Hillsboro board hears update on summer programs, federal Title funds risk and ODE guidance; introduces new IT officer
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Summary
Board members reported visits to summer programs serving about 400 students, heard that potential non-disbursement of federal Title funds could mean roughly $1.7 million in cuts to the district, were briefed on Oregon Department of Education sample guidance on student cell-phone policy, and met new IT officer Derek Brown.
During the discussion portion of the work session, board member Charles offered several updates on programming, state guidance and staffing.
Charles said he visited the district's extended school year program at Indian Hills Elementary and a bilingual enrichment program at Lincoln Street Elementary, reporting roughly 400 students enrolled in the Lincoln Street program. "There were 400 students at Lincoln Street just learning math and feeling comfortable in an air conditioned school," he said, thanking taxpayers for bond-funded cooling in buildings.
Charles also outlined uncertainty about federal Title program funding reaching states and districts and gave a potential impact estimate: "The impact to HSD were the money to not be dispersed would be in the area of $1,700,000 in federal programs cuts," he said. He said district staff were coordinating with the Oregon Department of Education and that a resolution could come through court action or by federal disbursement; the district is not making cuts at this time while it waits for ODE guidance.
On state policy, Charles said ODE has released guidance and a sample policy related to a possible student cell-phone ban; the board expects an update at its August retreat.
Charles introduced Derek Brown as the district's new information-technology officer, noting Brown's background as a teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran and saying the district is "just really lucky to have him in Hillsboro." Board members also discussed possible summer field visits to see programs in person.
Charles told members that if personnel or property matters arise over the summer the board will be contacted directly by text or phone to arrange an executive session rather than relying on email.
No formal policy or budget decisions were made on these updates during the meeting; the remarks were presented as informational and for future follow-up.
