McKenzie Schools Adjusts Calendar, Moves Forward With New Programs

The McKenzie School Board learned at their November 13 meeting that a new attendance incentive program is gaining traction: classes earn letters to spell “EAGLES” by maintaining perfect attendance, with the first class to complete the word receiving an ice cream party. Students with individual perfect attendance are entered in drawings for gift cards to local businesses. Seniors have also begun posting college acceptance announcements on a new “acceptance wall” initiative.

Superintendent Lane Tompkins noted that the state revenue forecast, which came in $300 million higher than September’s projections, remains down $600 million overall due to federal tax changes.

The district’s hazard mitigation grant has resumed progress after delays during the federal government shutdown. The superintendent also reported finalizing an intergovernmental agreement with Lane County to support HVAC repairs through a community development block grant.

To boost enrollment, the district is weighing an advertising proposal including website upgrades, digital outreach, social media promotion, and print mailings. Board members discussed which elements might be most effective if the scope must be reduced.

A miscalculation revealed the district was short four student contact days. To correct the error, the board approved a revised calendar converting January 5 to a student day, removing teacher-only days on February 20, March 13, and May 29, and adding student days on June 4–5 and June 8–11. The school year will now end on June 11.

The board unanimously approved the McKenzie Graduate Profile, a districtwide framework defining essential student competencies: critical thinking, effective communication, and responsible action. Developed with input from students, staff, parents, and community members, the profile will be implemented through student-led elementary conferences and capstone projects for grades 7 to 12.

Board members also approved the district’s 2025–2027 Student Investment Act contract, securing $610,294.47 for after-school programs, CTE courses, mental health services, technology upgrades, and professional development.

During board comments, the superintendent reported that generators will soon be connected to power the walk-in refrigerators, kitchen, part of the cafeteria, and networking systems during outages.

The board’s next session scheduled for December 17 at 5:30 p.m.