2023-02-16-minutes.txt

Text

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 16, 2023

1.0
1.1
1.2

1.3

1.4
1.5

OPENING ITEMS
Meeting Date and Location:
February 16, 2023 – Options High School, 2015 Franklin St., Bellingham, WA.
Call to Order/Land Acknowledgment:
Ms. Diaz Hackler called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. She acknowledged that this
meeting is being held on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish people.
Roll Call:
Present: Directors Douglas Benjamin, Camille Diaz Hackler (President), Jenn Mason,
Katie Rose, Superintendent Greg Baker and Sheri O’Day (recorder). Director Kelly
Bashaw was unable to attend the meeting.
Audience:
No public testimony was offered.
Superintendent’s Announcements and Report: Summary of Dr. Baker’s comments:
• Dr. Baker shared that WSSDA recently recognized Ms. Mason for five years of
service on the school board and Ms. Bashaw for fifteen years of service.
• Districts around the state are waiting to learn from the legislature what the budget
allocations will look like for the 2023-24 school year. ESSER funds will be coming to
an end. Districts are hoping the regionalization formula will be recalibrated, but it’s
unlikely this is a priority for the legislature. Staff compensation is the largest part of
the district’s budget, and the state’s prototypical staffing model does not account for
all staff in most districts, which necessitates using local funds for staff compensation.
Special Education, which has been historically underfunded by the state, is a focus for
the legislature. Dr. Baker and the executive team continue to watch all those factors
and brainstorm scenarios. The next revenue forecast will guide legislators on how
much funding preK-12 public education will receive.
• Tonight’s consent agenda includes monitoring reports on EL-3, Treatment and
Communication with Public, Parents and Students, and EL-4, Staff Treatment,
Compensation and Evaluation. The board will give its feedback at next month’s
regular meeting.
• Registration for Promise K has begun and kindergarten registration will begin soon.
The legislature has been debating about the future of transitional kindergarten.
• The high school course catalog has been completed and students are beginning to
register for 2023-24 classes.
• Unified basketball teams from Bellingham, Sehome and Squalicum high schools
hosted their final games for the season last night.

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

Lunar New Year was celebrated at Wade King recently with a traditional assembly.
Construction on the new district office continues and Dr. Baker shared a photo of the
progress.
There will be a community meeting on Feb. 23 regarding the 15th elementary school.
It will be a chance for residents of the King Mountain neighborhood to ask questions
and give feedback.
Chef Ann Cooper and representatives from districts across the country recently
visited to learn more about our district’s process and the journey to improve our food
services program.
Students from our high schools’ environmental club attended the most recent
Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting and shared their passions about the
environment.
Tomorrow is transportation director Rae Anne Thon’s last day before retirement and
the district leadership team celebrated her at its meeting yesterday.
Executive Director of Operations Jessica Sankey, Director of Teaching and Learning
Analisa Ficklin and Dr. Baker made a presentation yesterday to the Whatcom
Community College (WCC) Board of Trustees regarding our Community Transitions
program and our hopes for its future. After giving feedback, all five WCC board
members voted yes to move forward with an investigation regarding leasing land on
the WCC campus to construct a building.
Dr. Baker responded to questions from board members.

2.0

CONSENT ITEMS:
Ms. Mason made a motion, seconded by Mr. Benjamin, to approve the following consent
agenda items:

2.1

Approval of Minutes of Jan. 18, 2023 Regular Meeting; Feb. 1, 2023 Special
Meeting; Feb. 1, 2023 Student Roundtable; and Feb. 7, 2023 School Visit
Approval of Expenditures and Payroll – January 2023
Approve Donations
Resolution 05-23, Transfer of Funds from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund
Resolution 06-23, Intent to Construct Elementary School #15
Resolution 07-23, Compliance with RCW 39.10
Hire an Appraiser for Potential Property Sale
Hire an Appraiser for Narrative Appraisal Report
Sunnyland Elementary Drainage Release Easement
EL-3 Monitoring Report – Treatment and Communication with Public, Parents and
Students
EL-4 Monitoring Report – Staff Treatment, Compensation and Evaluation
Dykeman Architectural Services Agreement (#2223-108)
Lynden School District Interlocal Agreement (#2223-115)
Washington State Auditor’s Office (#2223-119)
Personnel Recommendations

