Camas School District board workshop spotlights MTSS "continuous growth" approach and calls for cross-school data sharing

The Camas School District board spent the second half of its May 13 workshop on a Continuous Growth session focused on the districts MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) approach, with principals presenting examples of data-driven supports and board members pressing for stronger cross-school knowledge transfer and cumulative data systems.

"When we create a culture of safety and belonging, provide high-quality instruction, and build pathways that respond to the changing needs and interests of our students, we will help each student learn and grow," Lisa Gresseth told the board as she framed the district's theory of action during the workshop.

Gresseth walked board members through the districts strategic plan alignment and said the Continuous Growth work uses an inquiry cycle and progress monitoring to guide decisions and adjustments. She quoted James Clears Atomic Habits to emphasize systems over singular goals: "Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the processes that lead to those results." The session then moved to small-group presentations: principals had roughly six minutes each to describe a single example of MTSS in action, followed by debriefs led by board facilitators.

Board members praised the hands-on materials and the districts use of recurring professional learning time (Wednesdays) to support implementation. Several members said they were encouraged by consistent practices across buildings and the ability to see measurable "wins" at multiple grade levels. At least one board member urged the district to explore a cumulative student data system that would track supports and services across elementary, middle and high school, describing the idea as a "MyChart"-like record for student interventions and progress.

Board discussion focused on three practical questions: how to transfer lessons from elementary to secondary settings, what staff and systems school leaders need to sustain MTSS, and how to make cumulative data more accessible for teachers and counselors. District leaders said the workshop was intended to accelerate cross-building learning and flagged continued professional learning, leadership practices and organizational supports as the next steps.

The board concluded the session with a debrief, scheduled site visits and set dates for upcoming briefings and meetings. The Continuous Growth workshop ended with board members noting progress and asking district leaders to return with next-step recommendations on data systems and sustainability.