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Board holds first hearing on JGEMS (Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School) charter renewal
Summary
The board opened the first of two hearings on renewal of the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School (JGEMS) charter. No decision was made; JGEMS leaders described the school’s project‑based curriculum, community partnerships and typical enrollment of 33 incoming sixth‑grade students (about 99 total students).
The Salem‑Keizer School District Board of Directors held a first hearing on the proposed renewal of the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School (JGEMS) charter. The hearing is informational; no board decision was taken at this meeting.
Director McElroy provided a high‑level overview of the charter renewal process, explaining that the first hearing notifies the board and public that a charter seeks renewal. A subsequent board meeting — at least 30 days later — will include the board’s formal renewal recommendation and decision; a fully executed charter agreement must be signed within 90 days if the board approves renewal.
JGEMS representatives described the school’s mission and program. Mike Weddle, JGEMS board chair and a founding teacher, and Doug Gunter, executive director, outlined 25 years of operation, the school’s project‑based environmental curriculum and partnerships with community organizations. Weddle described ongoing student projects with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, the City of Salem parks department, Oregon State University and other partners. Gunter said the school emphasizes science and technology and follows a field‑based curriculum that keeps students engaged.
JGEMS typically admits 33 students to its sixth‑grade cohort via lottery and serves roughly 99 students across sixth through eighth grades. School leaders said the applicant pool for sixth grade is typically between 100 and 130 applicants. The school operates on the school of the deaf campus near Maple Street; most long‑standing faculty remain engaged with the program alongside newer staff.
Board members asked about student‑to‑teacher ratios and demographics; JGEMS representatives said core classes have about 33 students and elective classes are smaller, and that exact demographic data would be provided with the school’s presentation at the next board meeting. The board closed the public hearing and will consider a renewal recommendation at the next scheduled meeting as required by charter renewal process timelines.
No vote was taken at the hearing; the district will return with a recommendation and a full charter agreement if renewal is recommended.
