​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?    YES     NO  
 
Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? 

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

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

​Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting: Jan. 25, 2023
Date of Meeting: Jan. 25, 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 Brook Willeford were present. Dr. Jo Moccia,
Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations, Dan Poolman,
were also in attendance.

Members absent: Unknown.

Others present (staff, media, public): Rachael Mathews, Food Service Supervisor [with
students Grant and Tevron]; Mark Hodson, SWHS Social Studies teacher; Val Brown
and Sue Ann Brewer, Librarians.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
Financial and Enrollment Report (expenditures $6.7 million; Students – 1145 year
average);

Memorandum 22/23 – 14 (Resolution 668) was passed which designates certain
expenditures for potential reimbursement from bonds or other obligations. This allows
for the school district to be reimbursed for architectural work and other soft costs by
bond monies when/if the future school bond measure is approved by voters.
The Board also approved ten other Memoranda regarding policies on: the Transitional
Bilingual Instructional Program; Guidance and Counseling – Learning Programs and
Supports; Suicide Prevention; Students in (Foster) Out of Home Care; Language
Access; Hiring of Retired School Employees; Substitute Employment; Rental or Lease
of District Real Property; Nutrition, Health, and Physical Education; and approval of a
Board Regionalization letter to be sent to WA state legislators.

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?    YES  
If ‘yes’, what action do you recommend?
I would recommend that the LWV study the WA Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) policy on “Regionalization” that will result in the loss of $4 million over the next four years to the South Whidbey School District.
The SWSD asserts that this policy does not reflect the intent of the WA State Supreme
Court’s McCleary decision [In the McCleary case, the court ruled that the WA state
constitution requires the state to pay for all basic education costs and found that too
many school districts were instead covering basic education costs using local levy
dollars to do that]. SWSB voted in Memorandum 22/23 – 15 to send a letter to legislators to this regard.

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? 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? For what reason? No

List any other concerns or observations: NA

Observer E-mail: rbnporter81@gmail.com                       Date submitted:  Jan. 25, 2023