Board reviews OSBA-recommended policy revisions tied to HB 2453 and SB 1098 and debates curriculum protections

The board considered first readings of several OSBA-recommended policy revisions. Superintendent Dr. Shealy said OSBA updated policy DCF in response to House Bill 2453 and that the district created a new policy CEA to outline the Culture of Belonging Committee’s responsibilities. A presenter summarized proposed DBEA revisions driven by the same bill and noted added legal references; draft IF (district curriculum) revisions were presented as complying with Senate Bill 1098 and explicitly support nondiscrimination practices.

Board members raised substantive questions. One director asked whether the former requirement for an equity-committee representative on the budget committee remains in local policy and urged intentionally preserving equity representation even if the state no longer mandates it. Another director asked for a clear definition of "reliable data" referenced in the draft; Dr. Shealy pointed to statutory references (ORS 337260) and said curriculum and standards are governed by the state. One director expressed concern about districts potentially "holding hostage federal dollars" and asked whether the board would be willing to refuse federal funds to maintain local curricular control; Dr. Shealy said the district receives relatively little federal funding and would bring any such situation back to the board for decision.

The board discussed leaving OSBA-recommended language intact for first reading and deciding whether to pass the revisions tonight or move them to consent next meeting for final action. No policy was adopted at this meeting; these items were presented as first readings with opportunity for edits and further review.