Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
The St. Helens board voted to remove an intergovernmental agreement with the City of St. Helens from the consent agenda after members raised questions about indemnification and which party bears responsibility for injuries on city or district property; the rest of the consent agenda was approved.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
School leaders presented the districts integrated guidance/SIA plan, outlining targets to raise third-grade ELA proficiency and graduation on-track rates, and described investments in counseling, MTSS tools and CTE; a resident urged more focus on student behavior and teacher supports.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
Director Russell accused district spending patterns of driving a $2.5 million shortfall, citing large credit-card payments and legal bills; trustees voted to take no action on several complaints but accepted one complaint and authorized the board chair to retain an outside investigator.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
District staff presented 2023-24 OSAS results and fall benchmark (easyCBM) data showing modest year-over-year gains in ELA, math and science and subgroup improvements, but also noted that fall benchmark results are not yet reliably predictive of state assessments and the district will pilot focused interim assessments (FIIBs).
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
Chief Financial Officer Christine Woodard reported an estimated 2024-25 ending fund balance near $1.0 million and a 2025-26 projection of about $1.056 million (roughly 2.6% of budget), below the boards 5% reserve policy; she warned a potential PERS employer increase (~30%) could cost roughly $3 million and staff are planning expense reductions.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
After a public hearing on unverified financial allegations raised during a Sept. 24 meeting, the St. Helens School District board voted to substantiate a complaint against Director Rochelle Russell and delegated the board chair to communicate a corrective response; Russell abstained from the vote.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
Roshanna O'Brien, principal of Arthur Academy (a charter sponsored by St. Helens SD 502), reported fall 2024 enrollment of 161 (153 by spring), staffing levels and spring assessment results showing a majority above the 40th percentile on math benchmarks; parent satisfaction was recorded at 97%.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
Following interviews with five finalists for the vacant Position 5 seat, the St Helens School District board voted to appoint Kim Walker to the board and administered the oath of office.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
After an executive session, the board voted to adopt the superintendent's findings as the final decision on one complaint and delegated the board chair to respond to another complaint about a board member and to manage hearing logistics.
Oregon / School Districts / St Helens SD 502
The St Helens School District board voted to add two instructional days to the 2025–26 calendar and approved policy EBAC to restore site safety committees and let the superintendent designate the district safety officer.