​Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting:   Oak Harbor School Board
Date of Meeting: 6/26/2023
Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Nicole Tesch, Jessica Aws, Sharon Jensen
Members absent: Student board members not required in summer
Others present (staff, media, public):  Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Asst Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
4.01 No visitors

5.01 Superintendent’s report
iReady Reading Trend K-8 Data
-All elementary schools have positive growth overall in meeting proficiency in reading since 2019-20 (up 10%)
-OHI grades 5-6 up +1%, NWMS grades 7-8 down -2% since 2020, up in 2023 for grades 5-8
-Cabinet calibration – Superintendent, principals, board members worked with consultant – looked at successes and challenges. As a cabinet, “we believe all students are uniquely different and can succeed through high quality educational opportunities in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.” All are reading “Leadership on the Line” by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky.
-Crescent Harbor Elementary and Hand in Hand/Home Connections milestones: Schematic design documents – 8/15/2023o 1st advertisement for bids – 3/27/2024
-Board approval of construction contract -5/12/2024
-Substantial completion of new building – 6/30/2025
-1st day of school in new building – 9/2/2025
-Final completion of construction – 10/31/2025
-Hiring a consultancy group for construction because there are 2 projects to merge, and the reporting and reimbursement required because of grants (not through OSPI as usual for construction)
-RFP going out on July 24, 2023
-Proposals due Aug 11
-Board approval on Aug 28

6.01 WSSDA Fall 2023 Conference Attendance – moved and passed that registration for 5 directors ($540 each) and two student board members would be funded. It is an opportunity for board professional development, outcome of election is unknown by the time of early registration, and conference on west side saves travel costs.

11.02 2023-24 Draft Budget All Funds - Draft budget reviewed, what’s on pages outlined but $$ figures not shown in meeting. Presumably the document was available to board members. It was stated that enrollment drives revenues and student needs drive expenditures. Reductions in staff have not resulted in decreases in salaries/benefits. Currently, salaries and benefits are 88.19% of budget.

13.01 Upcoming meetings – July 31 at noon by Google Meet, regular board meetings -Aug 14 and 28 at 6 pm

14.01 Executive Session to review the performance of a Public Employee

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
(League positions can be found here.

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:
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? Yes
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? No visitors
Was background material available to the public? Yes, except for a copy of the 2023-24 Draft Budget      All Funds
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: bbolte@comcast.net                           Date submitted:  6/28/23

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 6/20/2023
Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public):  Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Temporary Clerk: Christian Abraham, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Main St Assoc Executive Director: Nicole Johnson, and public participants
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:
• Jill Edwards, who is spearheading pride parade on July 8, updated council on details of the event. State Senator Marko Liias is to be Grand Marshall of the parade. There will be music, food and booths after the parade with Senator Liias and others speaking. Facebook site is South Whidbey Pride for more information.

• Mayor Chaplin informed council that boxes needing to be moved for library renovation continue to be sorted and asked for approval of $200/month storage rent at Langley Methodist Church. Request was approved.

• Planning Director Penny shared power point on City of Langley Housing Action Plan and asked for Hearing and passage of Resolution and Ordinances pertaining to HAP and adoption of new definitions for Langley Municipal Code - regarding land use categories and emergency housing among others - to be done at same time. The request was made to meet grant deadline and was approved.

• Planning Director Penny also requested change in fee schedule for commercial solar array permitting because of discrepancy between what county and city charge. The request was approved.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
(League positions can be found here.
Economic & Social Justice
Fair & Adequate Revenue
Energy

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 – 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:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes -
     https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-06-20%20COUNCIL%20PACKET.pdf
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to amended agenda.
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  No
Was there adequate discussion of issues?  Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes - an executive session was called to discuss potential litigation per RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 42.30.110(1)(i)
     https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.30.110
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes - see link above
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com                                           Date submitted:  6/23/2023

​Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting:   Oak Harbor School Board
Date of Meeting: 6/12/2023
Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Nicole Tesch, Jessica Aws, Sharon Jensen,
Josiah Villano, student
Members absent:
Others present (staff, media, public):  Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Asst
Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom, Ray Cone, CTC
Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
4.01 Recognition of CTE Students of the Year – Cheyenne Pressley, Daniel Peterson.
4.02 Recognition of Garden Club
4.03 Recognition of Lions Club – Dwight Lundstrom and Robin White recognized the Club for
helping with student vision screening
4.04 The Superintendent recognized Employees of the Year:
 Dee Lee, Oak Harbor Intermediate School – Certificated Employee of the Year
 Zach Lizama, Warehouse worker – Classified Employee of the Year
 Tonia Johnston, Asst Director of Special Programs – Administrator of the Year
 Megan Kinghorn – Substitute
 Brandy Preston – Volunteer

 Andy Wesley - Coach
6. Superintendent’s report – this year started shift in language from “those” or “my students” to
“our students” across the system.
10.01 Student Support Report – Presented by Dwight Lundstrom.
-Reviewed Health Services:
 Regular – Diabetic care, head bumps, ice packs, stomach and headaches
 New – Absence mitigation, anxiety management, MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports)
teams
-There are 4 mental health counselors, with a grant through ESD 189 to add another.
-Discipline big picture comparing 18/19 school year with 22/23 school year:
 Middle school kids have had a tough time adjusting post-pandemic
 Bullying and substance abuse issues have increased
 Harassment and fighting violence have decreased

13.01 Board comments. Board President Goebel thanked the Superintendent and Asst.
Superintendent for meeting with students who spoke to the board at the last meeting about the
Laramie Project. Had some press coverage. They had a great meeting and will see end results
from the meeting. She said that even though the board is not obligated to respond during the
meeting, we will continue working hard to insure that our public feels that when they come and
we listen to their comments that we know there is going to be a response.
14.01 Upcoming board meeting - June 26 at 6 pm
15.01 Executive Session to review the Performance of the Superintendent
List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
(League positions can be found here: Positions - LWV Whidbey Island)
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:

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? Yes
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? No visitors
Was background material available to the public? yes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? no
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: bbolte@comcast.net                           Date submitted:  6/13/23

​Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 6/5/2023
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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Member of Public Skip Dellith (sp?), Civil Service Commission: Savannah Erickson, Parks & Open Space Commission Chair: Emily Gunn, Planning Advisory Commission Chair: Greg Easton
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:

• Mayor Chaplin opened meeting with mention of June being pride month. A pride
ally's flag was hung in the chamber in celebration.

• During public comment period Skip Delith(sp?) mentioned that the timeline for the Tiny Housing project was being drawn out and that there are residents who need to know if the occupancy permit will approved.

• Emily Gunn presented update the Parks & Open Space Commission work on maintenance of trails and parks. The commission is working to maintain grant status and plan to reach out to other nearby organizations with the similar goals.

• Greg Easton, chair of the Planning Advisory Commission, spoke to council on planned work for Housing Action Plan, Critical Area Ordinance, Emergency Transitional Housing, Tree Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan update, Bluff management, and South Whidbey Port Code amendment. He asked if the council wanted to hear more detail on Inclusionary Zoning reply to consultant's report.
Council voted no to hearing more at this meeting. Mayor scheduled Mr. Easton to return July 3rd for council to hear more information on the topic.

