broad rollout of ParentSquare for family communications and Catapult EMS for staff emergency alerts.

Communications director Taryn outlined the district's approach to transparency, timing and channels.

Why it matters

The district emphasized clarity, accessibility and translation: ParentSquare can translate messages into families’ preferred languages, and Taryn said the district has imported roughly 95% of staff and students into the new system. Catapult EMS is used for rapid staff alerts for emergency responses. The communications plan affects how families receive calendars, newsletters and safety notifications.

Key points presented

- District profile and comms commitments: Staff displayed a refreshed district profile (planned as a public landing page and printed packet) and listed communications commitments — clarity, transparency, accessibility, collaboration and consistency — intended to guide outreach.

- ParentSquare rollout: The district replaced Remind with ParentSquare following the vendor acquisition; staff said it centralizes messages in a single feed, allows administrators to set preferred language translations, and gives district staff back-end control (for example, staff can adjust a parent’s notification settings). Taryn reported the district had rolled in about 95% of staff and students at the time of the meeting.

- Emergency messaging (Catapult EMS): Catapult EMS is the district’s staff emergency notification platform; staff said it is reserved for catastrophic events and that it has been used successfully in prior evacuations.

- Analytics and audience strategy: Taryn described monitoring engagement metrics (click rates, best send times) and using multiple channels (website, ParentSquare, Facebook) to reach families with different preferences.

Quotes and context

Taryn said ParentSquare \"automatically translates\" messages into families’ preferred languages and noted the district can change notification settings on the back end to assist families who need help receiving texts or emails. The board discussed that Catapult EMS enables quick staff alerts but sometimes situations deescalate before parent notifications are required.

What was not decided

No board action was required; the presentation was informational. Staff will publish the district profile, continue ParentSquare training and monitor implementation quirks.

Next steps

Staff will post the district profile on the website, print copies for community distribution, continue fine-tuning ParentSquare settings and evaluate engagement metrics to refine delivery timing and content.","Communications director presented a refreshed district profile, plans to publish materials, analytics-driven posting cadence and the district's rollout of ParentSquare and Catapult EMS for emergency and family communications.",{"_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},6479293,"Board hears Integrated Guidance report; district spent full allocation and won new comprehensive literacy grant",692,186000,878000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22&start=186&end=878","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22/thumbnail_186000.jpg","/articles/6479293/Oregon/Board-hears-Integrated-Guidance-report-district-spent-full-allocation-and-won-new-comprehensive-literacy-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479293-a76a17095999b668b4f05252c034b0c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773572903&Signature=C05JWCx9Wza5ZLVLrIB6xjfFACV2xMLBuYuuDKYCORkMXOSzNgIkTXUwIcUU8nbz05ZnIWsGwxp4-yxPssDN~KvD-TF-Z6SBnqy5gdRtUGaBwAY6GeYKMDsWcqK8qERsr9ODbPP9UqgIGPazV1TWOyo1Mjea4M97XWVsKWeVhJbDujmORdUHzj-plYAwXeLzSFkOfCRFaZRV3x2W0vG63nHDUbnIL2Za8x4wsiDl4K5SWusQObn4-cf8QJTgdTT96RmCr-P36ESg8Em81gUrQu-9hn5qv-9yMI1sAnOj7-Bb5r~YTEqsgqcvMhuve-FGW-ZO3wJViRgAPtl0ke0xog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff on Tuesday presented the board with the twice-yearly Integrated Guidance report that summarizes state-directed bundles of grants used for early intervention, high school success, student investment accounts and early literacy.

The report summarised program goals, use of funds and recent grant awards.

Why it matters

Integrated Guidance groups multiple state grants that support instructional interventions, graduation efforts, CTE and dual-credit opportunities. Board members were told the funding helps the district cover dual-credit tuition and CTE certification costs and supports interventions in K–3 through updated curricula and evidence-based materials.

What staff reported

- Program goals: Staff described district goals including increasing access to college and CTE exposure for historically underserved students, raising the graduation rate (the board’s stated target was 93 percent) and expanding mental-health and restorative-practice supports. Jody (district staff member) summarized the goals and said the district pays dual-credit tuition and CTE certification costs for students. Ken (district staff member) added that college partners include Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), Oregon Tech, Eastern Oregon and Central Oregon Community College for culinary instruction.

