2020-08-20-minutes.txt

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BREMERTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 100-C
(Virtual) Regular Board Meeting / Public Meeting for Budget Adoption
Thursday, August 20, 2020
  Generated by Ioanna Cossack on Wednesday, August 26, 2020
  The regular meeting of the Bremerton School District Board of Directors was called to order by President Dubos at 5:01 p.m.  The meeting was held via a Zoom webinar with Directors and some administrators participating from their homes or other locations.  Some District Office staff did participate from the District Administration Office at 134 Marion Ave. N., Bremerton, Washington 98312.
  Members Present
Jonee M Dubos, President
Carolynn M Perkins, Vice President
Karen J Bolton
John P Hurley
Alyson L Rotter
  Administrators Present
Dr. Aaron Leavell, Superintendent
Ms. Iva Scott, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Garth Steedman, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Jonathan Bell, Director of Special Education
Ms. Brittane DeBard, Director of Teaching & Learning
Ms. Karen Bevers, Director, Community Relations and Communication
Ms. Patty Glaser, Supervisor, School Safety & Security
Director Rotter led the pledge of allegiance.
  (Action) Approval of Agenda
Dr. Leavell reported that the Fairfax Hospital contract was added to the consent agenda earlier in the day.  Director Perkins moved to approve the Agenda as revised.  The motion carried unanimously.
  Public Input
There were no public comments.
  (Action) Consent Agenda
President Dubos presented the Consent Agenda for questions or comments.  The Consent Agenda consisted of Minutes: A. Minutes of the Special Board Meeting of August 6, 2020; B. Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of August 6, 2020;  C. Payroll for Issue Date August 15, 2020;  D. Human Resources Report 2019-2020-19; E. Military Impacted Schools Association Annual Dues; F. Agreement for Project Management Services for WSTSC; G. Renewed Washington Youth Academy Working Agreement for 2020-21; and H. BHC Fairfax Hospital agreement.  There were no questions or comments.  Director Bolton moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.  
  Report on Proposed 2020/2021 District Budget
Dr. Steedman provided a PowerPoint report on the proposed 2020-21 school year budget along with the 4-year forecast for enrollment/budget and MSOC allocation.  Impacts this year are the anticipated reduction in students by 171 FTE.  He explained that due to the reaction to COVID-19, including Kitsap County school district's plans to open on a virtual platform only in the fall, there are more unknowns with this budget than in a typical year, and that this budget is based on a typical, non-COVID school year.  He reviewed anticipated revenues and expenditures, and each of the fund budgets.  As anticipated revenues are just $83,783,010 compared to $85,061,808 in expenditures, there was discussion on staffing and ways of cutting expenses.  The Board also voiced concern of cutting into the Board's 5% reserve, which Dr. Steedman indicated would remain untouched until the 4th year, based on the 4-year forecast.  President Dubos inquired about scheduling future meetings to discuss the 4-year forecast in order to consider expenditures and assess priorities.  Dr. Steedman recommended waiting until after October when we will know our enrollment numbers better.  
  Receive Public Comment
At 5:19 pm, President Dubos recessed for public comment or questions.  There was no public input or questions. 
  Reconvene Meeting
At 5:21 pm, President Dubos reconvened the regular meeting.
  (Action) Resolution 2019/2020-32; 2020/2021 Budget (Roll Call Vote)
Assistant Superintendent Steedman presented Resolution 2019/2020-32 to the Board for approval.  There were no questions or comments.  Director Rotter moved to approve Resolution 2019/2020-32, adopting the 2020/2021 Budget along with the 4-year budget and enrollment projection as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.
  (Action) Bremerton Educators Association Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2020-21
Dr. Garth Steedman presented for Board approval the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Bremerton School District and the Bremerton Education Association.  This is being considered a roll over as there are very few changes to this agreement from the 2019-2020 school year document.  He reviewed the changes that were made which included a new Memo of Understanding.   As all districts this year had to move their benefits under the SEBB (School Employees Benefit Board), this area has been updated and a new salary schedule reflective of a 2% salary increase was included.   In response to a question from the Board, Dr. Steedman reported that the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is 1.6%.   Directors shared that while they have always been supportive of salary increases for staff, with the state of the budget at this time, they feel there will need to be much more consideration when negotiating salary increases.  Mr. Greg Raymond, BEA President, indicated that the BEA would not have to vote on this agreement since it is being rolled over and was ratified last year.  He also thanked the Board for their approval of the agreement and for their support.  Director Bolton moved to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Bremerton School District and the Bremerton Educators Association for the 2020-21 school year, as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.
