Name of Observer: Diana Conners
Observed Meeting: South Whidbey School Board Business Mtg
Date of Meeting: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Members present: Directors: Joe Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford,
Superintendent: Jo Moccia, Student Members: Audrey Gmerea & Katya Schiavone, Principals: John Patton, Kayla Phillips, Dr Jeff Fankhauser, Susie Richards, Asst. Superintendent: Dan Poolman, Communications Director: Kristina Macarro
Members absent: Andrea Downs
Others present (staff, media, public):

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
Presentations by students–What’s happening in their individual schools. Three presentations.
Board Proposal: 2023 Updating Facilities for K-12/ School Bond $80K Approved. Resolution #669–General Obligation Bond Financial Report and Enrollment Summary Fund 1/31/2023 General Fund $5,075,922.73 Enrollment YTD average: 1151.07

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: N/A

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? N/A

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? YES

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant.

FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? YES
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? YES
Were any non-agenda items discussed? NO
Was there adequate discussion of issues? Moderate
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? NO
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? YES
Was background material available to the public? YES
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? NO For what reason? N/A

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: conners@whidbey.com
Date submitted: 02/27/2023

Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting:   Oak Harbor School District Board
Date of Meeting: 2-27-2023
Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Sharon Jensen, Nicole Tesch, and Student: Thinalyn Ramier
Members absent: Josiah Villano (excused), Jessica Aws
Others present (staff, media, public):  Superintendent: Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Elementary School
Principals: Katie Coder, Liz Ritz

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
3.01 Recognition of Elementary Principals’ Secretaries - Jane Ritter, Broadview, Krista Lien (Crescent Harbor), Tonya Mays (Hillcrest), Theresa Byrne (Oak Harbor Elementary), Andra Shelly (Olympic View)
3.02 Recognition of Music Matters Grant Recipients - Holly Brown, James Schlegel, Kendall Parrett, Renee Hall
3.03 Recognition of Citizens for Better Schools - Samantha Horrobin, Erica Wasinger, John Chaszar, Cherie MacLean
4.02 Visitors Scott McKinley (sp?) Olympic View – concerned with pickup and drop-off, 100 children waste time waiting for bus, recommended process improvement methodologies and offered to help.
5.01 Superintendent’s report

NAFIS National Assn. of Federally Impacted Schools – Michelle Kuss-Cybula will attend meeting on March 12-14.
Voting results: 23,771 registered voters, 9,426 votes cast- 777 increase over 2022, 391 more votes were needed to pass, passage rate last year was 45.9%, this year was 55.8%
Next steps: Bond Committee task force to look at transportation and security needs, 2 DOD schools, work with local legislators.
Budget: ESSER funds ((safe building reopening and operations after COVID) going away, declining COVID enrollment, unfunded mandates, increase in services – utilities, food, transportation
FTE projection – 5100 BEA/300ALE, 5% decrease in overall budget, budget reduction happening through attrition.
Safety and Security – Feb. 15 swatting incident (prank call to emergency services) at OH High School and Hillcrest – students were calm, allowed Law Enforcement to do their job, trained for this, strong partnerships with law enforcement, fire, hospital, and Navy partners – it turned out to be a hoax.
Director Hallahan asked Michelle Kuss-Cybula when addressing NAFIS to emphasize that the need for Covid relief and mental health funds is still high and will be for many years.
7.01 Elementary Schools Annual Report Presented by 5 elementary school principals:
Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) –
1. Positive environments
2. Connections – every student has an advocate
3. Teaching and learning – engaging lessons, students not bored, school is fun
4. Student empowerment – e.g. “principal of the day”
5. Access to support
Panorama Belongings data – 86% of students have friend, family member or adult at school that they can count on to help them. Goal is 100% of 3rd and 4th graders have an adult at school that they can count on to help them.
Re-engaging families after Covid – family conferences/nights, enrichment and music concerts
7.02 Title, LAP, HiCap
Liz Ritz – Title 1 is federally funded (3 elementaries), LAP is state and at all 5 elementaries.
Based on free and reduced lunch %. “Learning to read is our shared moral imperative.” Goal is 95% proficiency K-4 reading.
Katie Coder – HiCap. Gifted education myths:
1. Gifted students don’t need help
2. Can’t be gifted if receiving poor grades
3. Gifted students are happy, popular, and well adjusted
4. Can’t be gifted if they have a disability
10% of students identified to receive highly capable services K-12
SB 5072 (Equity and access to highly capable services) passed unanimously in WA senate – on
to House.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:   
- Aid to federally impacted schools?
- Support for SB 5072 – equity and access to services for highly capable students?

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? Not at the present time.
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? n/a

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner?  Yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant: 

FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed?  Yes

Was there adequate discussion of issues?   Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Agenda, past meeting minutes, board member names, livestream link

Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No

List any other concerns or observations:
2 board members commented on visitor statement about pickup at Olympic View.