- Early-literacy funding and curriculum: District staff said the EarlyLit funds (a narrowly prescribed K–3 literacy allocation) arrived late last year and were used to purchase updated intervention curricula for K–3. Staff also said the district was recently awarded a separate comprehensive literacy grant covering pre-K–12, which could broaden literacy work across grade levels. Christie Swan (literacy programs coordinator) was identified as overseeing the district’s literacy programs and instructional coaches.

- Spending and accountability: Staff reported that the district spent its $24,250 allocation for the integrated guidance bundle and said \"we spend every penny\" of that allocation; EarlyLit has more prescriptive allowable uses so less flexibility exists in reallocating those funds. Staff said the district conducts frequent progress monitoring and interim assessments and that state-level reporting requirements may evolve.

- Graduation and supports: To help increase graduation rates, staff cited rigorous attendance systems, restorative-practice training for staff, Link Crew for ninth-grade transition, community-building circles in classrooms, accountability projects K–12 and structured supports (\"structured day\") for students returning from suspension. Jose (counseling supervisor) coordinates counseling supervision and some interventions.

Staff cautioned that some state data remain embargoed and that final graduation-rate calculations will rely on state-released figures. The board did not take action on the Integrated Guidance report; the presentation was informational.

Quotes

Jody said the district \"paid, I think, 40 or $50,000 last year just in tuition for kids\" for college credits; staff framed the expenditures as investments in student access to dual credit and CTE. Christie Swan was identified in the packet as overseeing literacy work and instructional coaches.

What was not decided

The board did not vote on reallocations or policy changes tied to Integrated Guidance at the meeting. Staff noted that some grant amounts for the coming year are not yet finalized and that the district may need to reimagine programs if future grant awards change.

Next steps

Staff will continue semiannual reporting to the board, monitor interim assessment requirements from the state and report back when embargoed state data become available.","District staff summarized how integrated guidance funds were used for early intervention, high school success, CTE supports and early literacy; staff reported spending allocations and winning a new comprehensive literacy grant covering pre-K–12.",{"_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},6479298,"Ontario SD 8C outlines EdFlex virtual-school plan; Sept. 22 start targeted for district program",798,948000,1746000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22&start=948&end=1746","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701691-582b2480e880c5e2b0a9143833c99a22/thumbnail_948000.jpg","/articles/6479298/Oregon/Ontario-SD-8C-outlines-EdFlex-virtual-school-plan-Sept-22-start-targeted-for-district-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479298-aeaa9b37aa32f918d7242fc6c4d52736/orig.mp4?Expires=1773572903&Signature=SrHbZ1ImPN1P76jmlp~eBhA8~LC-8kwc0eqI1q7Mijwqvpmgn8FRfdwIvUhyQ747dlGgJ23Rb0oKOYv~TSn-U6q1hz0w5tXTCIK9Gwwd7Rp5Kkde8hF6fVnhGWnYn9ZsvWwoHNAQvNhEwALScDhHj~qTmq7tkkIv6LY4zYh7FTJfYyNX22sfgzoR0NhEMCZIvKr6eRjw-enmswv3kGocJUewaCp~YNzfToEk5dG8L7jPM1tS3HQfVvfrj7mNcleVKihlTQpKIV8n5BcAcWbdN~ekZskpGnaanh4JVu9JAC5ZwuQpzf9vJoEZCWjE3Baa4yohyuR2FPlLjueKO2ujCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ontario School District 8C staff on Tuesday laid out plans for a new virtual learning option that would be offered in two formats: EdFlex Ontario, a district-level program for students who remain enrolled as Ontario Tigers, and EdFlex Oregon, a separate school with its own state ID that would allow the district to enroll students from elsewhere in Oregon.

District staff described the EdFlex model, target start dates and costs.

