June 5, 2017

LogoSequim School District No. 323

“Inspire and Achieve” 

503 North Sequim Avenue, Sequim, WA 98382

Telephone: (360) 582-3260, FAX: (360) 683-6303, www.sequim.k12.wa.us


June 5, 2017

·         5:30PM – Retirement Reception for Marilyn Walsh, Administrative Assistant

        6:00 PM – Regular Board Meeting

 

CALL MEETING TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (REF. POLICY 1400/1420) 

President Robin Henrikson called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:05pm with all Board Members and Student Board members present.  The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.

PRESENT – A sign-in sheet was provided and those who wished to sign in are listed below:

Robin Henrikson, President                                        Jack Walsh

Heather Short, Vice-President                                    Patsene Dashiell, District Office

James Stoffer, Director                                              Nola Judd, Community Member

Brian Kuh, Director                                                     Doug DeIvernois, Community Member

Michael Howe, Director                                              Linda DeIvernois, Community Member

Kaylee Gumm, Student Board Representative          Scott Gordon, Anti-Racism Advocate

Téa Gauthun, Student Board Representative            Laurie Campen, Food Service

Ann Renker, Assistant Superintendent                       Eric Danielson, Citizens for Sequim Schools

Heidi Hietpas, Finance and Operations                      Lew Norris, Citizen

Paul Wieneke, Human Resources                             Pam Landoni, District Office             

                                                                                    Larry Jeffryes, Community Member

Gary Neal, Superintendent                                         David Engle, Friend

Marilyn Walsh, Administrative Assistant                     Caryn Little, Greywolf Elementary    

                                                                                    Damon Little, Sequim High School

                                                                                    Connie DeChant

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Director Stoffer moved to approve the Minutes from the May 15, 2017 Regular Board Meeting as presented.  Director Short seconded.  Vote taken; motion carried.

 

BOARD REORGANIZATION

It was necessary at this time to conduct the Reorganization of the Board by electing a new President and Vice-President.

President Henrikson called for nominations for President.  Director Stoffer nominated Vice-President Short for President.  President Henrikson asked again for any nominations for President.  Hearing none, President Henrikson asked once more for any nominations for President.  Hearing none, President Henrikson asked Vice-President Short if she accepted the nomination for President.  Vice-President answered ‘yes’.  A roll call vote was taken to approve Vice-President Short as President.  Director Howe voted ‘aye’; Director Kuh voted ‘aye’; Director Stoffer voted ‘aye’, Vice-President Short voted ‘aye’ and President Henrikson voted ‘aye’.  Vice-President Short was elected Board President.

 

President Short called for nominations for Vice-President.  Director Stoffer nominated Director Kuh for Vice-President.  President Short asked again for any nominations for Vice-President.  Hearing none, President Short asked once more for any nominations for Vice-President.  Hearing none, President Short asked Director Kuh if he accepted the nomination for Vice-President.  Director Kuh answered ‘yes’.  A roll call vote was taken to approve Director Kuh as Vice-President.  Director Howe voted ‘aye’; Director Kuh voted ‘aye’, Director Stoffer voted ‘aye’; Director Henrikson voted ‘aye’; President Short voted ‘aye’.  Director Kuh was elected Board Vice-President.        

 

CHANGES/ADDITIONS AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA (REF. POLICY 1420)

Vice-President Kuh moved to add item 11a to the agenda.  Director Henrikson seconded.  Vote taken; motion carried.

Director Stoffer moved to approve the agenda as amended.  Vice-President Kuh seconded.  Vote taken; motion carried.

 

STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE COMMUNICATION & STUDENT RECOGNITION

On behalf of the Board, Director Stoffer thanked Student Board Representative Kaylee Gumm for her two years of services and presented her with a thank you gift from the board.

