2021-08-24-minutes.txt

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East Valley School District Board of Directors Regular Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
  Members present: Justin Voelker, Mike Bly, Laura Gates, Theresa Noack
  Members absent: Fred Helms
  Others present: Brian Talbott, Jodi Brown, Neale Rasmussen, Jane Stencel, Karen Cloninger, Tom Gresch, Lorri Reilly, Amy Dollar, Kari Baxter, Philip Wehr, Mo Lyden, David Blythe, Danielle Williams, Melissa Altermatt, Doug Altermatt, Jeanette Thompson, Kyle Weskamp, Barb LaBrosse, Janel Scott, Brandon Scott, Aaron Noack, Emelie Braxton, Emily Dollens, Kayla Menter, Rachel Schuerman, Lorri Smith 
  1. Virtual Meeting
August 24, 2021 - Pursuant to the extension of proclamations of Governor Inslee pertaining to the Open Public Meetings Act, and with recent changes to the OPMA, this meeting was held both in-person and virtually at 6:00 pm.
  2. Opening Items
  2.1 Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.
  2.2 Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Mr. Voelker.
  2.3 Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget
Mr. Voelker read a prepared statement calling the Public Hearing to order. Mr. Voelker introduced Mr. Rasmussen who presented a review of the 2021-2022 budget and noted the board received a complete copy of the budget documents in their packet and had reviewed the budget at their regular meeting held on July 27, 2021. It was stated this is a public hearing and a request was made for any and all comments regarding this budget. There was no public comment.
  3. Consent Agenda
  3.1 Agenda
Approved as presented.
  3.2 Approve the minutes of the July 27, 2021 board meeting
Approved the minutes of the July 27, 2021 board meeting.
  3.3 Vouchers
Approved General Fund Voucher No. 341978 through No. 342019 in the amount of $146,377.86 for August bills.
Approved Capital Projects Fund Voucher No. 342020 in the amount of $1,065.54 for payment of an August bill.
Approved General Fund Voucher No. 342021 through No. 342024 in the amount of $22,783.94 for August bills.
Approved General Fund Voucher No. 342025 through No. 342057 in the amount of $51,132.49 for August bills.
Approved General Fund Voucher No. 342058 through No. 342065 in the amount of $14,765.51 for August bills.
Approved ASB Fund Voucher No. 342066 in the amount of $95.00 for payment of an August bill.
Approved a General Fund, Capital Projects and ASB Fund wire transfer of $454,959.67 for August bills.
Approved a General Fund wire transfer in the amount of $80,565.06 for August bills.
Approved a General Fund, Capital Projects and ASB Fund wire transfer of $101,414.29 for August bills.
Approved a General Fund wire transfer in the amount of $83,100.59 for August bills.
Approved Comp Tax in the amount of $5,952.17 through August 31, 2021.
  3.4 Personnel
Approved as presented.
  3.5 Business Items
Declared as obsolete various Special Education books and cassettes.
  3.6 Consideration and Approval of Consent Items
With a motion made by Mr. Bly seconded by Ms. Noack, all were in agreement to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
  4. Public Comment
1. Amy Dollar, PSE President, invited the board and administration staff to a Meet and Greet on September 21.
2. Kari Baxter, parent, expressed concerns with masking and CRT.
3. Danielle Williams, parent, expressed concerns with masking and CRT.
4. Jeanette Thompson, parent, noted several private and public schools are sending letters to Governor Inslee in protest. She is also concerned with CRT and masking.
5. David Blythe, EVHS graduate and parent of two graduates, is concerned with masking and CRT.
6. Doug Altermatt, parent, concerned with masks and CRT and issues with after school sports and teacher vaccinations.
7. Kyle Weskamp, parent, moved to Newman Lake in 2016 and noted his children were happy to go to East Farms. He does have the same beliefs and concerns as others.
8. Melissa Altermatt, parent. Ms Altermatt thanked the board for representing parents. She has concerns with masks and the program Transportation is using to keep track of students riding the bus.
9. Philip Wehr, community member, concerned with CRT and masks.

Mr. Talbott encouraged members of the audience to stay to hear the discussion on Equity versus Critical Race Theory.
  5. Information
  5.1 Board Report
Ms. Noack was pleased with the recent East Valley newsletter. Mr. Bly thanked the audience for attending. He also noted Mr. Harlan's new role as the assistant principal at the high school, he will be missed in the classroom. Mr. Voelker attended 9th grade orientation and indicated the positive turnout of participants.