The district presentation, led by Jody (district staff member), said EdFlex Ontario is already accepting enrollments and would follow the district calendar; district staff are aiming for a Sept. 22 start for students who enroll in that program. EdFlex Oregon requires an application to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and would carry a separate school ID and testing/attendance reporting distinct from students’ home brick-and-mortar schools.

Why it matters

Superintendent and other administrators told the board the virtual options are intended both to retain local families who might otherwise enroll elsewhere and to expand course access (dual-credit and hard-to-staff subjects) for Ontario students. Staff said the approach is intended to allow brick-and-mortar students to take single virtual classes, protect students’ eligibility for athletics and extracurriculars if they enroll in EdFlex Ontario, and create another revenue/enrollment path for the district.

Key details presented

- Phases: Staff described three loose phases: (1) retain district students who would otherwise leave; (2) offer single-course options to brick-and-mortar students (including CTE classes where state certification allows); (3) expand both EdFlex Ontario and EdFlex Oregon if demand grows and consider separate space or satellite locations. Jody said, \"phase 1 is really about keeping students.\"

- Start date and calendar: EdFlex Ontario would start Sept. 22 and follow the district calendar; staff said the vendor will adjust first-trimester pacing to avoid learning loss for late starters.

- Start-up costs and enrollment: Staff reported initial equipment and licensing would cost between $25,000 and $29,000 (primarily Chromebooks and platform licenses). They said the break-even point for the initial purchase was approximately three newly enrolled students and that current enrollment already exceeded that threshold.

- Course model and instruction: The vendor-backed platform will mix recorded and synchronous elements. Staff said core subjects would include a daily live session (recorded for later viewing); students are encouraged but not strictly required to attend synchronously. District testing coordinator Erin O'Hara Rines (testing coordinator) confirmed three testing options for state assessments: on-campus, virtual (platform-dependent), or remote proctored sites. Staff cautioned that some virtual families decline state testing and that in-program progress monitoring will also be used to track learning.

- Participation, supports and special programs: The board was told that students enrolled in EdFlex Ontario will retain eligibility for Ontario extracurriculars and athletics if they meet OSAA rules and district eligibility requirements. Staff described how the district is working with special education, homeless-student supports and other student services to ensure legally required supports are provided to virtual students.

- Staffing and operations: Staff said higher enrollment will require additional positions (attendance and transfer paperwork becomes substantial at scale); a district with roughly 350 virtual students hired a dedicated attendance/paperwork staffer as an example. The district expects to absorb early enrollments within existing staff but anticipates hiring as the program grows.

- Market and recruitment: Staff discussed outreach and marketing plans, competition from other statewide virtual providers, and the need for a \"sales pitch\" that clarifies what makes Ontario's program different. They noted high mobility (students frequently enrolling and leaving) is common in virtual schools and plan for that in operations.

Quotes from staff

Jody, describing the rationale, said: \"The short answer is because that's the way things are going nationwide. People want this option, and if we don't provide it, they're gonna go somewhere else and get it.\" Erin O'Hara Rines said of testing, \"We have three options. The students can do it on campus, they can do it virtually ... and it can also happen in, like, a proctor situation from long distance.\"

What was not decided

Board members did not take a formal vote to create EdFlex Oregon at the meeting; staff said they will submit the application to ODE after the meeting minutes are posted and will continue to report to the board as the program develops. Specific staffing hires and a long-term facility plan were described as contingent on future enrollment milestones.

Next steps

The district will continue EdFlex Ontario enrollments, submit the EdFlex Oregon application to ODE, finalize marketing materials and refine operational plans (testing, special-education supports, attendance monitoring). Staff said they will return with updates and metrics as the program grows.","District staff described two virtual options — EdFlex Ontario (district program) and EdFlex Oregon (separate school ID) — detailed phasing, start-up costs of $25,000–$29,000, testing and participation rules, and a Sept. 22 start date for the district program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ontario SD 8C board appoints chair and vice chair, approves athletics handbook and multiple resolutions and policies

District communications team details new materials, ParentSquare rollout and emergency messaging tools

Board hears Integrated Guidance report; district spent full allocation and won new comprehensive literacy grant

Ontario SD 8C outlines EdFlex virtual-school plan; Sept. 22 start targeted for district program