The Philomath School Board will discuss and possibly take action on a bargaining agreement with the teachers’ union and members will listen to an update on Downing Research Forest, according to an agenda for a meeting set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the school district office.
School Board meetings typically take place on the third Thursday each month but the August meeting was moved to accommodate a member’s scheduling conflict.
The Philomath Education Association and the Philomath School District have been involved in contract negotiations over the past few months and resumed those talks just recently after stepping away for a summer break. Both the board and PEA had expressed hopes of reaching an agreement before fall classes begin.
The Downing Research Forest issue relates to a recent project that saw a significant number of downed, damaged and weakened trees that had been removed. Last week, key people involved met to discuss next steps.
Also on the agenda for the Aug. 23 meeting are discussions about three Budget Committee vacancies and a meeting with Kings Valley Charter School, a request for a cooperative agreement with the Lincoln County School district in soccer, possible votes on policy updates related to paid family medical leave insurance and possible action on the district’s communicable disease management plan.
Routine reports on the agenda include those from the school superintendent, PEA and Oregon School Education Association representatives and the district’s business manager. The board has also set aside time for public comments.
The Philomath School District office is located at 1620 Applegate St., with access to the meeting through a door at the back of the building. Meetings are also streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.