Oak Harbor School District, May 22, 2023

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