Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) Approved - September 23, 2026 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PT Held at the following location: Via Zoom: https://oregoncharter.zoom.us/j/9677090995
I.
Call to Order Ms. Grady called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. when quorum was reached, and all members who were present could hear each other.
II.
Roll Call Board Members present: Jennifer Brady, Mary Ellen Mansfield, Jeremiah Elliott Board Members absent: Laura Vaucher, Joseph Brown Members of the Public present: None School Staff present: Allison Galvin, Executive Director, and the following school staff; Todd Shaffer, Steve Nielsen, John Meyer, Molly Fisher, Katie Souza.
III.
Public Comment
None IV.
Routine Business A. Approval of the Agenda Ms. Grady asked if any changes needed to be made to the agenda. Dr. Galvin noted that Item F, Legal Invoice(s) for August, on the consent agenda, which is under section II of the meeting agenda, could be removed, as the school did not receive a legal invoice for the month of August. A motion was made and seconded as follows. Mr. Elliott moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Mansfield seconded the motion.
The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.
RESOLVED, that the agenda as amended for the August 26, 2026 meeting of the Board of Directors of Oregon Charter Academy is hereby approved. The motion passed unanimously (3-0) as follows: Yeas: Mr. Elliott, Ms. Mansfield, Ms. Brady Nays: None Abstentions: None Absent: Ms. Vaucher and Mr. Brown V.
Consent Agenda Ms. Mansfield asked about a cost listed in the July expenses that was paid to a law firm and asked for Dr. Galvin to clarify who the firm is. Dr. Galvin explained that the firm is not the school’s legal counsel, so it is different from legal invoices. Instead, Dr. Galvin explained, this is a law firm that provides professional development for HR directors, and the school’s HR director, Mr. Shaffer, participated in an annual professional development session. A motion was made, with the noted amendment, and seconded as follows. Mr. Elliott moved to approve the consent agenda as amended. Ms. Mansfield seconded the motion. RESOLVED, to APPROVE the Consent items as amended, A. Approval of Minutes from the June 24, 2026 Annual Board Meeting B. Approval of August Staffing Report C. Approval of the 2026-27 Field Trip Handbook D. Approval of Expenditure Summary Report - June E. Approval of Expenditure Summary Report - July F. Approval of Bank Reconciliation - June G. Approval of Bank Reconciliation - July The motion passed unanimously (3-0) as follows: Yeas: Mr. Elliott, Ms. Mansfield, Ms. Brady Nays: None Abstentions: None Absent: Ms. Vaucher and Mr. Brown
VI.
Action Items A. Review and consideration of updating the calculated Grade Point Average (GPA). Dr. Galvin pointed the board to the board packet to see how the school has historically calculated GPA, explaining that this method is not in line with the majority of high schools. Dr. Galvin explained that this would bring the school back to standard grades, with continued weighting for AP and honors courses.
The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.
She further explained how the current calculation negatively affects GPA by bringing it down for a minus grade, which appears on transcripts when a student transfers schools. Dr. Galvin also noted that this negative effect could impact students’ ability to receive merit scholarships. She explained that the current GPA calculation is not in line with other schools and has a more negative than positive impact on students, thus the recommendation to update it. Mr. Elliott agreed that the current calculation could be holding students back and, thus, he voiced his support for the recommendation. Dr. Galvin noted that teachers will continue to celebrate high fliers. Ms. Mansfield moved to approve to update the calculated Grade Point Average (GPA) as presented. Mr. Elliott seconded the motion. RESOLVED, to APPROVE to update the calculated Grade Point Average (GPA) as presented. The motion passed unanimously (3-0) as follows: Yeas: Ms. Manfield, Mr. Elliott, Ms. Brady Nays: None Abstentions: None Absent: Ms. Vaucher and Mr. Brown VII.
