Albany Community Coalition

06/25/2022

10/20/2021

"It’s unfair and strange. Every argument Nyquist and Pete Morse used to delay Takena’s expansion could be applied to South Shore’s remodel, yet weren’t."

When Roger Nyquist spoke those fateful words at the Greater Albany Public Schools board meeting, “I believe Central is worth saving,” he showed beyond a doubt that he was never

08/21/2021

This comes after a new school board suddenly fired Goff in July.

07/29/2021

“We’re interviewing one guy who’s got connections to Albany,” he said. “One person, yes or no. He’s not a bad guy but he’s got to take some time off in August. I don’t get it. I just don’t get it.” ~ GAPS Board Director, Michael Thomson

Rob Saxton was a high school teacher and coach in Albany before a long tenure as a school leader in many Oregon districts.

07/28/2021

It can be helpful to review the past discussions and business of the Board, as a way to provide context for current events and discussions. The July 12, 2021 GAPS School Board Meeting was the first regular meeting of the newly elected Board Directors Nyquist, Morse, and Wilson.

At time stamp 2:33, Roger Nyquist suggests dropping item D from the agenda (Comments from the Public), and suggests that the Board could engage the public with a weekly listening session. [Note: no listening sessions have occurred or been scheduled, to date.]

At time stamp 3:14, Roger Nyquist makes a motion to drop item D (Comments from the Public) from the agenda.

At time stamp 4:20: Michael Thomson speaks up against dropping item D (Comment from the Public) from the agenda.

A vote is called at 10:08: Directors Wilson, Thomson, and Morse vote *against* dropping Comments from the Public. Director Nyquist votes *for* dropping Comments from the Public from the Agenda.

At time stamp 52:23, Chair Aguinaga suggests setting up a work session, to help set Board goals. Chair Aguinaga notes the importance of listening to the public. Director Wilson agrees. Director Nyquist disagrees with the need for a work session, and introduces his Board goals at 54:00.

Agenda and Board Packet: https://albany.k12.or.us/district/board-meeting-minutes-agendasContact [email protected] for Spanish interpretationClo...

07/27/2021

OPB continues to cover GAPS Board actions, noting the influence of out-of-town funding in Albany Schools.

"Rob Saxton’s return to the district comes after a month of constant upheaval and change. In the last month, three new board members have been sworn in, riding election wins on the strength of out-of-district funding from a conservative political action committee."

Rob Saxton has served in various education roles at both the state and local level.

07/27/2021

Tonight, the Greater Albany Public Schools Board met in special session, this evening, to interview the sole candidate under consideration for the Interim Superintendent of GAPS, Mr. Saxton. They voted to hire Mr. Saxton, using the expedited search they authorized by suspending Board policy.

Some notable points of discussion:

1:18:34: The Board's counsel (lawyer) notes that 'one of the negatives (of the expedited contract) is the public. If they've had a chance to read (the draft contract), they've just had a chance this afternoon.'.

1:19:00: The Board's counsel says 'I'm going to encourage you not to take action tonight, to give folks a chance to see what you have in mind, and come back on Wednesday and take action.

NOTE: the general counsel also reiterates the suggestion to not take action at tonight's special meeting at 1:42:20 and at 1:49:40, to allow the public a chance to see the contract and give comment. Despite the repeated suggestions of Board counsel, Roger Nyquist moves to approve the terms of the contract, as presented at 1:51:40. The motion passes at 1:51:56.

The terms of the contract:

*** 190 contract days, with no paid leave (normal contracts are for 260 days, or 215 days accounting for paid leave) (1:23:00)
***$150,000 for 190 contract days, payable in monthly payments (1:26:39)
***Health insurance, including for two years following the end of his contract term, through November 1, 2024, with an estimated value of $12,000 to $15,000 per year (1:27:44)
***$833 per month or $10,000 per year in a tax sheltered annuity (1:30:31)
***an expense account for conference attendance
***$500 per month in auto allowance
***a tech allowance that will cover cell phone and home internet, for an unspecified amount (1:31:31)
***payment for professional membership dues (1:33:44)
***an attorney fee provision (1:33:57)

Agenda and Board Packet: https://albany.k12.or.us/district/board-meeting-minutes-agendasContact [email protected] for Spanish interpretationClo...

07/26/2021

Please note that the start time of this evening's Special Board Meeting, focused on the expedited hire of an interim superintendent, has been changed to 6:10pm, from the previously advertised start time of 5:00pm.

The Greater Albany Public Schools Board of Directors is searching for an Interim Superintendent in July 2021. Information will be added to this page as it becomes available.

07/26/2021

Reminder! You have about an hour to submit feedback to the GAPS School Board, regarding the agenda item D on this evening's special session Board Meeting: 'review public comment on proposed interim superintendent'. Please note that action item G on this same agenda is 'approve the hiring of interim superintendent'. The Board is fast-tracking the hire of an interim superintendent, which limits opportunities for public comment and engagement.

The Board is asking for written Public Comment for the meeting on the following:

a. Feedback on Interim Superintendent Candidate Rob Saxton (the Board discussed Mr. Saxton's qualifications at the 7/23/21 Board Meeting - see the YouTube video for information).

b. Submit questions you would like the Board to consider asking Rob Saxton during the interview.

Feedback outside of these two items will not be accepted.

To submit a written public comment, email public comment related to the information above to Chris Green ([email protected]) by noon, today, Monday, July 26.

Use the following email format:

Subject Line: Public Comment Board Meeting xx-xx-xx (date of meeting)

Body of email include: Your name and address (required per policy)

Mr. Saxton's public resume is linked, below, for those who are interested.

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