Gresham-Barlow board approves switch from Wednesdays to Thursdays in 4-3 vote

The Gresham-Barlow School District Board voted 4-3 on Sept. 3 to change its regular business meeting day from Wednesday to Thursday, a reversal of a choice the board had adopted earlier in July.

Director Heather Coleman-Cox moved the change, arguing her participation in a child behavior program conflicted with Wednesday meetings and that a temporary schedule adjustment would preserve her ability to contribute. Coleman-Cox said the conflict meant "her contributions are diminished" if the schedule remained unchanged. Supporters of the shift cited staff preferences and the goal of maximizing board participation; opponents argued Wednesdays allow directors greater access to student activities and that reopening a prior vote set an unfavorable precedent.

The board deliberated for more than 20 minutes, discussing athletic schedules, staff workload and the precedent of revisiting a decision. Superintendent Dr. Tracy Klinger told the board staff preferred Thursdays and recommended considering a 4:00 p.m. work-session start time, but members said 4:00 p.m. could conflict with after-school activities. The final roll call on the motion to adopt Thursdays recorded Coleman-Cox, Kris Howatt, David Ligatich and Brenna Puderbaugh in favor; Shawn Farrens, Blake Petersen and Holly Riegelmann opposed.

The change will alter meeting planning and community expectations; Chair Blake Petersen said the next work session will be Sept. 18 and a Zoom link will be provided for virtual attendance. The motion passed 4-3 and will take effect for the 2025-26 calendar published by the district.