Oak Harbor School Board, March 27, 2023

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