Observer E-mail:       bbolte@comcast.net                          Date submitted:  2-28-2023

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 2/21/2023

Members present: Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: Harolynne Bobis
Others present (staff, media, public):  Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Finance Director: Wanda Grone,
Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair, Retiring and newly appointed Langley Library managers, Members of volunteers for BrookHaven Creek project and Faucet Forest Project
There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a comment.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
• Ordinance for Structure on City Administrator/Clerk Position, 2nd Reading. Concerns over structure of ordinance and lack of legal language of ordinance were voiced. Motion was tabled.
• Slide show was presented in honor of retiring library manager. Mayor declared 2/22 as now Vicky Welfare Day because of her many years of service.
• Motion carried to add a council letter of support to BrookHaven grant request.
• Faucet Forest Trail requested council support for letter to county commissioners.
• Public Works Director presented details on Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Grant Agreement
• Council member Salerno brought up topic of Commissions Update and Review. The subject was discussed, and it was agreed to continue discussion on topic at later date.
• Community Planning Director proposed addressing gaps in code to mixed use ordinance and auto-detailing ordinance.
• Public Works Director did short summary of the many projects of that department: streetlights, drinking water leak, solar panels grant for city hall, needing new company for engineering contract and more.
• Chief of Police updated some on the litigation meetings attended and new hire process for that department.
• Council member Salerno spoke of arrival next Monday of totem pole by House of Tears to advocate protection of lands from copper mining and is hoping for a warm Langley welcome for the visiting tribe.

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?    NO  

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner.

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:

FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023%2002%2021%20Council%20Packet_Redacte.pdf

Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  No
Was there adequate discussion of issues?   Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes – see council packet linked above.

Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? No

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail:  jrfic@yahoo.com                     Date submitted:  2/23/23

Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting:   Oak Harbor School District Board
Date of Meeting: 2-13-2023
Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Sharon Jensen, Nicole Tesch, Jessica Aws, Thinalyn Ramier, student, Josiah Villano, student
Members absent: None
Others present (staff, media, public):  Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Bill Weinsheimer,
Tonia Johnston, Dianna Gruenwald, Amber Hagel, Asst. Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

5.01 Superintendent’s report – 7095 ballots submitted, 13% of parent population.
Bond communication: State of Schools, Visual storytelling – explaining the why, newspaper articles,
Website and FAQs, 5 short animations (because people have said they prefer “short snippets,”)
newsletters to families “The Scoop,” emails, robocalls, text reminders to families, can only send
one mailer to community (which was complicated in December due to PO staffing shortages),
staff attended 20+ organization meetings, 60K reached on social media – High school bond
throwback with Dwight Lundstrom was popular.
Coming up in April – strategic planning. Scholar First is partner
Budget forecasting.
Projection enrollment for 2023 is 5400 students.
Average in 2022 was 5422.

NWESD District 189 $11.4 million federal grant over 5 years to expand school-based mental
health services. Supports 75% of total project cost. The rest is to be provided locally.
7.01 Special programs annual report presented by Tonia Johnston and Bill Weinsheimer.
These cover Special ed, 504 - medical accommodation, Transitional bilingual program, and
McKinney Vento. McKinney Vento – 1 staff person handles Housing insecurity – living in car
or hotel, couch surfing, doubled up, coordinates transportation, access to food, community
donations for clothes and school activities -program has 290 students. 1885 students in all
special programs – 35% of school district population.
9.01 Board policy updates presented by Dwight Lundstrom. American Indian/Alaskan Native
tribal language now recognized for credit. Revisions made to credit recovery in graduation
requirements.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:   

McKinney Vento – housing and food insecurity and related issues for students
Federal grant over 5 years for expansion of school-based mental health services
Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?    NO, not at the
present time.

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner?  yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant.  

FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? yes
Was there adequate discussion of issues?   yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? yes
Was background material available to the public? Agenda, past meeting minutes, board
member names, livestream link

Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? No

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail:       bbolte@comcast.net                          Date submitted:  2-14-2023

​Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 2/6/2023
Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public):  Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Finance Director: Wanda Grone,
Odgen Murphy Wallace lawyers, Langley Historic Preservation Chair, Langley Library Manager, Public Works Advisory Commission Chair, WSU Extension Island County Interim Director, Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair, Economic Development Council Representatives, Deputy Director of Sno-Isle Libraries
Members of public made comments on grants for creek in city of Langley and Whidbey Camano Land Trust grant for forest of Faucet Farm
There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a
comment.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
• Presentation from Historic Preservation Commission on vacancy for the 7-member
commission, the goals of the commission and that May is historic preservation month and the outreach projects that month.
• Projects being done by Public Works Advisory Commission were presented by Chair Dominique Emerson
• 2023 EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure Recycling Grant plans presented by WSU Extension Island County director.
• Ordinance for Structure of City Administrator/Clerk Position outlined by Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair Chris Carlson and passed by a 4 in favor vote of council members.
• Resolution regarding Whidbey Camano Land Trust grant presented, and owners of the Faucet Farm property were there to say they were in favor of the grant. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Introduction to Langley's potential participation in Regional Comprehensive Economic Developemnt Strategy Project was discussed. Presentation was made by Executive Director Economic Development Council Sharon Sappington and Jennifer Noveck, Ph. D. Allocation of funds passed unanimously.
• Council reviewed and voted to approve Financial Policy Development-credit card policy, procedures and credit card use agreement presented by Finance Director Wanda Grone.
• Library Building improvements process was updated by Director of Public works and the Deputy Director of Sno-Isle Libraries was present in person to thank the council with help and direction and to say the process is going well.

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?    NO  

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner.

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant.

FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/Updated%202023%2002%2006%20Council%20Packet.pdf

Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  Yes - at closing the mayor asked members for ideas on how
the meeting ran.
Was there adequate discussion of issues?   Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes – see council packet linked above.

Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No For what reason? n/a

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail:  jrfic@yahoo.com                     Date submitted:  2/9/23