The Coos Bay Public Schools held a Special School Board Meeting on September 6, 2025, focusing on enhancing educational practices and community engagement. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of gathering feedback from staff and students. The district plans to conduct surveys and listening sessions in September and October to better understand the school climate and address areas for improvement.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the concept of student and family efficacy in education. The administration emphasized the need to shift the focus from traditional teaching methods to fostering student voice and engagement. This includes rethinking professional learning community (PLC) questions to empower students in their learning processes.
The board discussed the current evaluation system, which relies heavily on narrative assessments rather than evidence-based metrics. The administration is exploring a new framework from the University of Washington to improve evaluation practices and align them with existing programs like Oregon Response to Intervention (ORTII) and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).
Professional development for district administrators was outlined, with plans to focus on high-impact teaching strategies and collaborative curriculum development. The administration aims to enhance partnerships with community organizations, including tribal partners, to promote cultural responsiveness among staff.
The meeting also highlighted upcoming initiatives to celebrate student and staff achievements at city council meetings, fostering a stronger connection between schools and the community. The establishment of a Student Success Committee and a Superintendent Advisory Committee was announced, aimed at eliminating barriers to student success and gathering direct feedback from students across all grade levels.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving educational outcomes through collaboration, community engagement, and a focus on student voice. The administration plans to implement these strategies in the coming months, with the goal of raising assessment scores and enhancing overall student achievement.