The Coos Bay Public Schools Board Meeting on June 9, 2025, highlighted the significant strides made in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which aims to prepare students for college and careers. Principal Eli Ashton presented an overview of the program's evolution, noting its inception in 2017 and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a reset in 2021.

Currently, the AVID program boasts 64 students enrolled in its elective class, with plans to expand from three to five sections at the high school level. The junior high has also joined the initiative, adding two sections for seventh and eighth graders. Ashton emphasized the importance of community practices and professional development, with 19 staff members attending a summer institute in Portland to enhance their skills.

Students and tutors shared their experiences, highlighting how AVID has fostered academic growth and personal connections. One student noted, "It gives me a lot of time to work on missing work, and I feel like it really helps me focus." Tutors echoed this sentiment, explaining how the program not only aids in academics but also builds emotional bonds among peers.

The meeting also touched on the broader mission of AVID, which aligns with the district's goal of ensuring all students graduate with a plan for their future, whether that involves college, employment, or military service. The board recognized the program's role in closing opportunity gaps, shifting the focus from achievement gaps to the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all students.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed excitement about the future of the AVID program and its potential to empower students in their educational journeys. The next steps include continued support for staff development and further integration of AVID principles across the district.