2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15

Unanimous affirmative vote.
2

3.0
3.1

3.2

3.3

BOARD RESPONSE TO MONITORING
Board Response to Monitoring – EL-5, Communication and Counsel to the Board
There was discussion regarding the summary of the board responses to the EL-5 report
that was prepared by Ms. Diaz Hackler. Following discussion, Mr. Benjamin made a
motion, seconded by Ms. Mason, to approve the monitoring response document
(Attachment A). Unanimous affirmative vote.
Board Response to Monitoring – EL-7, Budget Planning and Execution
There was discussion regarding the summary of the board responses to the EL-7 report
that was prepared by Ms. Diaz Hackler. Following discussion, Mr. Benjamin made a
motion, seconded by Ms. Mason, to approve the monitoring response document
(Attachment B). Unanimous affirmative vote.
Board Response to Monitoring – EL-9, Asset Maintenance and Protection
There was discussion regarding the summary of the board responses to the EL-9 report
that was prepared by Ms. Diaz Hackler. Following discussion, Ms. Rose made a motion,
seconded by Ms. Mason, to approve the monitoring response document (Attachment C).
Unanimous affirmative vote.

4.0
4.1

POLICY GOVERNANCE REVIEW
Monitoring Report Ends 2.1 (Part 1) – Student Competence
Dr. Mike Copland, Deputy Superintendent, and Brian Rick, Director of Research and
Assessment, discussed the report and data set and answered questions from the board.

5.0
5.1

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
School Board Directors’ Reports. Highlights of comments:
• Ms. Mason thought the visit to the Bellingham Family Partnership Program (BFPP)
was very informative. It appears to work well for the families who believe it is the
right fit for them. The GRADS student roundtable was amazing, one of the best she
has attended, and she has shared with many people about the successful program.
These teen parents are truly highly capable learners. She believes lives and families
are forever changed for the better because of the program. One of Ms. Mason’s
friends who volunteers at Birchwood has told her how amazing everyone is there and
talked specifically about the Family Resource Center and Family Engagement team.
• Mr. Benjamin agreed that the GRADS student roundtable was amazing. It was great
to see how the BFPP has grown and matured since the board’s last visit. He noted that
special education is the number one legislative priority for WSSDA this year and he
is hoping for progress. The policy governance research project that he has
participated in with a Grand Canyon University student has been completed. Most of
it involved discussion about inter-board relationships, and he hopes the research will
shine a light on policy governance.
• Ms. Rose was struck by the role community plays in the GRADS program and the
Bellingham Family Partnership Program (BFPP). The connection to resources and
others is so important to the programs’ success. She found the BFPP visit interesting
and eye-opening and wishes that those opportunities were available to all families.
• Ms. Diaz Hackler agrees that both the GRADS and BFPP visits were great. She
attended a visit to the Northwest Career & Technical Academy in Mount Vernon
3

5.2

earlier this month. The following week she toured the North Puget Sound Carpenter
Training Center in Burlington, which is completely funded by the carpenters’ union.
She was reminded that well-paying trades are essential for our society.
GP-7.2 – 2022-23 Annual Board Agenda, Revised – general review.

6.0
6.1

NEW BUSINESS
n/a

7.0
7.1

CLOSING ITEMS
Board Assessment of Meeting: Ms. Mason assessed the meeting, with an overall rating
of 4 (commendable).
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

7.2

Approved:

Camille Diaz Hackler, Board President
Attest:

Greg Baker, Secretary to the Board
Minutes approved: ___________

4

ATTACHMENT A
2-16-23 board meeting minutes

Monitoring Response Document
Policy Monitored: EL-5, Communication and Counsel to the Board
Date Report Submitted: 11/9/2022
Date of Board’s Monitoring Response: 1/18/2023
The Board has received and reviewed the Superintendent’s Monitoring Report referenced above.
Following the Board’s review and discussions with the Superintendent and his representatives, the
Board makes the following conclusions:
Ends Reports:
Executive Limitations Reports
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
a. has achieved the goals established in the
a. is in compliance, with the
policy.
acknowledgement that there is always
b. is making reasonable progress towards
more work to be done.
achieving the goals.
b. is making reasonable progress towards
c. is making reasonable progress towards
compliance, except for item(s) noted.*
achieving the goals, but a greater degree of
c. is not making reasonable progress toward
progress is expected in some areas.*
compliance.*
d. is not making reasonable progress in
d. cannot be determined*
achieving the goals established. *
e. cannot be determined*
*see comments below (No. 3)

