North Clackamas staff recommend renewal for two charter schools; public hearings close with no public comment

Superintendent Dr. Shay James on Thursday recommended that the North Clackamas School District continue sponsoring Clackamas Middle College and Clackamas Web Academy and said staff reviews found both schools operating “substantially in accordance with applicable state and federal law.”

The recommendation closed phase one of the district’s two-step charter renewal process: a program review and public hearing. Tiffany Shireman, the district’s chief of staff, told the board the reviews included site visits, classroom observations, interviews with students, parents and staff, and financial and assessment data checks. "Based on that information CMC and CWA are operating substantially in accordance with applicable state and federal law," Shireman said.

Clackamas Middle College (CMC) and Clackamas Web Academy (CWA) presented summaries of their programs, student supports and recent outcomes. CMC administrators described a three-stage model that moves students from a college-prep seminar to a pathways program and then to an extended college option, with college credits and transfer degrees earned while students remain enrolled at CMC. CWA’s presentation emphasized blended, K–12 services that combine online curriculum, daily synchronous instruction and on-site offerings; CWA said every student is assigned an adviser who meets regularly with the family.

Both schools described supports for college access and student wellbeing, including counseling teams, partnership college courses and on-site social-emotional supports. CMC said it has upgraded campus security and HVAC systems after purchasing its building; CWA highlighted growth in its four‑year graduation rate and rising PSAT and state assessment results.

The board opened separate public hearings for each renewal, as required by ORS 338.065. No members of the public had signed up to speak and both hearings were closed with no public comment. The district will return the renewal requests to the board for formal action at the Feb. 13 meeting, when the board will vote whether to continue sponsorship and, if it approves, begin contract negotiations for the next term.

The presentations and hearing closed without formal motions or votes tonight; staff described the superintendent’s recommendation and the review packet included the district’s oversight findings, program data and financial summaries.

Board members asked questions about college-credit accumulation and student advising. Board Vice Chair Gina Benaloga asked whether advisers are school counselors; CWA officials said advisers complement counseling and serve as a primary family contact, helping families navigate curriculum, technology and supports. Board members asked both schools about capacity and transportation; CMC said it had secured shuttle options with Clackamas Community College and CWA said it had a modest wait list and gives enrollment priority to North Clackamas students.

Next steps: the board will take formal action on each renewal at its Feb. 13 meeting. If the board approves continued sponsorship, district staff said it will move to negotiations on contract length and specific contract terms.