Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
After interviewing finalists and ranking candidates, the board voted to appoint Arasto Serra to fill the board’s at‑large position 7 through June 30, 2027; Serra took the oath of office at the meeting.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
A Hall Elementary teacher urged the Gresham-Barlow School Board to shield special-education staffing from proposed budget cuts and to provide transparency about reductions in district administration; the district’s educator association echoed concerns.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
At its March 5 meeting the board received Metro East Web Academy's annual report (enrollment, mobility, finances), a First Student update on safety technology and electric buses, and winter I‑Ready/STAR assessment data showing mixed gains and ongoing graduation‑rate concerns.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
The board approved a not-to-exceed $467,000 adoption of the Amplify elementary science curriculum after the adoption committee, teachers and pilots recommended Amplify; funding will include foundation grants to purchase hands‑on kits.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
A presenter for Gresham-Barlow SD 10J described the district’s Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT) summer program as an inclusive initiative to prepare children for kindergarten, focusing on reading and math, play-based exploration, and social-emotional skills like sharing and turn-taking.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
A five-member committee reviewing Superintendent Tracy’s annual evaluation agreed to present aggregated scores as a "3+" where appropriate, to surface three strengths and one growth area, and to circulate a summarized letter and slides (not raw comments) to the full board before the business meeting.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
Superintendent presented three strategic‑planning approaches (comprehensive RFP facilitation, consultant refresh, or using the state integrated‑grant process) and recommended a consultant refresh; board agreed to review examples and discuss an RFP/RFQ at a March work session.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
Members discussed holding board-led, zone-based listening sessions to provide more interactive two‑way dialogue than standard board public comment; staff will evaluate formats, legal limits and staffing needs.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
District finance staff told the board the next fiscal year could require $7.5 million to $13 million in reductions, adding to roughly $8 million cut this year; most savings must come from personnel, and staff urged planning now to avoid chaotic midyear RIFs.
Oregon / School Districts / Gresham-Barlow SD 10J
Candidate Erasto, a district volunteer on the equity and budget committees, told the board his immigrant and multilingual background and community work make him prepared to represent families of color; the board will vote on an appointment at the March 5 meeting.