Board members spent substantial time reviewing board operating agreements, the board‑superintendent operating agreement and the district’s policy review practices at the July 30 meeting. The board discussed expectations around board member attendance reporting to district staff, community engagement, stipends and student representation on board agendas.

On stipends and compensation guidance the board noted an OSBA update is expected next month; the superintendent and staff recommended waiting for that guidance before making changes. The board operations discussion reiterated the policy that board members should check in with staff before visiting schools and should review board books in advance.

Several board members opposed creating a permanent standing policy committee. Instead the board favored maintaining a first‑read/second‑read adoption model and using ad hoc working groups when a policy is complex or touches many schools (for example, the field‑trip/travel policy). Members said ad hoc groups of two or three board members plus staff have worked in the past and can be used when a deep, technical review is needed before a full board vote.

On attendance, staff explained that the district records board meeting attendance and sometimes reports hours to the district workers’ compensation carrier; graduation and district event attendance can be recorded informally but board meeting attendance is tracked centrally by Missy. Board members discussed the expectation of regular attendance and asked staff to continue providing attendance reporting and background on how the district uses the data.

Board members also discussed expanding student representation and student voice at meetings, and asked staff to gather more student feedback before adding a standing student representation item to future agendas.

No formal policy changes were adopted; the board agreed to continue with current first‑read/second‑read practice and to use working groups as needed. Members requested staff follow up with OSBA guidance on stipends when it becomes available.