Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting: Oak Harbor School District Board
Date of Meeting: 3-27-2023

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, Asst. Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

3.01 Resolution 22-21 passed - recognizing April as Month of the Military Child. Invited to wear purple on April 19 in support of military children
3.02 Recognition of North Whidbey Middle School staff – Russ Peters (Interim Principal), Beez Lucero  (Interim Asst Principal), Kelly Ricketts and Alicia Ashburn – AVID program (Advancement via Individual Determination), Meg Wolcott (Paraeducator), Office team – Terri Frostad, Michelle Maxwell, Brandie Bryan, Mary Hamm, Elise Thompson.
5.01 Superintendent’s report –
Bond survey – 176 participants so far -survey still open. Plus – the majority indicated that they were very informed about costs. Delta – still misinformation in the community from those not directly connected to schools. Establish Oak Harbor Building Advisory Committee based on those who volunteered in survey.
Kindergarten registrations are scheduled in April and will be back in buildings - better for parents to see buildings.
Graduation is June 10
Budget update. As enrollment since 2017 declined, staff stayed the same (because of COVID). Slowly will have to level it out.
Advocacy matters. Michelle and Dwight went to Olympia to testify. State and Department of Defense may fund 2 Oak Harbor school projects. Our state senator is trying to secure $27.5 million in state funds for construction projects. Will know on April 23 if governor approves.
WA bills to watch – all moving forward:
ESHB 1436 and 2SSB 5311 – funding special education
E25HB 1238 free school meals for all students
E2SSB 5174 pupil transportation
May 15 is filing deadline for school board
April 18 – 6-7 p.m. Superintendent will host information session for those interested in running for school board seat
Reminder: School Safety Community Forum – OHPS and OHPD. March 28 at 6 p.m. in Administrative Services Building. Public can submit questions https://bit.ly/schoolsafetyforum2023 Purpose is to learn more about school safety planning – can attend remotely
7.01 North Whidbey Middle School Annual Report
706 Students – 353 in 7th grade, 353 in 8th grade, 42.7% low income, 96 staff members
AVID program – learning how to learn, developing skills – time management, organization, self- advocacy
9.01 Legislative update. Oak Harbor Early Learning Center ($13.9 million) and Crescent Harbor ($13.6 million) still in budget
13.01 Upcoming meetings. Monday April 10 and April 24.

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

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? Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes: 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: 3-28-2023

​Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting: March 22, 2023
Date of Meeting: March 22, 2023
Members present: Observed via zoom; not able to see board member name placards via zoom. It appeared that all board members Andrea Downs, Joe Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson and Director Brook Willeford were present. Dr. Jo Moccia, Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations and Dan Poolman were also in attendance.
Members absent: Unknown.
Others present: members of the public, including teachers, parents and students.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

The School Board formally voted to support the $80 million bond proposal [Proposition No. 1] which will be voted upon during an April 25 Special Election. Board members commented that if passed by district voters, the general obligation bond monies would be used to address “critical needs” of the school district. One of several examples offered by the board during the meeting is a “leaky roof” at the middle school. No public comments were offered on the bond issue during this meeting.

The board approved purchase of its first electric school bus from RWC Corp, following receipt of a Federal grant awarded to SWSD. The grant also covers other related costs (charging station and 13-year warranty on battery). The grant money will be reimbursed by WA Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) before the bus is received by the district. Total cost: $435,000.

SWSB Affirmative Action Plan Goals: Board members addressed their 5-year plan. This includes: 1) recruiting women administrators, 2) equity trainings, and 3) prevent employment discrimination based on gender.

Teacher, Mrs. Richards, made a presentation to the board highlighting projects within the Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) program. She said there are currently 66 students in the program, with a student teacher ratio of 22:1. Twelve middle school students also presented to the Board regarding their experiences during the current school year.

Financial and Enrollment Report (current fund balance $4.9 million; Student enrollment – 1152) presented by Dan Poolman, Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations.

