Schools

Joyce Henstrand

Board appoints interim leader for one year beginning July 1 The Reynolds School Board voted unanimously Thursday, May 13, to appoint Joyce Henstrand – currently the interim superintendent – the district’s permanent superintendent until June 30, 2011.

Source: The Gresham Outlook (May 14, 2010)

The board has been searching for a permanent superintendent for the past five months, and Henstrand had not applied for the position. However, Theresa Delaney Davis, the board chairwoman, said the board did not believe any of the candidates it had interviewed “was a perfect match,” and added the board was impressed with Henstrand’s work as interim superintendent.

“Since January 2010, we’ve seen remarkable progress toward our goals,” Davis said. “The district is operating within an improved organizational structure, there was increased transparency in the budget process, staff morale is improving and additional resources and supports for the students are being actively sought.

“We are pleased that Dr. Henstrand will continue the exceptional job she has been doing,” Davis said, noting, for example, that the district expects “significant” improved state test results this year.

“Ride for Reynolds” Car Rally and Poker Run Saturday May 15th 9:30AM

When: Saturday May 15, 2010 9:30AM
Where: Reynolds High School
1698 SW Cherry Park Rd
Troutdale, OR 97060

Get Map!

Join the Fun!

Reynolds Education Foundation will host a car rally/poker run, May 15th starting at 9:30 am at Reynolds High School.

Visit district businesses to collect your poker hand and raffle tickets.

Registration is available at 503 256-2088. $25 covers your poker hand, raffle tickets, and BBQ at the end of the run back at Reynolds High School.

Joyce Henstrand Jim Clark/Gresham Outlook

The Reynolds School District Board appoints acting superintendent, replacing Dr Robert Fisher

Joyce Henstrand named acting superintendent

Source: The Gresham Outlook, Dec 22, 2009
By Rob Cullivan, The Gresham Outlook

The Reynolds School District Board appointed Joyce Henstrand, 62, acting superintendent on Monday, Dec 21, 2009.

Henstrand, the district’s executive director of instruction since 2007, has worked in the district since 2003. She succeeds Robert Fisher, who resigned Dec 18th.

Since fall 2008, Fisher had led the district, and was credited by board members for straightening out the district’s financial mess. He was supposed to serve until June 30, 2010, but he quit early, citing differences with the board over policies and other issues.

Henstrand will serve in her position until the district hires a permanent superintendent. A search is under way for a permanent district leader, and Henstrand noted she plans to apply for the job.

Finally some good news. District receives additional $6.2 million in funding

Board votes $2 million to rehire teachers, $2 million for obligations. Places $2.2 million in contingency fund.

Reynolds board votes to spend added millions now, rehire teachers

by Betsy Hammond
The Oregonian, Thursday Aug 13, 2009

A unanimous Reynolds school board voted (tonight) to spend $2 milllion to immediately hire back laid-off teachers in order to reduce class sizes before school starts Sept. 8.

A standing-room-only crowd of teachers and parents applauded loudly.

Many had testified that students would suffer from a lack of attention and individualized instruction if the district stuck to its earlier plans to eliminate one of every four teaching positions and raise class sizes to 35 or larger at most grade levels.

Going from bad to worse, District lays off 149 teachers, more layoffs coming. Middle School students protest planned budget cuts

Reynolds School District lays off 149 teachers

Source: The Gresham Outlook. By Rob Cullivan. May 29, 2009

The Reynolds School District is laying off 149 teachers as of Aug. 31, with the bulk of the layoffs coming among those hired in the past three years.

Faced with slashing almost $15 million from its 2009-10 budget, the district also will announce further layoffs, including among its music education staff as well as support-staff employees, according to Andrea Watson, district spokeswoman.

The teacher layoffs break down as follows: 5 teachers hired between 1996 and 2001; 42 teachers hired between 2001 and 2006; and 102 hired between 2006 and 2009.

Medical bills draw scrutiny. Complaints filed against a current and two former school district administrators

Source: The Oregonian: Saturday, March 14, 2009

The state ethics commission will investigate one current and two former Reynolds School District employees for allegedly using district money to pay for unnecessary medical procedures that included cosmetic surgery and Viagra prescriptions.

The commission is responding to complaints filed by Reynolds Superintendent Robert Fisher against former Superintendent Terry Kneisler, former Human Resources Director Wayne Travillion and current Salish Ponds Elementary Principal Ed Smith.

A factor in the budget crisis?

The complaints allege that Kneisler's bills, totaling $15,000, included massages, cosmetic dental work, Viagra prescriptions and laser eye surgery for himself and his daughter.

District to cut $10M from proposed 2009-2010 budget with staff and program reductions Public input: Apr 1st, 6:30PM

When: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 6:30PM
Where: Reynolds High School Multipurpose Room
1698 SW Cherry Park Road, Troutdale

The Reynolds School Board will hold the last of two sessions to receive public input regarding recommendations to reduce the 2009-2010 budget with proposed staffing and program cuts totaling $10 million.

Click here to view the proposed budget cuts!

“The Board invites parents, patrons and staff to fully participate in this process to shape the services received by the students within Reynolds School District,” officials said in a statement.

The Reynolds School Board plans to make a decision on expenditure reductions at the April 9, 2009, Regular Session meeting.

District to cut $10M from proposed 2009-2010 budget with staff and program reductions Public input: Mar 16th, Apr 1st

The Reynolds School Board has set two dates to receive public input regarding recommendations to reduce the 2009-2010 budget with proposed staffing and program cuts totaling $10 million.

Click here to view the proposed budget cuts!

Public Input Wanted

Don't miss this important opportunity to have your voice heard! Our children's future depends on your participation.

• Monday, March 16, 2009 6:30PM
  HB Lee Middle School Gymnasium
  1121 NE 172nd Avenue, Gresham

• Wednesday, April 1, 2009 6:30PM
  Reynolds High School Multipurpose Room
  1698 SW Cherry Park Road, Troutdale

“The Board invites parents, patrons and staff to fully participate in this process to shape the services received by the students within Reynolds School District,” officials said in a statement.

When: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Where: Gordon Russell Middle School Commons
3625 E Powell Valley Rd
Gresham, Or

Sponsored by the Kelly Creek, Mt. Hood, Northeast, and Powell Valley Neighborhood Associations

Over 30 Exhibitors

H.B. Lee Middle School

H.B. Lee Middle School is grades 6 through 8 and is located at 121 NE 172nd Ave., Portland, OR 97230, phone 503.255.5686, right next to the Columbia View Park.