 

Student Board Representative Téa Gauthun reported that there are three big things that stand out this week for Greywolf Elementary:  1. They have completed all state and district testing requirements.  This is a big deal and they would like to thank Jen Thompson and Trayce Norman for their hard work in this area!!  2.  They are excited to head to the stadium on Friday and be a part of the Grad Walk. They would like to thank Dr. Renker for her work to make this happen for Greywolf Elementary.  3.  They are in the throws of field trip-mania this week, with kids headed to Biz Town; Olympic National Park; the Port Angeles Bowling Alley; Salt Creek; the 5th graders to the Sequim Middle School, and participating in Grad Walk.  At Hellen Haller Elementary their gym was full of volunteers last Wednesday helping pack bags with books for the “Six Books for Summer” program. This program was funded by their PTO, Thrivent Financial and 1st Security Bank to inspire students to read over the summer and build their home libraries.  Every student at Haller gets to take home and keep 6 self-selected books.  Their last Cougar Shout Out breakfast of the year had about 150 people there to celebrate students.  They showcased students who received a ‘shout out’ for exhibiting respectful, responsible and safe behavior.  This week is Cougar Reading & Writing Conference Week.  It will wrap up Friday with a visit from author Mike Graf.  There will be 3 Recorder concerts in the evening this week.  Third, 4th & 5th grade students have been busy practicing for this event during music class with Mr. Hall.  At Helen Haller Elementary field trip season is in full swing.  Life Skills students went to the annual Corey’s Day at the farm and fishing trip.  The fifth grade moving on ceremony is June 16th with the traditional walk around the courtyard at 8:40.

 

Student Board Representative Kaylee Gumm reported that Sequim Middle School started a new tradition today enjoying their first ever Campus Day. The event is a cross between an elementary field day and Spring Fest. All students were able to participate in this wonderful event. A special thanks goes to the ASB advisor, Rick Miko and their ASB leadership students.  Nearly 3,000 state assessments are now completed at Sequim Middle School.  A special thanks goes out to their librarian, Elizabeth Lawson for her organization and leadership in this process. Students are now transitioning to district level assessments in Math & English Language Arts using the i-Ready system.  Students are working very hard right up to the end of school year. The F - Remedy process and summer school is certainly impacting their motivation to improve.  At Sequim High School the seniors would like to give a huge shout out to our community for all the scholarships that were awarded in scholarship night. In total the class of 2017 was awarded over 4 million dollars in scholarships!  Campus Day was June 2nd and was a good way for classes to fundraise after the senior recognition assembly.  Band has their last concert at 7pm on June 6th and choir has their final concert at 7pm on June 7th.  Graduation will be Friday, June 9th followed by a senior party for all the seniors.  Everyone is gearing up for summer and finals.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS - The Board believes that public comments are a very important connection between our community and the Board.  This time is set aside for receiving both written and oral communication.  President Short asked first for any comments regarding agenda items.  Hearing none, President Short next asked for any general comments.

 

Mr. Scott Gordon, parent of a high school student, relayed a few incidents of racism that have occurred at the high school and requested that the district make some sort of public statement denouncing racism in our schools.

 

Mr. Lew Norris congratulated the seniors who received over 4 million in scholarships and our community who supported them.

 

BOARD COMMUNICATION AND OTHER ITEMS

a.   Director Stoffer thanked Student Board Representatives Téa Gauthun & Kaylee Gumm for their recruiting efforts that garnered four excellent candidates for Student Board Representative for 2017-2019.  Director Stoffer then introduced Damon Little, our new Student Board Representative for 2017-2019.  Discussion followed.

b.   Director Howe thanked Administrative Assistant Marilyn Walsh for her service and wished her well in her retirement.  He also commended the community for their generosity in supporting our new graduates with over 4 million dollars in scholarships – that is impressive!

c.   Director Henrikson thanked Administrative Assistant Walsh for her work and echoed Director Howe’s comments regarding Scholarship Night – it was amazing!  She also enjoyed volunteering/participating in two field trips with her young children.