Oral Report A. Financial Report 1. Financials Mr. Nielsen noted that there were two months - June and July - worth of financial information, mentioning that July is a summary-level fund-balance report. Mr. Nielsen explained that the school is still working on year-end closures, such as rolling balances over to the next fiscal year and preparing for the audit, which occurs in mid-September. The revenue and expense statement for the period ending on June 30, 2026, is an unaudited snapshot of the 2025-2026 school year and previous fiscal year. Mr. Nielsen reported that the school’s revenue exceeded 110% of the budget, which is exceeding the forecast by about $4 million, of which $2.9 million was from the state school fund true-up from the 2024-2025 school year. Expenses were 92% of the budget. Mr. Nielsen noted that without the planned reserve expense of $1 million, which was not a planned expenditure, the school is still at 96% of program expenses. Mr. Nielsen concluded that the school ultimately increased the final fund balance by 25%. He did note that these numbers are preliminary and will change a little after completing other factors, such as the depreciation and lease schedules. That said, Mr. Nielsen said this is a good indication of the school’s final financial numbers. Mr. Nielsen informed the board that
The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.
the audit will be conducted during the fall and early winter, finishing in December, with the audit statement due to ODE on the first business day in January. He will be presenting the audited reports to the board at the January meeting. B. School Leader’s Report 1. Enrollment Dr. Galvin shared that, as of August 26, enrollment is at 2,484 students. She noted that at this point, leading into the school year, it will continue to increase and that school staff are working hard to get as many students enrolled before school begins, so students have a successful start to the school year. 2. Honors Dr. Galvin shared that the Special Education (SPED) team earned ORCA the title of Exceptional Charter School in SPED by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). This is the fourth year in a row that the team has been given this honor, and ORCA is the only charter school in Oregon to be named as such. Dr. Galvin expressed how proud she is of the SPED team and how they serve the school’s SPED students. She noted that this award is not just for virtual charter schools but all charter schools across the nation. Dr. Galvin also shared that 19 more students graduated after summer school. She explained that over 960 high school courses were completed with a 95% pass rate, which makes this the most successful summer school to date. Quoting ORCA staff Ms. Dodge, Dr. Galvin expressed that these numbers represent students who stayed on track and did not give up, and teachers that did not give up on students. 3. School Year Kick-Off Dr. Galvin shared that staff came back on Monday, and there was also in-person new teacher training, during which new staff met with their teacher mentors. There was also an optional all staff picnic to kick off the school year, which was highly attended. Then, on Tuesday, the school had its first all staff meeting in Salem, and Dr. Galvin said it was a positive day. She noted the fun introduction activity and explained that staff are focused on continuing to refine and explore ways to better serve students. Dr. Galvin said she is proud of the staff’s integrity to do best by kids. She noted that the first day of school is Tuesday, September 8, and teachers are starting to reach out to families. Lastly, Dr. Galvin let the board know that Open House will be on Friday, September 25, in Mill City. 4. Board Updates The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.
Dr. Galvin told the board that conflict of interest statements will be sent soon through Xodo Sign. She also explained that two years ago, a law was passed that required board members to take a virtual training once in their three year term, so that will also be coming out for the board to complete. VIII.
Information Items A. First reading of the annual updates to board policies as presented by the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) 1. KNA – Immigration Enforcement on Public Charter School Property, Required 2. KNA-AR(1) – Interactions with Immigration Enforcement, Highly Recommended 3. KNA-AR(2) – Federal Immigration Enforcement Request Log, Optional Dr. Galvin shared that the school contracts with OSBA to keep policies updated, as they take laws and turn them into policies. A new house bill requires schools to have immigration policies in place by September. Dr. Galvin explained that she is now the immigration liaison, and that if ICE came into one of the school’s buildings, they must have a subpoena or court order mandating staff is allowed to talk with a student. She discussed the nuances of these policies when it comes to ORCA field trips, as those often happen in public places, such as OMSI. She noted that if ICE were to show up at a school sanctioned event, they still cannot speak with a student, but how the venue handles their presence is up to them. Dr. Galvin praised HR director Mr. Shaffer for a great training at the all staff meeting. Ms. Mansfield asked if these new policies give Dr. Galvin or Mr. Shaffer pause. Dr. Galvin responded they do not because it is how schools have always handled interactions with law enforcement. Mr. Elliott agreed that the school already has policies in place for dealing with law enforcement, has to comply with laws, and that being a virtual school decreases the chances of this happening. Ms. Mansfield also asked if ICE showed up at a field trip, is staff aware of what to do and trained so they feel comfortable? Dr. Galvin responded they are, as they received training at the all staff meeting, and they know not to let kids talk with strangers and to call her immediately. Mr. Elliott asked about the procedure for approving these new policies. Dr. Galvin explained that the executive team reviewed what OSBA sent and suggested edits. Since this is the first reading and informational only, the board can suggest edits for the second reading. Next meeting, it will go on the consent agenda for the board to ask further questions or to approve as presented.
