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Board renews Center for Advanced Learning charter; staff to start 90‑day negotiations
Summary
The Gresham-Barlow School Board voted to renew the Center for Advanced Learning charter after an OSBA review found the school generally met contract terms; board members asked for contract clarifications and staff will begin negotiations to update provisions within 90 days.
The Gresham-Barlow School Board voted to renew the public charter agreement for the Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) following a presentation from an Oregon School Boards Association reviewer and remarks from CAL leadership.
Kristen Miles of the Oregon School Boards Association told the board her review considered academic, financial and organizational criteria required under ORS 338.065 and found CAL generally compliant with its contract. "The school is implementing the terms of its educational program," Miles said, noting technical recommendations such as improved meeting postings and handbook updates rather than substantive deficiencies.
Jessica Gallagher, CAL principal, described how the program is expanding services for students who receive special education and English‑language support and said the school has been using reserves for strategic investments such as safety and updated equipment. "When you look at the audits, the cash flow shows up negative," Gallagher said, but added the school is pursuing a strategic spend‑down tied to capital and safety investments and that the CAL board is aware of those choices.
Board members pressed for clarity on contractual language and monitoring. One trustee asked whether CAL still attracts new applicants and Gallagher said recruitment will begin next week and that demand remains strong. Miles recommended that if the board votes to renew, several contract sections be redrafted "for clarity and to match current practice."
Holly moved to approve renewal of the CAL charter and Brenna seconded. Chair Peterson called for the question and the board voted in favor. Miles reminded the board that if renewed, contract negotiations must be completed within 90 days under state law; if a new contract is not executed, the previous contract remains in effect until negotiations conclude.
The board directed staff to proceed with negotiations and to return with contract language revisions for the board's consideration. The district packet includes the OSBA review and related governance recommendations.
Next steps: staff will begin the 90‑day negotiation process and bring proposed contract revisions back to the board for approval.