• Mayor Chaplin's report included mention of a grant being submitted for solar energy and some gaps in finances that can help address strengthening the local economy. Later in the discussion portion of the meeting he brought up items regarding decorum. He recited code entries pertaining to running of meeting and ethics. He stated the code entries were presented not due to any major transgressions, but to promote the city's ability to run business as efficiently as possible.
• Council member Salerno announced the upcoming Whidbey Water Story all day event that is a collaboration of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and Langley Climate Crisis Action Committe with scientist and water experts.
https://soundwaterstewards.org/event/whidbeys-water-future-in-a-changing-climate-2/

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
Economic and Social Justice
Energy
Fair and Adequate Revenue
Shores, Wetlands and Land Use

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 – 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:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes -
https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-06-05%20Council%20Packet_Redacted.pdf
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to amended agenda
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 link above
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com                                           Date submitted:  6/9/2023

Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting:   South Whidbey School Board 
Date of Meeting: May 24, 2023

Members present: Andrea Downs Policy Representative, School Board Director - District 2; Joe Greenheron WIAA Representative, School Board Director - District 1; Marni Jackson School Board Director - District 4, Legislative Representative; Ann Johnson Vice Chair/Board Auditor, School Board Director - District 5; Brook Willeford Chair/President, School Board Director – District; Dr. Josephine (Jo) Moccia superintendent South Whidbey School District; Audrey Gmerek and Katya Schiavone, student members; John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, Principals; Dan Poolman Assistant Superintendent; Kristina Macarro Communications Director.

Members absent:

Others present (staff, media, public): Student Carter McKnight; Emmy Atwood School Nurse teacher/practitioner; Shawn Morris Island County Public Health Director; Laura Davenport, Ali Doleshel, Amanda Pitts, Denice Bochantin, Charlene Davenport, Tatiana Hoshiko, Jen Lariff, members of the public.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

Three main issues focused on by South Whidbey School District Board members during the May 24 meeting were:
 Results of a local community survey showing that the top chronic conditions experienced by SWSD students and staff are “anxiety, stress and depression.” The survey is part of a ‘Needs Assessment’ for school-based health center planning. Currently, the school district only has funding to staff school-based healthcare for one half day per week, which is intended to cover student and staff needs for the whole school district. SWSD School Nurse Emmy Atwood and Island County Public Health Director Shawn Morris presented survey results. Morris states that Island County currently falls below the state average in health services, meaning that it is an “underserved area.” He encourages those interested to serve on a proposed advisory group to increase access to care for both physical and mental health. To volunteer, contact Jen Kerez at j.krenz@islandcountywa.gov

 The district’s budget continues to be adversely affected by inflation, declining enrollment (since the 1990s), and loss of federal funds (pandemic aid). Board members encouraged the public to attend the upcoming SWSB workshop on July 12, to hear the budget presentation for the upcoming school year. A final budget is due to OSPI (Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) by August. A recent failed school bond vote will also be discussed at that meeting. Regarding that April 2023 vote, Willeford reported that the bond received 1201 more ‘yes’ votes than ‘no’ votes, and that the
measure was “129 votes short of the state requirement of 60% plus one.”

 During the public comment period, several parents and one teacher voiced concerns that the Alternative Learning Experience program (ALE) could potentially face staffing cuts, due to budget constraints. Several referred to the popularity of this program as it is experiencing a long wait list made up of parents and students who wish to be part of it. Superintendent Moccia responded that no decisions have been made on staffing cuts, as the SWSD budget is still “a work in progress.” Also, that she is currently working with Mrs. Richards on the ALE wait list.

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

These are the primary LWV positions which pertain to state funding of education, which directly
apply to several of the issues raised during this meeting:
 K-12–2: The state has the responsibility for amply funding both education, through the BEA, and those social services needed to ensure that every child regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability is ready to learn and safe in his or her educational environment. Closer links between schools and social services should be forged. (1991, 1997)
K-12–3: All programs mandated by the legislature should be fully funded by the state. (1975)
K-12–4: Maintenance and operation costs of local school districts should be fully funded by the state. The state should also contribute to the costs of in-service training. (1977, 1991)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?     
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? Yes, specifically studying the impact on students of
below average state funding for healthcare in school-based services,

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

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
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? Yes, before and after the SWSB meeting to discuss
personnel issues.
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
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations: NA

Observer E-mail:  rbnporter81@gmail.com                                       Date submitted:  6/1/23