The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.
B. Outreach Update Ms. Fisher report that in the month of August, the school had 69 posts, 427,109 impressions, 996 engagements, and 122 post link clicks. The top posts were about ORCA students, one who competed at the World Championship for karate in Romania, and another who received an NROTC scholarship to Duke University. Ms. Fisher also said that the June Blog was “Is an Online High School the Right Choice for Your Teen?” and the July blog covered highlights from the 25-26 school year. She also mentioned that the Kindergarten Meet & Greet went well, with twelve families attending, and that Comic Con is coming up on September 11th through 13th. Finally, Ms. Fisher shared that an ORCA student was interviewed on KOIN and mentioned ORCA’s flexibility, and he will appear on KGW next month. C. Facilities Update Mr. Meyer reported that semi-annual maintenance has been completed in Mill City, and the HVAC leak has been repaired. He also shared that the HVAC in Suite 101 in Wilsonville was repaired and the annual backflow testing completed. D. Legislative Update Dr. Galvin reminded the board that she had been asked by COSA to be a part of a work group with superintendents and a few virtual school leaders to discuss virtual schools, funding, and enrollment. She explained that there are 23 virtual charter schools in the state, as well as districts running statewide virtual programs. District programs, however, do not fall under the same regulations as virtual public charter schools, such as the 3% laws, and they receive traditional funding, including for meals and transportation. Dr. Galvin noted that enrollment is down overall in Oregon, and superintendents are upset that they are losing enrollment to virtual schools. She highlighted that there is a misunderstanding that districts are losing enrollment to just virtual charters, when really there has been a big growth in the virtual district programs. Dr. Galvin explained that the virtual programs and charter schools growing most are the ones offering stipends or reimbursements directly to families, and ORCA is also losing families to this. Dr. Galvin stated that ORCA believes educational state funds should go to teaching and learning for students. Yet, other programs are not providing curriculum or technology and are not requiring consistent work or attendance. Thus, Dr. Galvin explained, the reimbursement or stipend practice feels like a way to use public funds meant for education as a way to pay families for enrollment. Dr. Galvin shared that during the last work group meeting, ODE defined the differences between virtual charter schools and virtual district programs, discussed direct education versus passive education, and defined reimbursement and stipends. At this meeting, Dr. Galvin presented about what ORCA does and The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.
brought materials sent out by the school to students, like workbooks, manipulatives, and microscopes, in order to highlight the difference between schools like ORCA and programs offering stipends and reimbursements. Dr. Galvin also noted that ODE was asked about how funding is used, and the speaker defaulted to Dr. Galvin to speak to it, which provided her the opportunity to share how ORCA responsibly handles funding. Dr. Galvin went on to explain that she foresees a couple of bills coming this session that could negatively impact all virtual schools, including ORCA, if they are not written correctly. She noted that the bills could be helpful, such as not allowing programs to pay students through stipends or reimbursements, and that leaders need to ensure the wording in the bills do not unintentionally impact virtual schools like ORCA. Dr. Galvin also mentioned that some district programs are partnering with EMOs (Education Management Organization, which is a for-profit comprehensive management company), noting that this is what ORCA used to be before becoming independent, so she suggested there may be legislation regarding EMOs as well. Mr. Elliott noted that states that are embracing the stipend and reimbursement programs are seeing negative results, such as test scores decreasing. He also mentioned, based on his research, that these programs and schools are not always checking what is being purchased with the stipend or reimbursement funds. Dr. Galvin also noted that in Oregon, a student can be enrolled at a public and private school at the same time, so families can sign up for a stipend program to offset the private school costs. She acknowledged that while families are operating within the law, the funds are meant for public education. She concluded by saying it is the job of educational leaders and staff to provide education to students, so it is imperative to serve those kids. E. Board Updates Dr. Galvin asked if there was anything the board would like to hear about in September. There being no suggestions, Dr. Galvin noted the board will hear an overview of Special Programs in October. IX.
Adjournment Ms. Mansfield moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Elliott seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned by Ms. Grady at 12:38 p.m. Next regular meeting date: September 23, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PT in Zoom
The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.