South Whidbey School Board, May 24, 2023

Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting:   South Whidbey School Board 
Date of Meeting: May 24, 2023

Members present: Andrea Downs Policy Representative, School Board Director - District 2; Joe Greenheron WIAA Representative, School Board Director - District 1; Marni Jackson School Board Director - District 4, Legislative Representative; Ann Johnson Vice Chair/Board Auditor, School Board Director - District 5; Brook Willeford Chair/President, School Board Director – District; Dr. Josephine (Jo) Moccia superintendent South Whidbey School District; Audrey Gmerek and Katya Schiavone, student members; John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, Principals; Dan Poolman Assistant Superintendent; Kristina Macarro Communications Director.

Members absent:

Others present (staff, media, public): Student Carter McKnight; Emmy Atwood School Nurse teacher/practitioner; Shawn Morris Island County Public Health Director; Laura Davenport, Ali Doleshel, Amanda Pitts, Denice Bochantin, Charlene Davenport, Tatiana Hoshiko, Jen Lariff, members of the public.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

Three main issues focused on by South Whidbey School District Board members during the May 24 meeting were:
 Results of a local community survey showing that the top chronic conditions experienced by SWSD students and staff are “anxiety, stress and depression.” The survey is part of a ‘Needs Assessment’ for school-based health center planning. Currently, the school district only has funding to staff school-based healthcare for one half day per week, which is intended to cover student and staff needs for the whole school district. SWSD School Nurse Emmy Atwood and Island County Public Health Director Shawn Morris presented survey results. Morris states that Island County currently falls below the state average in health services, meaning that it is an “underserved area.” He encourages those interested to serve on a proposed advisory group to increase access to care for both physical and mental health. To volunteer, contact Jen Kerez at j.krenz@islandcountywa.gov

 The district’s budget continues to be adversely affected by inflation, declining enrollment (since the 1990s), and loss of federal funds (pandemic aid). Board members encouraged the public to attend the upcoming SWSB workshop on July 12, to hear the budget presentation for the upcoming school year. A final budget is due to OSPI (Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) by August. A recent failed school bond vote will also be discussed at that meeting. Regarding that April 2023 vote, Willeford reported that the bond received 1201 more ‘yes’ votes than ‘no’ votes, and that the
measure was “129 votes short of the state requirement of 60% plus one.”

 During the public comment period, several parents and one teacher voiced concerns that the Alternative Learning Experience program (ALE) could potentially face staffing cuts, due to budget constraints. Several referred to the popularity of this program as it is experiencing a long wait list made up of parents and students who wish to be part of it. Superintendent Moccia responded that no decisions have been made on staffing cuts, as the SWSD budget is still “a work in progress.” Also, that she is currently working with Mrs. Richards on the ALE wait list.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 

These are the primary LWV positions which pertain to state funding of education, which directly
apply to several of the issues raised during this meeting:
 K-12–2: The state has the responsibility for amply funding both education, through the BEA, and those social services needed to ensure that every child regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability is ready to learn and safe in his or her educational environment. Closer links between schools and social services should be forged. (1991, 1997)
K-12–3: All programs mandated by the legislature should be fully funded by the state. (1975)
K-12–4: Maintenance and operation costs of local school districts should be fully funded by the state. The state should also contribute to the costs of in-service training. (1977, 1991)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?     
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? Yes, specifically studying the impact on students of
below average state funding for healthcare in school-based services,

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, before and after the SWSB meeting to discuss
personnel issues.
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: NA

Observer E-mail:  rbnporter81@gmail.com                                       Date submitted:  6/1/23