The Douglas County School District 4 Board voted to accept the State of Oregon Student Success Act (SIA) grant for the 2025–27 biennium, authorizing acceptance of $11,122,455.60 so the funds can be released to the district. Assistant Superintendent Michelle Knee told the board the grant’s purpose is to support students’ mental and behavioral health, increase academic achievement and reduce achievement gaps for groups such as students experiencing homelessness, special education students and English language learners.

The board also reviewed the district’s annual financial audit, conducted by Soren, CPA (formerly KDP). Finance staff and committee members said the auditors issued an unmodified opinion — the highest level of assurance — and that the district is in compliance with applicable laws and federal program requirements. The finance committee recommended acceptance of the audit and presented a short summary letter and a full audit report to the board.

A motion to approve the consent agenda (which included gifts and a hire) passed earlier in the meeting. Later, a motion to accept the audit and a separate motion to accept the SIA grant were both moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (gifts and personnel items, including hire of Courtney Hallgrimsson as an RHS counselor): motion carried by voice vote (all in favor).
- Acceptance of the annual audit (fiscal year 2024–25): motion carried by voice vote (all in favor).
- Acceptance of the Student Success Act Student Investment Account grant for the 2025–27 biennium ($11,122,455.60): motion carried by voice vote (all in favor).

What the board said
"It is for the 2025–27 biennium, and the total grant funds for the biennium are $11,122,455.60," Assistant Superintendent Michelle Knee said.
"I don't think anybody's gonna refuse $11,000,000 for their students," Chair Miner added during the SIA discussion.

What happens next
Acceptance of the grant will allow the district to receive the state funds and proceed with planned SIA-funded programs. The audit and its accompanying materials remain available to board members and the public per the finance committee report.