d.   Director Stoffer thanked Director Henrikson for her work as president, always putting students first and for her outreach to the community, and Administrative Assistant Walsh, for supporting the board in their work.  In the Legislature, the Second Special Session ends June 30.  A couple of bills have been re-introduced to the House and Senate Floor calendars which have the potential to be used as bargaining chips – House Bill 1046 Decoupling the ELA, Math and Science High School Testing assessments for Graduation; House Bill 1827 & Senate Bill 6455 -- Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Certification; House Bill 1508 -- Breakfast after the Bell; and House Bill 1600 -- Career & College Readiness.  The window for submitting WSSDA Legislative Proposals/resolutions closed on 2 June.  The WSSDA Timber Lands Trust Fund has one proposal in play re apportionment of the State Forest Timber Land’s revenue to Districts.  State Superintendent Reykdal met with the WSSDA Timber Lands Trust Fund regarding his seat on the Bureau of Natural Resources, with the goal of collaborating more between OSPI & the WSSDA Timber Land Task Force members.  Monthly meetings have been established seeking an understanding of the process around the apportionment revenue from State Trust Lands.  June 6 is the Bureau of Natural Resources’ Monthly Meeting, which Director Stoffer will be attending.  The focus of the meeting will be a deep dive on the SHS / Marbled Murrelet Plan & Arrearage question.  The Bureau of Natural Resources will be making a decision on one of the 6 options on July 12.  There is a Public Forum on Thursday, June 8 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm in the County Commissioner’s Board Room.  Commissioner Frantz will be presenting the Department of Natural Resources’ Rural Communities Partnership Initiative.  Director Stoffer is working to ensure that Educators were included at the table.  At the Federal Level it seems that the Rural Schools Act is back in play, which is related to the Federal Forest Revenue deduction.  WSSDA continues to seek a more permanent position that school districts would keep that funding instead of it being subtracted/deducted from the State Funding.  Director Stoffer has been invited to attend the National Advocates for School Trust Lands Conference in Salt Lake City in mid-July, right after the next WSSDA Leadership Class.  Director Stoffer attended the Governor’s Summit on Career Connected Learning along with Superintendent Neal, CTE Instructor Mr. Mahitka, and fellow Board Dir Kuh.  He found the discussions very beneficial.  Director Stoffer also attended the Strategic Planning Session; the Helen Haller Elementary Book Fair; Scholarship Night, the Senior Recognition Assembly and a performance by the Sequim High School Vocal Ensemble.  Director Stoffer plans on attending the ALE Audit Exit brief; rehearsal for Graduation and Graduation; the high school band and choir concerts; and the Moving On events at Greywolf Elementary, Helen Haller Elementary and the Middle School.  There is a School Board Candidate Training session scheduled for June 13th at 6pm at Port Angeles District Office.  Director Stoffer is heading up a Team for the Summer Lunch Program the week of July 3-8 and July 31 to August 4, and asked if anyone is interested in helping serve lunches on any of those days to please let him know.

e.     Vice-President Kuh thanked Administrative Assistant Walsh for her service and wished her well in retirement.  He also thanked both Kaylee Gumm and Téa Gauthun, stating that their service was what prompted him to run for School Board.  Vice-President Kuh has been participating in the Strategic Planning sessions.  He thanked all who have participated and reported that things continue to go well.  Vice-President Kuh participated in the Governor’s Summit on Career Connected Learning with the implementation of a statewide efforts and a task force, with financial support from private and nonprofit sectors to facilitate apprenticeship programs and internships.  He also commented on how inspiring Scholarship Night was, with our students receiving over 4 million in financial support.  Vice-President Kuh participated in a roundtable discussion with Representative Derek Kilmer, where the topics of discussion included workforce training; affordable housing; mental health / social resources for schools; access to broadband for rural communities, and critical infrastructure investments.  He also attended an “Eat Local First” roundtable hosted by Sustainable Connections, a Port Townsend Food Co-Op.  Vice-President Kuh talked with Stacey Larsen, the Port Townsend School District Food Service Director re: Farm to School Options. 

