The Newberg-Dundee School Board met for its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Catalyst Alternative High School.
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Catalyst Principal Chris Stevens gave a presentation on the school. The board also heard reports on financials, an audit update, and the 2024-25 budget closeout, which includes a freeze on new hires.
“We’re going to have to continue to save money,” Superintendent Dave Parker said. “The labor costs are up … this isn’t a mismanagement of money. We’re just in this awful position where we literally can’t make more money.”
In other business, the board approved the final version of the cellphone ban policy, allowed the girls basketball team to travel to Huntington Beach, California, for a December tournament, and voted to accept an offer of $4.25 million for a district-owned property in Dundee.
The board also reviewed updated policy codes to reflect new state standards.
There was no public comment. The next board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18.
Attendance
In person:
- Board Chair Deb Bridges
- Board Vice Chair Jeremy Hayden
- Director Sol Allen
- Director Aubrey Nichols
- Director James Wolfer
- Director Andy Byerley
- Director Celeste Jones
Catalyst High
Catalyst Alternative is a fully integrated high school offering emotional, academic, and behavioral support, as well as real-world instruction, to help students earn diplomas and develop employability skills.
“We provide a unique experience designed to support every student’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs,” Stevens said. “We empower students to connect or reconnect with their education … and prepare for life after high school.”
Catalyst students attend six classes per day on six-week terms, compared with Newberg High School’s five classes per day on 12-week terms. Each class has 12 to 15 students, emphasizing collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and project-based learning. The school also offers modified diplomas and GED programs.
“Attendance and engagement are challenging,” Stevens said. “Mental health concerns, past trauma, and social anxiety impact regular attendance at Catalyst. When a student drops below 90% attendance, they are referred to our success coach, who develops an attendance plan with them. Parent meetings, daily check-ins, and incentives are all part of that plan.”
Catalyst also offers Career and Technical Education, or CTE, on Wednesdays. Students can participate in site visits, field training, and workshops focused on career-based learning.
“We have visited local universities and community colleges, trade schools, beauty schools, culinary institutes, and businesses like ARE Manufacturing,” Stevens said.
Students can enroll in one of three programs: Real World Discovery, Chehalem Online Academy, and Graduation Opportunities (GO!).
“Our GO! Program is new this year, and it’s definitely our most flexible program at Catalyst,” Stevens said. “With support from teachers in our GO! Program, we look for creative pathways for students to complete high school. Our pathways are very individualized and meet the needs of each student, often re-engaging students in school after an extended absence. Sometimes, students who have been placed there for disciplinary reasons refer to this program.”
The GO! Program focuses on credit recovery and GED options to help students regain momentum toward graduation.
According to Stevens, 87% of seniors completed a diploma or GED last year. All but one of the remaining students returned this year to continue working toward completion, and two have since graduated.
Cellphone Ban
The board voted unanimously to adopt the personal electronic devices policy, which prohibits cellphone use during regular instruction hours for high school students.
The vote came after the board requested minor language changes and followed a statewide executive order aimed at protecting student mental health.
“Technology is changing so quickly, we’re trying to build language that lasts … we need something that’s broader,” Newberg High School Principal Tami Erion said.
Headphones and earbuds are included in the ban, while academic laptops and other support devices are not. Devices must be stored in lockers, backpacks, pouches, or pockets and may not be used during instructional hours.
Students also may not use personal electronic devices to take, share, or post images or videos of any student or district employee without explicit permission, according to the policy.
Exceptions include medical devices ordered by a provider, individualized education plans, and written exemptions from school administrators.
“Kids were learning what is an executive order, what are we supposed to do, and how do we process this?” Stevens said. “This isn’t coming from us, so what does it mean? … We have a policy that kids know. They may not like it all the time, but it’s a lot easier that they understand it. When we’re telling kids to put their phone away, it’s not a conflict. We can stand with them and say, ‘I know, just put it away.’”
Disciplinary actions for violations can include detention, suspension, or expulsion.
For a first offense, staff will issue a verbal reminder. A second offense will result in temporary confiscation and parent notification. A third violation may lead to the device being held for adult pickup, a family meeting, and possible detention.
Subsequent offenses may result in further detention or suspension, with devices held in the main office for adult pickup.
Necessary communications between students and parents during the school day must go through the school’s main or attendance office.
Dundee Property
The board voted to sell district-owned property at 140 S.W. Fifth St. in Dundee following an executive session.
Cascadia Development Partners offered $4.25 million, including a $200,000 down payment and a 12-month closing timeline.
The district had previously explored sale options for the surplus property, reviewed market conditions, completed due diligence, and consulted legal counsel.
The motion passed 6-1, with Bridges abstaining.
