Upriver School Board Fills Vacant Seat

The McKenzie School Board of Directors voted 3-1 to appoint Margo Barranti to fill the vacant Position 3 seat at their February 13 meeting.

Barranti told the board she had been motivated to apply out of curiosity about the district’s transition to charter school status and a desire to better understand how the school operates today compared to when her grandchildren attended.

She highlighted community involvement that includes assisting veterans through BEST, establishing a library reading program for struggling students, and organizing a nonpartisan educational presentation on the Electoral College scheduled for March 22 at the Leaburg fire station.

Business Manager Wendy Whitson presented the January financial report, showing $107,083 in revenue and $740,083 in expenses, including capital fund transfers. The capital fund balance stands at $195,105, while the student body fund balance is $6,523.

Superintendent Lane Tompkins said the district’s four-year average attendance rate is 67%, slightly higher than some comparable districts but still below target levels. He acknowledged discrepancies in state reporting systems, noting that the district serves more homeless students than official data reflects.

Tompkins said McKenzie is researching strategies used in other districts, including incentive programs and proactive positive phone calls home to recognize good attendance. He plans to hold family meetings this month to address ongoing concerns.

From a student perspective, Weiss noted that seniors with college courses and study halls sometimes feel disengaged, particularly when substitute teachers are present and regular instruction is disrupted. Her comments prompted discussion about ensuring meaningful engagement for all students throughout the school day.

The district will host Center for Educational Leadership “Learning Walks,” with administrators from Mapleton and Marcola observing classrooms to strengthen administrative feedback practices. Transportation staff will attend the Oregon Pupil Transportation Association conference in Eugene to complete annual training requirements, including human trafficking awareness.

The board will post the student representative position to replace Grace, who will graduate this year. Applications are due by the 15th, with interviews expected in May.

The next executive session is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. before the regular March meeting to discuss the superintendent evaluation.

The meeting concluded with recognition of athletic improvements, ongoing attendance initiatives and a renewed focus on community engagement as the district moves into the final months of the school year.