f.      President Short thanked Administrative Assistant Marilyn Walsh for her service and Kaylee Gumm, wishing her well in her upcoming college experience.  President Short suggested that our Student Board Representatives be invited to attend the Annual WSSDA Conference being held in Bellevue this year, November 16-19.  Discussion followed.  President Short’s family attended the STEAM Powered events at Greywolf Elementary and had high praise for the many, fun activities available.  She hopes the event will continue.  President Short also participated/volunteered for two elementary field trips.  President Short informed the board that she will not be available for the September 5 board meeting.

 

CONSENT AGENDA – REQUEST BOARD APPROVAL:  Any item may be moved to New Business with a motion from any Board member.

a.      General Fund Vouchers No. 188274 thru No. 188283 in the total amount of $5,158.23; and No. 188284 thru No. 188284 in the total amount of $17.36; and No. 188285 thru No. 188359 in the total amount of $187,965.66.

b.      ASB Fund Vouchers No. 10864 thru No. 10889 in the total amount of $21,544.90.

c.      Payroll for the month of May, 2017 in the total amount of $2,191,709.04.

d.      Personnel - Employment with the District will be conditional upon the district’s receipt of a criminal conviction history record that is clear of any convictions, adjudications, protective orders, final decisions, or criminal charges in      accordance with Washington State law and conditional upon receipt of a sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form from prior Washington State employer(s), where employment was in a school setting, indicating that no sexual, verbal or physical misconduct materials were found in the records of such employer(s) pursuant to RCW 28A.400 and WAC 180-87-080.

1)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Anna Lee, Helen Haller Elementary Special Education teacher, effective at the end of the 2016-2007 school year, for the purpose of retirement, as presented.

 

2)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Cecilia Buhrer, Olympic Peninsula Academy Enrichment Spanish Teacher, effective at the end of the 2016-2017 school year, as presented.

 

3)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Isabella Morrison, Sequim Middle School Science teacher, effective June 30, 2017 for the purpose of retirement, as presented.

 

4)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Katelyn Wright, Helen Haller Elementary Paraeducator, effective at the end of the 2016-2017 school year, as presented.

 

5)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Wynelle Bridge, Sequim High School English Language Arts teacher, effective at the end of the 2016-2017 school year, as presented.

 

6)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Kimberly Williams, Helen Haller Elementary Paraeducator, for the 2017-2018 school year, as presented.

 

7)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Suzanne Rego, Helen Haller Elementary Paraeducator, effective May 31, 2017 as presented.

 

8)      Accept Leave of Absence Request from Olivia Catelli, Helen Haller Elementary Kindergarten teacher, for the 2017-2018 school, as presented.

 

9)      Accept Letter of Resignation from Mark Pincikowski, Sequim High School Assistant Swim Coach, effective immediately, as presented.

 

10)     Accept Letter of Resignation from Trayce Norman, Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent, effective June 30, 2017 as presented.

 

11)     Offer Classified Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent position to Trayce Norman, effective July 1, 2017 as presented.

 

Vice-President Kuh moved to approve the Consent Agenda, items ‘a’ thru ‘d’ as presented.  Director Stoffer seconded.  Vote taken; motion carried.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a.      Director Henrikson moved to approve new school lunch prices for 2017-2018 school year, as presented.  Director Stoffer seconded.  Vote taken; motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

a.      Director Stoffer moved to Adopt Resolution 04-2016/2017 Delegating Authority to WIAA as presented.  Vice-President Kuh seconded.  Discussion followed.  The School Board Resolution indicates annual school board approval for the member schools within the respective school district, as submitted on the WIAA Membership Renewal, to follow WIAA Rules and Regulations.  Current Membership Schools are Sequim High School and Sequim Middle School.  Vote taken; motion carried.

