Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting: Oak Harbor School Board Date of Meeting: 5/22/23 Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Nicole Tesch, Jessica Aws, Sharon Jensen, Thinalyn Ramier: student, Josiah Villano: student Members absent: Others present (staff, media, public): Dr. Tammy Campbell: CEO of The Scholar First, Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Asst Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom, Vicky Williams (Financial reports) Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: 2.01 Strategic Planning overview with Dr. Tammy Campbell, CEO of The Scholar First - Provided overview of process - Shared guiding principles – anchored by student voice - Research: Battelle Research on High Performing districts, Districts that Succeed - University of Chicago Consortium on School Research - Strategic Plan alignment with less goals for laser focus, better collaboration, students at center of goals - will be in Oak Harbor listening to students, staff, and families. Then they will do a survey of all to come up with themes which will determine goals, metrics, and outcomes in 4 areas: 1.Whole child – social and belonging, 2. Early learning, 3. Grade level competency, 4. College and career -Strategic plan is typically 5 years 5.01 Student rep report. Graduation is June 10 5.02 Visitors: Board President reminded that Board members do not respond to visitor comments and comments are limited to 3 minutes. -Grace Jones – Drama: students went to State Thespian Festival at WWU and saw cutting of Laramie Project. It is #7 most produced high school play. Drama Club students voted to do the show in 2023-24 at OHHS but it was rejected by school administration. Grace was cut off at 3 minutes. -Eclipse Garrett - They are aware that the board may not be able to overturn administrations rejection. She listed other play possibilities and reasons why not to do them – Marian, The True Tale of Robin Hood, She Kills Monsters, Little Women, Almost Maine, Clue. Whidbey Playhouse has offered support at their venue. 11.02 Public hearing: General Fund Budget Extension. No one signed up to speak. 11.03 2022-23 General Fund Budget Extension. Resolution 22-25 approved. 12.01 Superintendent comments: -Building projects – Governor signed legislation, money release is end of July, state and federal money needs to be coordinated. - May-June – meeting with Crescent Harbor and Hand-in-Hand/Home Connections staff, hire project manager - July-August – finalize architectural plans - September-November – begin site preparation work, call for committee applicants - April 2024 – send out invitation for construction bids Year end community mailer going out about strategic plan, what next year looks like 13.01 Board comments. Board members commented on activities and work with students including many positive statements about students, but no one addressed the comments by student visitors about the rejection of the Laramie Project. It is not clear why the board members do not respond to visitor comments, especially students, after hearing that emphasis on students is the starting point of goals in the upcoming strategic plan. 14.01 Upcoming board meetings are June 12 and 26 at 6 pm 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 - lasted almost an hour Was there adequate opportunity for public input? 3 minutes not adequate for visitors in this meeting, but it is the rule 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: See 13.01 Observer E-mail: bbolte@comcast.net Date submitted: 5/26/23
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Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 5/15/2023 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. Sara Springer from Ogden Murphy and Wallace and staff members from Langley Library. 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: -Public comment period included Jill Edwards announcing the organization of a pride parade for July of this year. It will be the first pride parade since 2008. -Council member Cyr announced Island Transit to add new routes and to be running routes on Sundays. He encouraged everyone to show support and get on a bus June 4th - the first Sunday the buses are to add routes. -Mayor Chaplin reported that the Association of Washington Cities will have an annual conference in Spokane June 22 and member cities can send three representatives to vote. He suggested council may find 3 volunteers to send at the next meeting. https://wacities.org/events-education/conferences/awc-annual-conference -Ordinances for changes to Mayor and council members salary were voted on and passed. -Ordinance to establish Advisory Climate Crisis Action Commission was voted on and passed as well. -Community Planning Director Meredith Perry updated council that the State Environmental Policy Act notice for the Housing Action Plan has been posted for public comment and will conclude May 22. A poll is to be sent out this week to Planning Advisory Board and Council to gather feedback on proposed housing changes. -The options for removal of city documents for remodeling of Langley library were discussed at length with a detailed power point presentation by Mayor Chaplin. Progress was made in deciding temporary storage and the hiring of digitization specialists. -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 science and water experts. https://soundwaterstewards.org/event/whidbeys-water-future-in-a-changing-climate-2/ 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. Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-05-15%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? 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: 5/21/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 5/1/2023 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, Sara Springer from Ogden Murphy and Wallace, Inge Morascini from Lodging Tax Advisory Commission and staff members from Langley Library. Many members of public. 