Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting: South Whidbey School Board Date of Meeting: Feb. 18, 2024 Members present: Directors Andrea Downs, Joseph Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford, Superintendent Josephine P. Moccia, Student Members Katya Schiavone and Carter McKnight, Principals John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, Assistant Superintendent Dan Poolman, and Communications Director Kristina Macarro. Members absent: None Others present (staff, media, public): Representatives from two companies (OAC and Parametrix) publicly bidding on accomplishing bond process for SWSD. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: SWSD chose Parametrix (https://www.parametrix.com/) as the Owner Representative to manage the bond process for the district. Tom Rooks, AIA, LEED AP, will be the lead Project/Construction Manager. Board members heard presentations made by both companies during an Executive Session held just prior to their public vote. Due to frozen pipes and inclement weather, the last day of school may move past the planned date of June 14, into the next week. Superintendent Moccia said that to make up for three days of school closure, students will be attending school on the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend (May 24) and may be required to add a few days onto the end of the school year, depending upon whether the state Office of Public Instruction grants a waiver to the district, based on its policy of ‘extraordinary circumstances’ affecting the required 180 days of school. During the SWSD Financial and Enrollment report, Assistant Superintendent Poolman outlined concerns about a predicted drop in state funding based on declining district enrollment and “broken funding models” being considered by the legislature. Two Bills proposed by the state legislature could contribute to this drop- HB 2494 (addressing ‘materials, supplies and operating costs, or MSOC) and HB2180 (addressing special education funding). Specifically, neither the funds covering MSOC,’ nor those for special ed would keep up with the district’s needs, according to Poolman. For example, he said the 2% state increase for the MSOC funding does not consider the actual purchase costs, nor the cost of utilities and insurance. Poolman said that even though the district’s student population is gradually declining, the 15,000 sq ft of building space still requires the same utility use (heating/cooling). Regarding special education, he said the district is at the cap of 15% of its population in this segment, and that the state formula is unfortunately not based on increasing the funding amount per student. If the district should exceed the 15% population mark, then the funding would need to be divided equally among these special ed students, reducing the amount available for each student. Fund Balances Summary Fund 1/31/24 General Fund $ 4,780,449.51 Capital Projects Fund $2,670,905.64 Debt Service Fund $ 86,677.32 Associated Student Body Fund $ 108,141.67 Transportation Fund $682,231.96 Private Purpose Trust Fund $ 809,919.33 Enrollment Summary FTE Budget for 23-24 Feb 2024 Sept 2023 YTD Avg Enrollment 1,106.00 1,122.79 1,122.29 1,120.25 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? Yes If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? I recommend the LWV study both HB 2494 and HB 2180, to determine their potential impact on SWSD. Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes 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 (on publicly bid contract/ bidder presentations) 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
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