Students, volunteers and public commenters spotlight standards‑based grading, GSA support, gun locks and music education

The Nov. 18 Bend‑LaPine board meeting opened with a series of recognitions and brief public comments that focused on student supports and community partnerships.

Recognitions and donations: The board recognized Jennifer McGee for her role in implementing the Wayfinder social‑emotional learning program at LePen Middle School, and welcomed Jamie Goldman and Anne Westerhoff of the Ben Levine Education Foundation, which Cook said has awarded more than $71,000 in classroom grants to the district.

Student voices and concerns: Five student representatives spoke for the student voice council and alliance group; Cook said students raised concerns about confusion around standards‑based grading and asked the district to clarify how students understand academic performance. The alliance group also described experiences of queer and trans students and urged continued support for GSAs and inclusive practices.

Public comment: Steve Cook summarized three public commenters. He said Katie Bludgett (an Alliance Group and Equity Coalition member) praised the district's commitment to queer and trans students' safety; Brandy Steelhammer (a Summit High parent) reminded the public that free gun safety locks are available at the district office; and Jesse Bledsoe (a High Lakes parent and clinician) urged the district to continue supporting music education across schools.

Next steps: These were informational items and public comment; the meeting record does not show formal board action tied directly to the remarks.