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's report: City has finished hiring a Hearing Examiner. Langley is now a heritage area due to Marine Heritage Event funded by the National Park Service. The mayor attended a Rick Larsen event and learned that due to infrastructure bill there will be availability of money that the city needs to prepare for to be eligible. -There was a first reading regarding Ordinance to decrease the Mayor's salary and during discussion one member of the public voiced concern that lowering of salary would not be good for the city. -There was a first reading for Ordinance to raise council members salary. -There was a first reading for Ordinance to establish Advisory Climate Crisis Action Commission. Council members had differing opinions whether adding more commissions would be more costly and add work to already strained staff. There were ideas put forth that the committee could get more done faster if the organization did not become a commission. Public members voiced concerns and input ideas as well to possible options going forward. -Public Works director Perry updated council of Use Efficiency Goal Resolution and goal to reduce residential water use by 12/2028 to meet WA State requirement. -Mayor presented ideas on Water Use Efficiency Goal Task Force. The mayor suggested looking into consultants for help in evaluation of the matter. Some council and members of Public Works Advisory Commission discussed the current ongoing work that has been completed and plans for future. Some ideas expressed concern that consultants would not be helpful at this time. -The remodeling of Langley library in the near future is necessitating the removal of city documents from their current storage in basement of library. Library staff members attended in person to present possible plans and options for council to help with this upcoming work. A member of the Finance and Personnel Legislative Commission presented some concerns on the financing of the project. The member was careful to state they were a member of FPLC but were not representing on behalf of FPLC at this meeting. -Lodging Tax Advisory Commision chair Inge Morascini presented options for replacing Langley Billboard Sign on Hwy 525 that has been damaged. 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023%2005%2001%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 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? List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 5/3/23 Name of Observer: Diana M Conners
Observed Meeting: So Whidbey School District Directors Meeting Date of Meeting: April 26, 2023 Members present: Andrea Downs, Joe Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford, Supt. Jo Moccia, Student members: Audrey Gmerek and Katya Schiavone Members absent: Others present (staff, media, public): Principals: John Patton, Kayla Phillips, Dr. Jeff Frankhauser, Asst Supt Dan Poolman, Communications Director, Kristina Macarro and approximately 30 members of the community. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: Presentation of spending over past year…A preliminary budget for 2023/24 was presented. Enrollment/ Down 46 for next year… Program reductions–many that will affect students, no district funding for Running Start Program… About 11 community members, coaches, parents, and students spoke to the new decision that forbids buses returning from athletic events from stopping on the way home for food/snacks/drinks. 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? Learn more about budget cuts/program reductions—Watch discussions on the new budget. Possibly conduct meetings with individual members of the school board or have them speak at an event. 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? There could have been more discussion, but there may not have been the time. Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes. There was an Executive Session following the Board Meeting. 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: There was a great deal of public protest against new budget cut regarding stops for athletic buses returning from sporting events. Quite a lot of protest regarding the quality of school programs… Comments on ration of district management to budget problems and need for cuts… One person stated that this Supt earns more than the Governor of WA. Observer E-mail: conners@whidbey.com Date submitted: 05/01/2023 Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting: Oak Harbor School District Board Date of Meeting: 4-24-2023 Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Nicole Tesch, Jessica Aws, Thinalyn Ramier, student: Josiah Villano. Members absent: Sharon Jensen Others present (staff, media, public): Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Asst. Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: 3.01 Recognition of Erica Schulle by Principal Salisbury - PBS/KCTS one of top educators of the year in the state - Golden Apple Moments Award. 3.02 Recognition of Oak Harbor High School staff: Chris Whiteman – CTE. Choices program staff: Nelson Rusche, David Thompson, Margo Lanier, Angiey Ward, Les Richardson, Dorothy Rotter, Vanessa Showalter, Kelley Evans. 4.02 Visitors: President Goebel announced that visitors are heard at board meetings (3 minutes) but board does not respond, they take notes and listen at the meeting. Two visitors signed up but did not attend. 5.01 Superintendent’s report: “Legislation Matters” – Hand-in-Hand, Crescent Harbor Elementary, Home Connection were funded in capital budget, $13.5 million for Crescent Harbor. Support from Ron Muzzall, Dave Paul, and Clyde Shavers. Budget overview – maintain people and programs, condense services. Finalizing classified staffing. Kindergarten registration – 45% increased registration from last year, have online enrollment, developing an Early Learning Task Force. 