LEBANON - The Lebanon School Board on Monday has begun lining up tasks for the new board to accept when members take office next month.

Voters chose Liz Alperin, Mike Martin and Todd Gestrin to take over in July from Rick Alexander, Chris Fisher and Josh Wineteer. Among their duties will be deciding contract lengths for administrators and directors, and how to analyze results of a school climate survey that ended May 15.

Current board members have stressed the need to set all employment contracts at no longer than two years, compared to some three-year administrative contracts in place at present.

However, at a meeting Monday the board agreed to extend the current contracts for three district positions, known as "confidential" employees, for 30 days past their June 30 expiration.

Two of the employees are finishing three-year contracts, and the third, a two-year contract. Board members said the monthlong extension will give incoming superintendent Rob Hess and new board members time to decide on a direction.

Hess also will decide how to set goals and analyze trends reported in a school district climate survey, which has been available online since April. Results can be found on the district's website, www.lebanon.k12.or.us.

The board on Monday wrapped up several housekeeping items, including setting a beginning board date of July 20, naming Russ McUne as temporary chairman for that meeting, selecting a new firm for legal representation and approving contracts for custodial and grounds service.

Board members voted unanimously to send a notice of intent of contract to the Hungerford Law Firm in Oregon City. On June 16, they will formally award the contract, then name the firm as the district's representative in July.

Hungerford, which specializes exclusively in school law and public sector labor law, drew strong recommendations for approval from the selection committee, which was made up of Hess, board members McUne and Debi Shimmin, and Director of Student Achievement Jan Zarate. The law firm charges $205 per hour, which Hess said was in the middle of the pack of the firms considered.

Board members also voted unanimously to continue contracts with Willamette Valley Rehabilitation Center for custodial work at Cascades, Green Acres, Pioneer, Riverview and Seven Oak schools for $29,457.85 per month.

McUne said he'd like to review their results next year against the cost to see if the district wants to continue the contract.

The groundskeeping contract with Cornerstone Associates, Inc. will continue for $93,359.98 per year.