September - November Rob Saxton Review Status Report
Date: Original written on October 30, updated November 19, 2018
From: Rob Saxton
Sent To: District Clerk – Robin Faye Lindeed Blakely, Michelle Vo & Board membership, Dr. Randy Trani and posted online on the IC3S website (https://sites.google.com/view/ic3s/home)
Since the September Board meeting, I have focused on a preliminary review of the CSD operating budget, reviewing the most recent 17 - 18 budget report and audits from 15-16 and 16 - 17 school years. This review included comparing budget trends (total, spending, reserves, ending fund balance), recognizing any significant changes in the budget, assessing the overall fiscal health of the district, and comparing percentages spent in the budget categories (personnel, transportation, nutrition, materials and supply, maintenance). Additionally, I met with Dr. Randy Trani for the initial interview on Thursday, October 11.
I continue to work on district comparisons looking at district budgets and student outcomes. My investigations into Oregon School Charter Law, State School Funding Formula, and Open Enrollment/Inter-District Transfer law are nearly complete, with a few more questions for ODE on Charter Law. I have begun conducting individual interviews with IC3S group members, and have one more interview to complete.
I held a district staff meeting on Wednesday, Nov 14th and passed out a questionnaire for individuals to fill out and return to me. The staff meeting was held in the middle school commons after school. The first community meeting with IC3S was held on Thursday, Nov. 15th at the Columbia Grange Hall from 7:00 - 8:30pm (see meeting minutes below). There were 98 audience members at the community meeting.
In the coming weeks, I will be reviewing the research and writings published by Dr. Trani concerning school size and program. Additionally, I will be receiving and processing the questionnaires sent in from community members and district staff. I am on track for completing and delivering my report and recommendations by February 15, 2019.
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Thursday, November 15, 2018
Corbett Community Meeting
Corbett, Oregon
Columbia Grange Hall
Attendance:
Consultant: Rob Saxton
IC3S Committee Members: Mikaila Way, Jeff Aho, Andrew Kurkinan, Brad Garrett
Not Present: Cless Woodward
Audience head count: 98
1. Introductions and IC3S Purpose:
Mikaila Way began the meeting at 7:07, introducing herself, members of IC3S, and explaining the purpose of the meeting. Jeff Aho, Brad Garrett, and Andrew Kurkinan also spoke in turn, expressing their thoughts and purposes on the meeting and IC3S.
2. Introduction of Consultant, Rob Saxton:
Rob Saxton was introduced at 7:20. He introduced himself to the audience, shared experience relevant to his work as the consultant, and his connection to the work. He also shared his work plan with those in attendance and stated goals for the meeting. Members of the Audience introduced themselves and shared the number of years they had been a part of the Corbett Community or School District.
3. Answer Session:
Rob Saxton began answering questions from the audience at 7:42 regarding his proposed work plan and the general inquiries from the audience regarding the Corbett School District and his consulting process.
Questions from the gathered audience centered on the process of proposed work, charter schools, Oregon school funding, school size, school program, athletics, data collection, district comparisons, comparison methodology, timeline, and district process.
Rob Saxton answered the questions asked in turn for 40 minutes.
4. Community Input:
At 8:22, a questionnaire was passed out to all participants asking for input on their thoughts regarding the district. Participants were encouraged to fill out the questionnaire and return it to Rob Saxton. An email address (robsaxtonconsult@gmail.com) was also provided where participants could submit their forms.
5. Closure:
At 8:30, the audience was thanked for their participation and commitment to the schools and community and the meeting ended.