Phoenix-Talent SD 4 leaders report strong start to school year, enrollment uptick and program highlights
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Summary
Principals and district staff reported upbeat start-of-year activity across Phoenix-Talent SD 4, citing staff onboarding, student supports, an enrollment increase, Medicaid administrative claiming reimbursements and return of a fresh fruit and vegetable program.
District leaders and school principals told the Phoenix-Talent School District 4 board that the academic year began with strong staff engagement, events to welcome families, and several program updates that affect student services and revenue.
Principals from multiple schools described in-service professional development, family welcome events and new staff hires. Phoenix Elementary Principal Shauna Schlag said the start of the year “feels like we never left,” praising registration staff and kinder teachers for home visits and outreach. Kent Haller, principal at Porterdale Elementary, and other elementary leaders highlighted strong classroom teams and a notably low — but manageable — turnover in some buildings.
Superintendent Brent Veria reported the district’s enrollment is up compared with last fall, with a net increase of 33 students from last fall and nearly 80 students up from last spring. In his report Veria also said, “we received over $90,000 in reimbursement last year with Medicaid claiming,” and told the board the district is expanding participation this year to bring more funds back to support services.
Other items reported to the board - Early learning: District staff described the early learning center’s second year, returning staff and a small turnover; new hires were noted and an open house was held for families. - Special populations and professional development: Phoenix High School Principal Keelan Cross said, “we at PHS focused on our special populations,” citing training for case managers and staff to support federally protected groups. - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Amy Hans, food service director, told the board the FFVP will return to elementary schools beginning Sept. 22. - Yearbook recognition: District staff reported a yearbook program received a gold-level award for its cover and overall excellence. - Family engagement: Schools reported high attendance at evening family orientation events; one school reported roughly 83.5% attendance (300 of 360 students referenced in that example) at a Thursday-night welcome event.
The superintendent also noted regional transit route reductions (documented in a letter in the board packet) that could affect students who use interdistrict bus services and an update that a Southern Oregon Career Center CTE program start was postponed due to credit articulation issues with RCC.
Why it matters: the enrollment increase and Medicaid administrative claiming reimbursements affect district revenue and student services. Strong family engagement and successful in-service training can influence classroom supports and student outcomes.
Ending Board members thanked staff for the start-of-year work; several directors asked staff to continue improving language accessibility and interpretation services at events and meetings.