2. Please note commendable progress over the last year.
A review of previous board monitoring reports over the past number of years indicates that the
superintendent’s performance and compliance regarding EL-5 has been consistent and exemplary.
The consistency of this outstanding performance is deeply appreciated by the board.
The board recognizes the help the superintendent and his team provide to us through study
sessions, one-on-one communication beyond regular meetings and through sharing of news
publications and books.
3. Please note areas for additional improvement.
Please note that last year’s monitoring responses reference the board’s interest in increased access
to student and parent voice [under 2ciii (though it likely meant 2diii)]. The board’s interest in
expanding this work continues.
4. Comments on the report itself.
The board appreciates the evidence of communication with not just us but also staff and the
community at large.
5. Possible changes to the policy.
None.
1

ATTACHMENT B
2-16-23 board meeting minutes

Monitoring Response Document
Policy Monitored: EL-7, Budget Planning and Execution
Date Report Submitted: 12/14/2022
Date of Board’s Monitoring Response: 1/18/2023
The Board has received and reviewed the Superintendent’s Monitoring Report referenced above.
Following the Board’s review and discussions with the Superintendent and his representatives, the
Board makes the following conclusions:
Ends Reports:
Executive Limitations Reports
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
a. has achieved the goals established in the
a. is in compliance, with the
policy.
acknowledgement that there is always
b. is making reasonable progress towards
more work to be done.
achieving the goals.
b. is making reasonable progress towards
c. is making reasonable progress towards
compliance, except for item(s) noted.*
achieving the goals, but a greater degree of
c. is not making reasonable progress toward
progress is expected in some areas.*
compliance.*
d. is not making reasonable progress in
d. cannot be determined*
achieving the goals established. *
e. cannot be determined*
*see comments below (No. 3)

2. Please note commendable progress over the last year.
The board notes a second successful community block party with 2,200 students and families in
attendance and the inclusion of community partners.
The board also notes the new location of Community Transitions while the district continues to
search for a permanent location.
The board would like to share its congratulations on passing a bond during a very difficult time
and maximizing this funding stream.
The board is impressed with the work done to secure grants for the district. It shows
resourcefulness, respect for public funds and dedication for continuing improvement.
The board recognizes the work of managing and planning for next year’s budget as many changes
are made at the State and Federal levels while also managing continued budgetary outliers from
the pandemic. We also appreciate continued work towards keeping the budget transparent with
the annual publication of the budget book and that all of the state audits done under the
superintendent’s leadership have been exemplary.
3. Please note areas for additional improvement.
None.

1

ATTACHMENT B
2-16-23 board meeting minutes

Monitoring Response Document
Policy Monitored: EL-7, Budget Planning and Execution
Date Report Submitted: 12/14/2022
Date of Board’s Monitoring Response: 1/18/2023
4. Comments on the report itself.
Very well organized and clear. The board appreciates italicizing the new sections.
5. Possible changes to the policy.
None.

2

Monitoring Response Document
ATTACHMENT C
2-16-23 board meeting minutes

Policy Monitored: EL-9, Asset Maintenance and Protection
Date Report Submitted: 12/14/2022
Date of Board’s Monitoring Response: 1/18/2023
The Board has received and reviewed the Superintendent’s Monitoring Report referenced above.
Following the Board’s review and discussions with the Superintendent and his representatives, the
Board makes the following conclusions:
Ends Reports:
Executive Limitations Reports
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
a. has achieved the goals established in the
a. is in compliance, with the
policy.
acknowledgement that there is always
b. is making reasonable progress towards
more work to be done.
achieving the goals.
b. is making reasonable progress towards
c. is making reasonable progress towards
compliance, except for item(s) noted.*
achieving the goals, but a greater degree of
c. is not making reasonable progress toward
progress is expected in some areas.*
compliance.*
d. is not making reasonable progress in
d. cannot be determined*
achieving the goals established. *
e. cannot be determined*
*see comments below (No. 3)

2. Please note commendable progress over the last year.
The board is looking forward to the Sustainability Advisory Committee, which is developing a
draft climate action plan and strategic planning. We are impressed with energy and technology
infrastructure improvements accomplished under the superintendent’s leadership.
The board notes that there is a notable decrease in employee/student related injuries.
The board appreciates the focused efforts to study and improve sustainability of the district
facilities.
The board is proud of the continued Excellent rating by the Washington State Patrol of district
vehicles.
3. Please note areas for additional improvement.
None.
4. Comments on the report itself.
The board appreciates all the data that supports the report to show the Superintendent is in
compliance.
5. Possible changes to the policy.
None.
1