South Whidbey School Board, April 26, 2023

​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.
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Observer E-mail:    conners@whidbey.com               Date submitted:  05/01/2023