Oak Harbor School Board, February 13, 2023

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