December 8 Board Brief

Posted Date: 12/09/25 (12:49 PM)

Here is a quick overview of our regular board meeting on December 8, 2025. Community members are always welcome to join!

Public Comments and Communications

Student Representative Kari Bazan shared several updates from Hermiston High School, including:
-Winter sports kickoff and community support for athletic events
-Canned food drive (Nov. 17–Dec. 12), already surpassing 5,000 cans
-Upcoming Winter Assembly Spirit Week
-Collaboration with FCCLA on the Festival of Trees
-FFA participation at the Ag fair
-Choir and band performances at the community tree lighting
-The school's final blood drive
[Click here to watch]

Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) Report
No representative was present.

Hermiston Association of Teachers (HAT)
President Jonathan Robledo was unable to attend due to an unforeseen conflict.

Public Comments
One community member provided comments regarding the district’s health curriculum.
[Click here to watch]

Recognitions and Presentations

Cross Country Student-Athlete Recognition
Director of Athletics Larry Usher recognized Hermiston’s outstanding cross country athletes, highlighting:
-The boys team’s 9th-place finish, the highest in Hermiston history
-Maggie Meenderink, who earned the top WIAA girls finish
-Leroy Lozano, named Mid-Columbia Conference Runner of the Year

Coaches shared reflections on an exceptional season.
[Click here to watch]

Presentations
Armand Larive Middle School Update
Principal Delfino Osorio-Garcia, Assistant Principal Heather Mills, and Science Teacher Christina DeAnda presented an in-depth update focused on:
-Instruction & Data Use
-Review of MAP, OSAS, and other assessment measures
-Longitudinal data tracking from 5th–8th grade
-Class placement decisions using early warning indicators
[Click here to watch]

Business Reports

Business Office
Financial Report, Presented by Katie Saul, the Director of Financial Services.
-Revenues for the month were $100,000 below projections, primarily due to delayed county property tax remittances and lower-than-expected interest earnings.
-Property tax collections are expected to rebound in December, already exceeding year-to-date projections by more than $300,000 early in the month.
-Payroll and accounts payable expenditures were within $2,000 of projections, showing strong alignment with the adopted budget.
-The district’s ending fund balance remains healthy at 9.89%, within board policy expectations (8%) and aligned with the district’s internal target (10%).
[Click here to watch]

Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Dr. Tricia Mooney presented November 30 enrollment data:
-Districtwide enrollment: 5,174 students K–12
-Enrollment trends continue to reflect seasonal patterns observed in prior years
-The district maintains stable enrollment despite fluctuations typical during late fall and winter

Dr. Mooney also responded to board questions about future reporting standards, budgeting codes, and how upcoming statewide changes may impact district processes.
[Click here to watch]

Next Regular Board Meeting

January 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Hermiston School District

305 SW 11th Street, Hermiston, OR 97838

PH: 541-667-6000