Three Rivers board adopts K–5 Core Knowledge ELA, declares Fort Benoit emergency and approves $12 million integrated grant application

Three Rivers School District Board of Directors voted at its April meeting to adopt Core Knowledge Language Arts for kindergarten through fifth grade, declared an emergency to expedite repairs at Fort Benoit Elementary after March flooding, and approved the district's integrated grant application that allocates roughly $12 million over the next two years.

The board approved the ELA curriculum after a presentation by Jessica Durant, superintendent, who said the materials and vendor work are ready and that the district needs the purchase completed by the June 30 funding deadline. "Just requesting an approval for this purchase," Durant said during her presentation. Board discussion centered on review cycles and phonics: Durant said the Oregon Department of Education recommends curriculum review every seven years and that the adopted program follows phonics and the science of reading.

Nut graf: The combined votes move three major operational priorities forward: classroom materials for elementary literacy, emergency contracting authority to repair flood damage at Fort Benoit, and the district's submission of an integrated grant package that the superintendent said totals more than $12 million for 2025–27. The grants will fund literacy coaching and curriculum, high-school success and career-technical education (CTE), mental-health and nursing supports, activity transportation and elective teachers, among other items.

On the ELA adoption, Durant told the board the district's teacher-led committee selected Core Knowledge Language Arts following a public display period at the district office. She said teachers and specialists responded positively; the presenter said only one parent inspected the materials in person. Durant described the curriculum as phonics-based and aligned with Oregon standards. The board motion to adopt was made by Rich Halstead and seconded by Pat Kelly. One board member abstained, and the motion passed.

On the Fort Benoit matter, accounting manager Megan Beck presented a resolution (labeled Resolution O.5 in the meeting packet) to declare an emergency for flood repairs and to exempt the project from normal bid rules so the district could move quickly with contracts and repairs. Beck said the district is coordinating an insurance claim for immediate remediation (removal of damaged materials and sanitation) and is engaging architects to scope reconstruction; final reconstruction cost estimates were not yet available. Beck also said Josephine County has applied for FEMA assistance to help stabilize the creek/levee behind the school and that any larger earthwork may require county coordination and special permits because of stream and fish‑habitat protections. The board approved the emergency declaration and authorized designated staff to approve contracts during the emergency phase.

On the integrated grant application, Durant walked the board through the four grant streams that make up the integrated application required by the Oregon Department of Education: Early Literacy; High School Success; the Student Investment Account; and the Early Indicator and Intervention System. She said the district's proposed allocation emphasizes literacy coaching and training, CTE teachers and programs, graduation and transition coaches, mental‑health staff and school nurses, reduced barriers to participation (transportation and activity costs), and elective teachers at middle and elementary levels. Durant said the district had undertaken required community engagement (student panels, staff listening sessions, family nights and consultation with area tribes) and that Woodland Charter and other charters would file parallel documents. The board voted to approve the district's integrated grant application and permit submission to the Oregon Department of Education.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: motion passed (vote announced in the room); routine consent items approved. - Curriculum adoption — Core Knowledge Language Arts (K–5): motion by Rich Halstead; seconded by Pat Kelly; outcome: approved (one abstention recorded during the meeting). - Fort Benoit emergency declaration and Resolution O.5 (exemption from bid requirements; staff authorization for emergency contracting): motion passed; outcome: approved. - Integrated grant application (2025–27): motion passed; outcome: approved. - Teacher Appreciation Week resolution (May 2025): motion passed; outcome: approved. - Budget committee appointment (Zone 1) — Shannon Halberg: motion passed; outcome: approved.

Context and next steps: Durant said curriculum materials must be purchased before the June 30 funding deadline; she said insurance will cover immediate remediation at Fort Benoit and that reconstruction cost and deductible amounts remain to be determined after architects finalize scope. The integrated grant application will be posted publicly after submission, including the narrative responses and a draft budget.

Ending: Board members and staff said they will continue public updates as procurement, repair and grant activities move forward and as more detailed cost information becomes available.