b.      Director Henrikson moved to approve previously requested Overnight Travel for the High School ASB Leadership Team to conduct an ASB Officer Retreat at Ramblewood Group Camp, located at Sequim Bay State Park, June 1-2, 2017 as presented.  Vice-President Kuh seconded.  Discussion followed.  Vote taken; motion carried.   

c.      Director Stoffer moved to approve the High School ASB Leadership Group overnight request to participate in teambuilding and decorating the school for the first day, sleeping in the High School Library the night of August 23, 2017 as presented.  Director Henrikson seconded.  Discussion followed.  Vote taken; motion carried.      

d.      Dr. Ann Renker, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Curriculum Committee’s recommendation to adopt Springboard as the district’s Grade 6-8 English Language Arts curriculum, and to adopt Engage as the district’s Grade 9-12 English Language Arts curriculum.  Discussion followed.  The request for adoption will be on the June 19 agenda.    

 

 

REPORTS

a.      Dr. David Engle, our Strategic Plan Facilitator, gave an update on the Strategic Planning process so far.  A Vision Statement, a Mission Statement and some Value Statements will be presented to the board in July, for their approval.  Discussion followed.

b.      Ms. Shelley Langston, Executive Director Learning Support Services, gave an overview of the Child Find program and what services are offered from Birth to 5 in the Developmental Preschool.  Discussion followed.   

c.                  Mr. Steve Mahitka, Career and Technical Education Director, gave an overview of the programs offered and informed the board of some exciting developments being implemented in CTE for the 2017-2018 school year.  Discussion followed.

d.      Superintendent Gary Neal reported that the district has hired Vanir Construction Management to oversee the Project Management for the Capital Levy work.  They would like to begin work this summer to minimize disruption while classes are in session and to coordinate with the City of Sequim’s Fir Street project.  Superintendent Neal also commented on the Governor’s Summit on Career and Connected Learning that he attended along with Director Stoffer and CTE Director Steve Mahitka.  This meeting gathered together leaders in industry, policy, and education for an opportunity to work together to share best practices and policies to increase and strengthen career-related opportunities in high demand jobs for Washington’s youth.  Discussion followed.     

 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

President Short drew board members’ attention to:

a.      Upcoming Board Meetings, etc.

o   June 19th – 6:00pm Regular Board Meeting

 

o   June 27 – Board Planning Workshop (Time and Place TBA)

 

o   July 17th  – Regular Board Meeting @ 6:00pm

 

o   August 7th – Regular Board Meeting @ 6:00pm

 

o   August 21st – Regular Board Meeting @ 6:00pm

 

o   TUESDAY, September 5th  – Regular Board Meeting @ 6:00pm

 

b.      Graduation Activities June 2017

o   June 9 @ 9am – High School Graduation Rehearsal

 

o   June 9 @ 6pm in the Stadium – High School Graduation (Reserved seating for board)

 

o   June 12 – Olympic Peninsula Academy Graduation from 1-3pm in the Auditorium

 

o   June 14 – Sequim Middle School 8th Grade Moving On Ceremony @ 6pm in the Middle School Gym

 

o   June 15 – Greywolf Elementary 5th Grade Moving On Ceremony @ 1:30pm in the Greywolf Elementary gym

 

o   June 16 – Helen Haller Elementary 5th Grade Moving On Ceremony @ 9am in the Community School Gym 

 

c.      Other End of the School Year Activities

o   June 7 @ 7:00pm – High School Band Concert in auditorium

 

o   June 8 @ 7:00pm – High School Choir Concert in Auditorium

 

o   June 9 @ 6:30pm – Middle School Band Concert in SMS gym

 

o   June 13 from 4pm to 5:30pm – Retirees Reception in the High School library

 

o   June 16th – Last Day of School (Early Release)

 

        

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Meeting Exit Slips were distributed

 

ADJOURNMENT

At 7:38pm Director Stoffer moved to adjourn the Regular Meeting.  Vice-President Kuh seconded.  Vote taken; motion carried.