Oak Harbor School District, June 26, 2023

​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