Middle school principal showcases student work, higher-than-average state scores and warns some electives face cuts

School leaders opened the board meeting at Chehalem Valley Middle School with a presentation and short student interviews highlighting school culture and academic progress.

Andy described the building's 30th anniversary, recognized staff (custodian Chris Cornell) and shared comparative state test results for middle schools: "for science... the Oregon State science test had 20% pass rate on average for our schools across the state of Oregon. We're at 50%," he said; he also reported ELA at 50% versus a state average of 43% and middle-grade math roughly in line with the state average.

Andy walked trustees through the district's emphasis on climate and culture (three tenets: do your best, do what's right, treat others how you want to be treated), teacher professional development, and reading/writing targets to improve writing proficiency. He introduced student spotlights: Maria, Gavin Porter (seventh grade) and Addie Proctor (sixth grade), who each described staff and elective classes as reasons they like the school.

Board members asked whether proposed budget cuts would affect hands-on classes. Andy said cuts would likely affect several art programs and the innovation lab (coding, robotics) and could eliminate some engineering offerings if replacements are not found.

Trustees applauded the school's student-centered work and requested administrators detail which electives would be affected if budget reductions are required so the board can weigh priorities and community impact.