Superintendent Fritz outlines student-growth focus, facilities plan and Lifewise records request
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Fritz told the board he will present a staff briefing on student-growth strategies, pursue a five-year facilities master plan, and noted a public-records request for student directory information to Lifewise; he also said he sent a letter supporting data-center development to the Oregon City Council.
Superintendent Dr. Fritz used the board meeting on Aug. 12 to outline priorities for the 2025-26 school year, including a staff presentation on his student-success approach, a human-capital plan for hiring and retention, a five-year facilities master plan and advocacy at the state and federal level to protect district funding.
Fritz said the staff presentation the next morning would explain his approach to student growth and described focusing on growth over single-year achievement: "When we focus on that growth, we take them from point a to point b, and move them forward each and every year." He said the district aims to create a culture of safety and hope that supports both academic and personal development.
On operations and finance, Fritz welcomed "Tracy" to the team to work on operational and financial efficiency, including coding revenue and reviewing expenditures. He warned that pending state legislative actions could reduce property-tax revenue and stressed the need to tighten spending.
Fritz asked the board to develop a facilities master plan to identify five-year priorities (roofs, flooring, ceiling tiles, athletic facilities) rather than pursue new construction. He said state and private funding would be used to support at least part of projects such as the planned internal renovation of high-school engineering classrooms.
Fritz also discussed two items that touch on community concerns. He said he sent a letter to the Oregon City Council in support of a data-center development, arguing it would diversify the district's revenue streams and could provide long-term funding benefits. "It would add a large amount of money ... several years down the road," he said, while acknowledging some community opposition.
He reported a public-records request for student directory information (names and addresses for grades 1'4) that the district will provide as "directory information" under state law to Lifewise, a religious-instruction provider. Fritz emphasized that Lifewise "is not an Oregon City Schools program" and that parents must opt in for releases; he said Lifewise plans to offer programming to third graders during lunch and recess at three elementary schools and the district will communicate details with families.
Fritz closed by thanking custodial and operations staff for summer preparations and said staff are finalizing details for the school year. The board accepted his report; several routine agenda items followed.
Next steps: the superintendent will deliver the planned staff presentation and district staff will prepare parent communications about Lifewise and other third-party providers.
