By Chelly Boufferache
For Lebanon Local
The Lebanon School Board celebrated the Lebanon High School’s Battle of the Books team and, after some contention, voted to extend Supt. Jennifer Meckley’s contract at its monthly meeting May 8.
The board recognized the high school’s Battle of the Books team, which clinched the 2025 Oregon state championship, marking Lebanon’s second win in the competition’s history.
Coach Deanna Chambers Varner, a 30-year district veteran, praised her team’s dedication.
“This success demonstrates not only knowledge, but critical thinking, collaboration, and a willingness to explore new perspectives. How awesome is that?” Varner said, noting that only four Oregon districts have won twice.
She highlighted the team’s “deep love of stories” and emphasized that “literature still matters.”
Students Kaz Dunn, Lilly Henderson, Vixxen Vielbig and Gabe Mann each delivered speeches, with Mann’s read in his absence.
The board then addressed Meckley’s request for a contract extension. Meckley, citing a 12% graduation rate increase over two years and favorable evaluations, argued that stable leadership benefits the district.
Board Chair Tom Oliver supported the extension, calling it a routine process unrelated to upcoming elections.
Board Member Nichole Piland, referencing Meckley’s review, said, “We strongly support an extension. This is not about politics.”
Emails from the community and staff echoed this, with one email urging to “send her contract without question.”
However, public comment revealed some dissent.
Rose Kaler expressed concerns about academic performance and urged prioritizing smaller class sizes and hiring teachers over administrative expansion.
“Our district already faces significant challenges,” she said.
Denise Oster Hames questioned the timing, suggesting outgoing board members were influencing future decisions that would be better left to the incoming board.
“We’re watching, and this grandmother expects better,” Hames said, calling for accountability and higher educational standards.
Conversely, teacher Bonita Randklev, celebrating her 20th year as a teacher in the district, praised Meckley, stating, “The teachers give Meckley their full support.”
Board member Clyde Rood raised concerns about the current contract language, noting discrepancies in vacation payout terms and a termination clause that were to have been updated from the last contract. He suggested tabling the vote, questioning the contract’s validity.
Oliver countered that the language aligned with Oregon law and standard superintendent contracts. A motion to approve the contract passed with Rood being the only no vote.
The board also heard from Staff Sgt. Jollimore of the Oregon National Guard, who introduced a credit recovery program for juniors and seniors.
The initiative allows students to earn up to eight credits through basic training,with juniors attending basic before their senior year and earning up to eight credits, while seniors attending basic training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) would secure credits for graduation upon return from AIT.
Jollimore presented it as an “educational alternative” developed with the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon National Guard and encouraged anyone interested in learning more to speak to him after the board meeting concluded.
In department updates, district Operations Director William Lewis announced an approximate $2.4 million grant for a seismic retrofit of Seven Oak Middle School’s gym, including roof repairs.
Finance Director Steven Prososki confirmed the 2024-25 budget remains on track.
The Land Lab, the district’s location for agricultural education, was celebrated for hosting the FFA DIstrict Field day competition, with Lebanon students placing first in Districts in milk quality and crops. The team then went onto the state competition and placed third in milk quality, and eighth in crops statewide.
The Land Lab also hosted its annual plant sale featuring hanging baskets, a popular event held before Mother’s Day.
Students in the High School’s trades classes completed a house through their house building program, and the home is now listed for sale with showings underway. Construction on the next house is slated to begin with the new school year.
Meckley closed by thanking the board for their comments and Rood for his thoroughness. She highlighted the Kindergarten Kickoff, as registration runs through June 17.