The Board also approved twelve additional Memoranda regarding district policy on: updating the ‘Child Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Prevention’ policy; updating Conflicts of Interest/Principles of Operation as these apply to Enrollment policy; approving the Financial Education Mastery-Based Learning and Credit policy; approving the Students in or Released from an Institutional Education Facility policy; updating the Student Privacy and Searches policy; approving the new School Director Legislative Program policy; updating Students on Governing Boards policy; updating the Executive or Closed Sessions policy; updating the Infection Control Program policy; updating the Holidays – Leaves policy; updating the Temporary Administrators policy; approval of the School Bus Purchase.

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

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

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?   Yes
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

List any other concerns or observations: During the public comment period one person, Mark Eger [sic], identifying himself as the parent of a senior student athlete, requested that the board consider changing a policy that buses carrying students returning from extracurricular activities be allowed to stop for food. Director Willeford and Superintendent Moccia responded to the request. Willeford said that this issue was not considered a school board issue, as the board is not creating policy on it. Moccia clarified that this was an administrative decision based on both equity and cost issues.
Also, that exceptions are sometimes made for specific student trips. The Board’s Student representatives also advocated for food stops.
​
Observer E-mail: rbnporter81@gmail.com                       Date submitted:  March 26, 2023

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 3/20/2023
Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public):  Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Finance Director: Meredith Penny, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Langley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director: Inge Morascini, and members of Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission
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:
• Executive Director for Chamber of Commerce presented update. There was good news about six new businesses opened in the city and that there are calls everyday from other businesses interested the Langley area for their shops. Also, the chamber has recently incorporated a 501c3 under an exisiting 501c 6.
• New Business item regarding empty store fronts was presented by council member Cyr. Council member Salerno questioned if it was in the jurisdiction of the council to take action without further community input. It was decided to do more research on the matter.
• Council member Gill brought up a Discussion Item regarding Commission minutes. A motion was made and passed to add awareness of Commission minutes to the Consent Agenda.
• Community Planning Director asked council for approval to structure one year contract for a new Hearing Examiner. Two council members volunteered to help with next step in the hiring process. A second request was made for 1st and 2nd reading and implementation on Housing Action Plan to be in one meeting because of upcoming grant deadline. A motion was passed to approve request.
• Public Works Director Perry reported that the Whale Bell has been repaired and some work was needed for City Hall generator and a failure at the water pumphouse. The Puget Sound General Nutrient Permit Grant Agreement was signed. Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant funds have been matched. A motion was made and approved of funds to contract for reservoir cleaning.
• Members from Dismantling Systematic Racisim Commission made some comments during Chief Wasser's report time. There was a desire to learn more about process for community participation in police and state legislators communications.
• Mayor Chaplin called executive session with legal counsel about current or potential litigation RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) Council member Fleming mentioned she had other obligations and would not be in attendance.

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%2003%2020%20Council%20Packet.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? Yes -it was the last agenda item
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? Yes
For what reason? The mayor left the meeting for about 15 minutes after discussion of Commision Minutes to speak with legal counsel regarding exec session matter.

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail:  jrfic@yahoo.com                     Date submitted:  3/22/23

Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting:   Oak Harbor School District Board
Date of Meeting: 3-13-2023
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 (remotely at NAFIS – National Assn of Federally Impacted Schools - in D.C.), Asst. Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
3.01 Special recognition of Oak Harbor Intermediate School staff – Chandra Mays (Counselor), Grant Finney (Counselor), Charles Pabona (Library paraprofessional), Matthew Sionson (Media specialist), Aisha Mayfield (PTA), Victoria Brown (PTA), Jackie Moore (PTA)
4.02. Visitors. Employee Matthew Black – recognized PTA members again – add joy, thanked them. Parent Jason ? concerned about phones and other hand-held devices brought to school – video of child beaten up in bathroom, premeditated 3-minute video, Tik Tok
5.01 Superintendent’s report –
Recognized classified staff for Appreciation Week
Read across America – shoutout to Elementary staff in making literacy exciting
Student voices – what students have to tell us:
      2-3 things that help you learn
      What are things that make it hard for you to learn?
      2-3 things that an adult says or does that makes you feel like you belong or don’t belong
      Can you share your experience accessing adults in your building to support safety
      If you could change or improved one thing about your school or district…
      How do you make others feel like they belong?
Intervention support:
      Mental health
      Prevention measures
      Academic support
      Belonging
Budget priorities:
      Covid recovery – deans, mental health, MTSS (Multi-tiered system of supports)
      Student safety
      Tighten work around literacy/math and interventions
NAFIS Advocacy (D.C.) -Superintendent will meet with Patty Murray and Pentagon Director to
talk about bond support and creative options. NAFIS to request support for $70 million increase
for Impact Aid for FY 2024 for basic support, federal property, construction, children with disabilities.
School Safety Community Forum – OHPS and OHPD. March 28 at 6 p.m. in Administrative Services Building. Public can submit questions https://bit.ly/schoolsafetyforum2023 Purpose is to learn more about school safety planning – can attend remotely.
7.01 Oak Harbor Intermediate School Annual Report Better together SY 2022.
Supportive relationships and belonging:
 Green forms – student completed incident reports - get back to students in 48 hours
 Student support teams – observing teachers develop behavior plan with teachers
 Characterstrong lessons
 ASB socials and assemblies
 OHI Family/staff night coming up in April
 Staff secret pal and potlucks
 Classified staff training
Focus on reading – group work, book tasting, staff book picks, one school/one book
Community connections – PTA, Pacific Science Center, Superheroes STEM, Whidbey Grace, Whidbey Presbyterian
Question from Director Hallahan about cell phone policy at OHI – no access to cell phone (some
accommodations if needed), must be in backpack – works well
8.01 CTE Shop Building proposal update presented by Ray Cone
Increase of 37% from 2013-2022, 1427 to 1960 student seats filled each day, primarily engineering and manufacturing, added 20’ x 80’ tent and surplused school bus for storage.
Proposal: 40’ x 100’ metal building - $300,000. $250,000 from Facilities Capital Projects,
$50,000 CTE integration and work-site learning, local contractors working with students, comply
with L&I, OSHA, OSPI guidelines. To start summer or fall 2023. Per Michelle – ready to move forward.
9.01 Legislative update. HB 1238 School meals -advanced with bipartisan support
12.01 Board comments. Director Hallahan recommended looking at reducing carbon footprint by developing long term options and setting a goal starting with a transportation workshop.
Requested as an agenda item at May board meeting
13.01 Upcoming meetings. Monday March 27 and April 10.

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?    YES 
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? Possibly publicize the School Safety Community Forum on March 28 to League membership

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?   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:

Observer E-mail:       bbolte@comcast.net                          Date submitted:  3-14-2023

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 3/6/2023
Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public):  Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Chair Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission: Chris Carlson
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:
• Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair Chris Carlson provided semi-annual update on commission work and proposed plan for work priorities for 2023. The Chair also presented 2nd reading of City Administrator/Clerk Position. The hiring was discussed at length on details of the position. A member of the public commented via zoom that it would be better to have a few positions created versus this one hire and would be best to table the hiring until new Finance Director could provide input. The Chair also provided recommendations for Mayor and City Council compensation changes.
• Mayor Chaplin brought up new business item regarding Holidays of Note. He mentioned he had opened meeting showing a picture of some of the women founders of Langley in honor of Women's History Month. The Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission had sent a memo with suggestions of certain holidays and actions that could be enacted by the city (p.77 of link provided to meeting agenda). A speaker for Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission was present via zoom and mentioned the memo was the minimum to be done. The council discussed the issue more and came up with the idea of starting a taskforce for future action.
• Council members Cyr and Fleming said they enjoyed attending tribal gathering ceremony. Council member Selerno mentioned that because of problem with arrival of totem pole at the Langley gathering there is a second date scheduled for Lummi House of Tears Carvers ceremony with totem pole on 3/11 at Callen's restaurant in Coupeville.
• Council member Cyr announced Island Transit Board of Directors approval of implementation of Zero Emissions Transition Plan https://irp.cdnwebsite.com/ac3d33af/files/uploaded/Press%20Release_Zero%20Emissions%20Transition_030623.pdf
• Council member Fleming reported on attending Planning Advisory Board meeting and that there is progress being made with affordable housing in Langley

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/Final%20Draft%202023%2003%2006%20Council%20Packet.pdf

Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agendaitems 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? No
For what reason? n/a

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail:  jrfic@yahoo.com                     Date submitted:  3/9/23