Forest Grove School District swears in three new board directors; Christie Kotke re-elected chair

Three newly elected members of the Forest Grove School District board of directors were sworn into office at the July 1 meeting and the board voted to set leadership for the coming year.

At the start of the meeting, Chair Christie Kotke administered the oath of office for three new directors. Brisa Franco (position 1), Peter Truax (position 2) and Alma Lozano (position 3) each repeated the oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution and laws of the state of Oregon and the policies of the Forest Grove School District. During my term, I will faithfully and impartially discharge the responsibilities of the office of board member to the best of my ability.”

The swearing-in made the three members official participants for the 2025–26 school year, after which the board moved to fill leadership roles for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. Director Peter Truax nominated Christie Kotke for board chair; the nomination received a second and passed on a roll-call vote with all members voting yes. Kotke said she accepted the position.

For vice chair, a board member nominated Alma Lozano; that nomination passed on a roll-call vote and Lozano accepted.

The oath and the leadership votes were procedural actions required to begin the board year. There was no contention recorded during those agenda items. The meeting proceeded to discuss procurements, contracts and committee assignments after the leadership votes.

Looking ahead, Chair Kotke and Vice Chair Lozano said they will participate in summer communications with staff and plan for an August board retreat to set board–superintendent working agreements and annual goals.