November 17 Board Brief

Posted Date: 11/18/25 (4:46 PM)

Here is a quick overview of our regular board meeting on November 17, 2025. Community members are always welcome to join!

Public Comments and Communications

Student Board Representative Report
Student Board Representative Kari Bazan shared a wide range of academic, extracurricular, and cultural highlights from Hermiston High School. She celebrated student accomplishments in FFA, noting silver placements in two national categories, and recognized the HHS Marching Band, who earned first place in the AA division and top honors in several categories.

Kari also highlighted successful school events including Trunk-or-Treat and the Día de los Muertos celebration, both of which brought students and families together. She shared updates on athletics, including cross country’s performance at state, senior nights across fall sports, and the strong sense of community around student athletes.
[Click here to watch]

Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) — Chapter 10
OCEA member Erika Esparza provided an update on recent OSEA activities. The chapter supported Treats on Main, hosted a bargaining training in the district boardroom with regional participants, and thanked district staff who helped facilitate the event.
Ongoing activities include participation in the Festival of Trees, volunteer coordination, and preparing for upcoming bargaining through membership surveys and engagement efforts.
[Click here to watch]

Hermiston Association of Teachers (HAT) Report
HAT President Jonathan Robledo shared association updates, including participation in Treats on Main, collaboration with district leaders during recent meetings, and upcoming involvement in the Festival of Trees. He noted positive staff engagement and ongoing support for teachers across the district.
[Click here to watch]

No public comments were submitted.

Presentation and Board Reports

Sandstone Middle School Presentation
Principal Lori Brown and a team of teachers and counselors presented an in-depth look at student learning, school culture, academic data, and how Sandstone is bringing the Portrait of a Graduate to life.

Highlights included:
-Fall MAP Growth assessment data and areas of targeted support
-Review of OSAS performance from last spring
-Instructional strategies aligned to communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and character
-Peer observations, lesson study cycles, and professional learning
-Supports such as Homework Club, I&E periods, PLC collaboration with Armand Larive Middle School
-Attendance initiatives, incentives, and early-warning systems
-Student engagement activities including Lunch Bunch, leadership class projects, and schoolwide celebrations

Staff emphasized their deep commitment to student success and the importance of collaborative problem-solving and responsive school culture.
[Click here to watch]

Board Reports
Board members shared updates from recent events and professional learning, including attendance at the Hermiston Association of Teachers meeting, participation in the OSBA Annual Conference, and community involvement at athletic events and school activities. Members noted topics such as teacher probationary periods, superintendent evaluation input, and strategic planning practices presented at the conference.
[Click here to watch]

Business and Financial Reports

Director Saul provided the monthly financial update, noting:
-Tax revenue is tracking close to projections
-Interest and fee revenue is trending lower due to statewide investment pool rate reductions
-Payroll expenditures increased as all staff returned in September
-Accounts payable was slightly higher than projected due to earlier-than-expected invoicing
-Year-to-date the district maintains a 9.98% ending fund balance, aligning with the 10% target
-Updates were also provided regarding upcoming state school fund adjustments and expected changes to tax revenue estimates
[Click here to watch]

Superintendent's Office

Enrollment Report - Dr. Tricia Mooney
Dr. Mooney shared the October 31 enrollment report, noting a districtwide total of 5,195 students. She explained typical seasonal enrollment patterns, including slight dips during winter months due to extended student absences and required withdrawal rules after 10 consecutive days of non-attendance.
[Click here to watch]

Next Regular Board Meeting December 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Hermiston School District

305 SW 11th Street, Hermiston, OR 97838

PH: 541-667-6000