7.01 Oak Harbor High School Annual Report: School Improvement Plan – Goal #1 – Improve supportive relationships from 78% to 82% by spring. Goal #2 – claim/evidence/reasoning. Goal #3 math passing rate – still have a lot of work to do. Goal #4 graduation passing rate from 93.2% to 94 % - state average is 82%. Supportive relationships –sense of belonging in 4 areas · Student to student · Student to staff · Student to career · Students to community Next steps: implementing AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), restarting Character Strong, roll out MTSS (muti-tiered system of support) ingredients. 7.02 CAPE Club: Presented by Zoe. Community Awareness Peer Educators. Spreading awareness about substance use prevention, peer pressure, social norms, and media literacy. 9.01 Board policy updates: Dwight Lundstrom. Change from student board member invited to attend board meetings to expected. Student privacy – 18 year olds and up have control of their records, 14 and older have confidentially rights related to STDs, 13 and older have confidentiality rights related to drugs, alcohol and mental health treatment, all students have rights to family planning records. Student searches – establish reasonable suspicion grounds, search done by principal or designee (dean). Can conduct search of car or backpack or container if there is reasonable suspicion. Lockers and desks can be searched anytime. Staff continue to be mandatory reporters – for negligence, injury, sexual abuse. Training for staff included. Non-discrimination statement for use of facilities. Covid vaccination requirement removed. 14.01 Upcoming meetings. Board Meetings: Monday, May 8 at 5 p.m - study session, May 22 Board Meeting at 6 p.m. Student Voice Roundtables: May 18 at 11 a.m. and May 23. 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? No Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes, agenda, past meeting minutes, board member names, and livestream link. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No List any other concerns or observations: Slides are very easy to see online, but the video is small and difficult to view. Some acronyms used that are not always spelled out e.g. MTSS, AVID. Observer E-mail: bbolte@comcast.net Date submitted: 4-25-2023 Name of Observer: Judy Hucka
Observed Meeting: WbidbeyHealth Board of Commissioners Date of Meeting: 04/20/2023 Members present: All five commissioners were present: President Ron Wallin, Gregory Richardson, James Golder, Morgan Cooper, Eric Anderson. Members absent: 0 Others present (staff, media, public): Staff members present: Dr. David Lemme (Chief of Staff), John Freeman (Associate Vice President of HealthTech Management Services), Shanna Harney-Bates (Quality), Dr. Garth Miller (COO), Paul Rogers (Finance), Tim Waldner (IT/Ancillary Services), Curtis Shumate (Nursing), LaJolla Peters (HR). New CEO Nathan Staggs attended remotely via Zoom but had a poor connection. Member of the public: Vicki McFarland. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: Electronic health records consulting contract. This is a $2.455 million 16-month contract with the consulting firm Tegria to provide consulting for the implementation of a new electronic health records system. The hospital district is migrating from two disparate EHR systems to a single integrated platform (Meditech) and upgrading from Meditech 6.08 to Meditech Expanse. Commissioner Gregory Richardson raised concerns that he had not been given adequate time to review the proposed contract, which had been reviewed and recommended by the Finance Committee. He noted that he did not intend to be a “rubber stamp” for staff recommendations and that the commissioners’ job is governance and oversight. He asked that in the future commissioners be given at least two days before a meeting to review complicated and high-cost contracts and other proposals before being asked to vote on them. CEO Staggs agreed that information should be provided earlier. However, he said that multiple people with multiple areas of expertise were involved in recommending the contract. After some discussion, Richardson said he supported the contract and it was approved unanimously. Medical staffing. Both Chief Operating Officer Dr. Garth Miller and Executive Director of Nursing Curtis Shumate noted some progress in hiring doctors, physician’s assistants and nurses to address what is a nationwide shortage of medical providers. Shumate noted that he is continuing to work to reduce the need to use expensive traveling nurses. There was mention of increased workplace violence and behavioral problems; staff is monitoring this situation and implementing training to deal with it. Financial status. John Freeman and Paul Rogers noted continuing improvement in financial status, with several key indicators favorable over the same time last year. A report from state auditors is to be given tomorrow (April 21) and the commissioners plan to attend. It was determined this was not a public meeting. Commissioners Comments: Commissioners noted that it has been one year since the hospital contracted with HealthTech to provide management services. They agreed this has brought the hospital to a much better position, but they would like a report on the total costs of this arrangement. Several times during the meeting, commissioners noted that the hospital is in much better shape than a year ago and that most of the serious problems (financial, management, staffing) are behind it. Executive Session. The Board clearly advertised an executive session for “education” with legal adviser Brad Berg. No more specific topic for the executive session was stated. When the board came out of executive session, Board President Wallin stated that no votes had been taken or decisions made. List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: NONE 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes, but no supporting documentation. Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed? Tegria contract was not listed on the agenda. Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes, there was a bit more discussion than the previous meeting I attended. Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes. For “education” with legal adviser Brad Berg. Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Not that I could find. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No List any other concerns or observations: The Board of Commissioners, with leadership team and staff, meets in person at WH’s Health Education Center. I attended online via Zoom. Because of the way the camera was set up, it was difficult to see who was speaking and was also difficult to hear at times. Members of the Board of Commissioners were not introduced and did not appear to have nameplates so it is difficult to identify who was who. It would probably be better to attend these meetings in person. The most important item discussed at the meeting, the $2.4 million contract with Tegria, was not listed on the agenda made available to the public. I intend to follow up to get a copy of the state auditors’ report. Board President Ron Wallin made it clear that public input was welcome and appreciated. Several other commissioners also mentioned they valued public comment. Several staff members gave reports and shared various documents on the screen, but copies of reports were not readily provided on the website, so it was difficult to see the details. Most likely I could ask for copies of these reports. Observer E-mail: judy.hucka@gmail.com Date submitted: 04/21/2023 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 4/17/2023 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, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Commissioner Port of South Whidbey 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: -Chamber of Commerce Inge Morascini provided update on local business. -Planning Director Penny presented interim zoning amendments for automobile detailing and Multi-Family performance standards for mixed-use development. Both amendments passed. -Public Works Director Perry presented information on Water Use Efficiency Goal Resolution. -Greg Easton, Commissioner for Port of South Whidbey was present to follow up on application that was submitted August of 2022. There is funding available for proposal of housing on fairgrounds but need zoning changes in timely manner or will lose money. Planning Director Perry explained the application process was slowed because of tax issues with company processing application. It was decided as long as the Port has evidence of the proceedings in process that would suffice for near term. If tax issue continues longer, Penny will take up work on application until the tax matter is solved. -Chief Wasser announced the police department was awarded a grant for training program. The department is developing recruiting effort to fill openings in the civil service commission that by law need to be filled. The department is searching for a new vehicle and pros and cons of using EV automobiles were discussed. -Finance director Grone mentioned there is need to have a different person other than herself for accounts payable because it opens city to potential for fraud charges. Grone is currently working to close year-end balance as well and that is a time-consuming task. The director also mentioned that the city uses a lot of volunteers and there is a need for these hours to be recorded quarterly. 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/Updated%202023%2004%2017%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? 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 List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 4/20/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 4/10/2023 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, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, and members of Climate Crisis Action 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: Speakers for Climate Crisis Action Commission presented power point slides on current and future work that city is doing to be good stewards of the environment. There was mention of available federal funding for green projects and that the creation of a climate action plan would be needed to be eligible for this funding. Also, an invitation was extended to an upcoming seminar to be held 6/10 on Whidbey's Water Future. Community Planning Director Penny proposed two interim zoning amendments. One amendment regarding regulations for automobile detailing land use and the second regarding performance standards multi-family. Both amendments were passed. Council member Salerno opened follow up discussion on Holiday Recognition. Council member Cyr suggested the following of recommendations outlined by Dismantling Systemic Racisim Commission. Council member Bobis referenced Kirkland's city council ethic rules as a model for Langley to look for updating current code. Council member Gill suggested he and Bobis review the ethics code together to see what needs to be addressed. 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. Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes: https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-04-10%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? 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 List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 4/12/23 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 |
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