North Wasco County School District 21 adopts superintendent and board goals for 2025–26

The North Wasco County School District 21 board on Tuesday adopted Superintendent Dr. Bernal’s 2025–26 goals and approved a separate set of board goals focused on governance, data use and accountability.

Dr. Bernal presented three superintendent goals, led by an effort to improve student attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism. “The first goal is focusing on improving student attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism,” Dr. Bernal said during the meeting. After a brief discussion, a board member moved to adopt Dr. Bernal’s goals “as written,” and the motion carried without recorded opposition.

Board members also discussed and adopted six board governance priorities developed during a recent retreat and work session facilitated by the Oregon School Boards Association. Those priorities include improving the board’s understanding of educational metrics, clarifying board and superintendent roles, establishing an operating agreement for student representatives, and strengthening school and systems engagement. A motion to adopt the board goals passed unanimously.

Board members asked staff for regular, baseline data on measures that will inform the goals, including attendance trends and on‑track metrics for grade‑level proficiency and graduation. Director Kelly and others requested trend lines and dashboard formats ahead of future work sessions so the board can track progress year over year.

The adopted goals are intended to align board oversight with district initiatives and to provide clearer expectations for reporting and evaluation. No implementation timeline beyond direction to staff for follow‑up reporting was specified during the meeting.