  (Action) Policy 3220; Freedom of Expression (2nd reading)
Assistant Superintendent Iva Scott presented Policy 3220, Freedom of Expression for adoption on second read.  She reiterated that the policy is mandated by law and that this led to some clarifying language. She explained that, as requested at the last Board meeting, she asked our attorney whether we could remove the word 'substantial' in "substantial disruption." and he explained that the substantial disruption test is the major standard developed by the US Supreme Court in 1969 and recommended that we keep it as stated in the WSSDA Model Policy.  Director Perkins moved to adopt revised policy 3220 as presented on second reading.  The motion passed.  Director Bolton abstained
  (Action) Policy 5010; Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action (1st reading)
Dr. Steedman presented Policy 5010, Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action, for first reading.  The district is currently working on updating the Affirmative Action Plan, and updated our policy is the first step in the process.  Once approved on second reading, they will review procedures to see if any updates are necessary.  In response to a question, Dr. Steedman shared that he is the designated Compliance Officer for the District.  Director Bolton moved to approve revised Policy 5010 as presented for first read.  The motion carried unanimously.
  (Action) Resolution 2019/2020-33; Educational Equity
Superintendent Leavell presented Resolution 2019/2020-33, Educational Equity, for Board approval.  This resolution reinforces the Board's shared belief and commitment to ending institutional and systemic racism in our district and community.    He stated that the District has been taking deliberate steps over the last couple years aimed toward educational justice for all of our students.  This journey does not get accomplished in one resolution, but it is a strong statement and important step.  Dr. Leavell shared that there were many strands around this area in recent Summer Institute (professional development) for staff.    Director Rotter thanked Dr. Leavell for bringing this forward as the Board has talked about it many times, and also about creating an Equity Policy.  She sees the development of this new policy commanding a very thorough process developed with a lot of community input and perspective.  Director Bolton moved to approve Resolution 2019/2020-33 as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.
  Board Reports
Director Perkins reported that we recently attended the WSSDA retreat. 
With September coming up and being the month to highlight Suicide Prevention, the student representative at that meeting spoke about the work being done by a student panel that was established by recent state legislation related to suicide prevention. 
Working on Equity, as well, Director Perkins relayed that another portion of the meeting was dedicated to a discussion on Alaskan Natives and Native Americans and working to build relationships with Tribal leaders. 
In regard to school supplies distributed, the Abundant Life Foursquare Church reported that 406 families (or cars as this was a drive-thru event) were served this year, compared to 479 families in 2019 that attended the Back to School Fair.    
Director Bolton shared that as a past union leader in her day job, she found it interesting to be on the other side of the table as she immersed herself in the Bremerton Education Association-BSD contract. 
Director Hurley shared that he has been immersed in the WSSDA legislative priorities and positions (for the 4pm study session) as well as looking how the COVID situation is effecting different districts, and, of course, relating that to the impact on families, students and staff.  
Director Alyson shared that she did attend the Chamber of Commerce's "back to school" meeting, and appreciated the differences as this year's conversation was very different since schools were opening for virtual learning only. 
It was interesting, she added, to hear from employers what they were doing to make accommodations for parents who will be impacted with their students/children being at home all day.
President Dubos thanked Directors Rotter and Perkins for their work on the legislative positions and priorities and for their leadership in the earlier study session.
  Superintendent's Report
Dr. Leavell thanked staff for all of their work preparing for the Summer Institute and for the return to school in September, and particularly to new directors, Jon Bell and Brittane DeBard, who have readily handled this large task put before them during their first few weeks on the job.  He shared information on other events he has attended and reminded the Board that he has many more books for them and offered to deliver them if the directors are ready for them. 
  Book Study: "How to Be Less Stupid About Race," by Crystal Marie Fleming
The Board has read chapters one and two and discussed highlights.  They will read chapters three through five and discuss those at the next book study which will be delayed until September 17, 2020. 
  Calendar of Events
 Important dates were noted.
  Directors' Reflections on this Evening's Meeting
The Board reflected on tonight's conversation in regard to their concern about the budget over the next few years, and reiterated that this should not be construed to mean they do not support teachers and other staff.  The Board realizes that conversations about the budget is not only about money, but also about individuals and their income, and, as always, it will continue to be important to keep students at the center of all decision-making.  They also discussed the stress for staff and families as districts navigate through virtual learning in the fall, as well as other ways that COVID-19 has changed our community and lifestyles. 
  (Action) Adjournment
At 7:01 pm, Director Bolton moved to adjourn.  The motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 7:01 pm.
  Minutes to be approved at the next regular Board Meeting of the Board of Directors - August 6, 2020.
      _____________________________________      _____________________________________
Jonee M. Dubos, Board President                Aaron A. Leavell, Secretary to the Board
  ic