  5.2 Financial Report
Mr. Rasmussen reported on the month of July. The revenues for the month of July were $6,167,634.83 and year to date they were $53,914,502.59. The expenditures for the month of July were $5,872,897.82 and year to date they were $55,585,845.87. The ending fund balance for July was $8,438,726.74.
  5.3 Legislative Report
Ms. Gates noted there are many controversial topics being discussed at the state level including the wearing of masks, Critical Race Theory and the required sex education training.
  5.4 Discussion on Equity versus Critical Race Theory
Dr. Cloninger shared a presentation on Equity versus Critical Race Theory. ESSB 5044 (which created a new section of 28.345 RCW) titled AN ACT Relating to equity, cultural competency, and dismantling institutional racism in the public school system, is a bill passed by the Washington state legislature and signed into law by the governor in April 2021. On August 26th, our teaching staff will participate in a CCDEI professional learning day which includes cultural competency, diversity, equity and inclusion. This training is required by state law. This training is not synonymous with Critical Race Theory and it is not a curriculum for K-12 students. Much of this work is a continuation of the district's inclusionary practices endeavor.
  5.5 Discussion on Human Growth Development/Social Emotional Learning
Ms. Reilly provided an update on Sexual Health curriculum. The district and school board review this annually. Senate bill 5395 was passed by the Legislature and Washington voters in 2020. It requires all public schools to provide comprehensive sexual health education by the 2022-2023 school year. At the K-3 level, we teach social emotional learning (SEL), with absolutely no sexuality content. In grades 4-5, Human Growth and Development is taught by nurses and counselors, and parents have the opportunity to view and opt out their child if they wish. In grades 6-8, training is provided twice, with a focus on helping students with personal boundaries, friendships and dating relationships. In grades 9-12, our board previously adopted certain requirements of this legislation of which there are 16 different components. After careful review, we adopted the following four: climate setting, coercion and consent, online safety and abstinence. We also teach HIV-AIDS prevention education beginning in 5th grade through the 12th grade. We use KNOW for grades 5-8 and FLASH for grades 9-12. It was also noted parents have the opportunity to view and opt out of this training.
  5.6 Superintendent Report
Superintendent Talbott provided an update on the Bigelow Gulch project. We are working with the County to purchase a wedge of property north of the EVMS building. This will help us to rebuild our fields. Bidding, etc. will likely not occur until after the new year. The project will begin when the weather permits.
  6. Administrative
  6.1 Resolution 2801 - Budget Adoption 2021-2022
With a motion made by Ms. Noack, seconded by Ms. Gates, the vote was as follows: Mr. Helms, Absent; Mr. Voelker, Aye; Mrs. Gates Aye; Mr. Bly, Aye; Mrs. Noack, Aye. The motion carries to adopt the 2021-2022 budget as follows:
General Fund $66,697,521
Capital Projects Fund $10,000,000
Transportation Vehicle Fund $800,000
Debt Service Fund $2,155,832
Associated Student Body Fund $705,00
  6.2 Revise Board Policy 1105 - Director District Boundaries (New Name: ELECTORAL SYSTEM)- 1st Reading
The revision to Board Policy 1105 - Director District Boundaries was brought forth for a 1st reading. This policy has not been updated since 2000. This policy will move to the September 14, 2021 meeting for a 2nd reading.
  6.3 New Board Policy 2195 - Academic Acceleration - 1st Reading
It was noted this is a proposed new board policy submitted for a 1st reading. The policy will move to the September 14, 2021 meeting for a 2nd reading.
  6.4 Revise Board Policy 5011 - Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited - 1st Reading
The revision to Board Policy 5011 - Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited was brought forth as a 1st reading. This policy will move to the September 14, 2021 meeting for a 2nd reading.
  6.5 Revise Board Policy 6512 - Infection Control Program - 1st Reading
The revision to Board Policy 6512 - Infection Control Program was brought forth as a 1st reading. Mr. Bly would like additional specificity in the language in paragraph two. This policy will move to the September 14, 2021 meeting for a 2nd reading.
  7. Adjournment
  With no further business appearing before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.
                                                                                    Attest:                                                             
                                                                                       Justin Voelker, President
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Brian Talbott, Board Secretary