SchoolBoardMeetingMinutes11-9-2022.pdf

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KENNEWICK SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 17
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING / Remote Board Meeting
November 9, 2022
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT
Board Members: Michael Connors, President of the Board; Ron Mabry, Vice President
of the Board (attending remotely); Diane Sundvik, Legislative Representative of the
Board; Micah Valentine, Board Member; Gabe Galbraith, Board Member; London
Moody, Student Representative to the Board; and Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent and
Secretary of the Board.
Cabinet Members: Dr. Doug Christensen, Associate Superintendent of Human
Resources; Matt Scott, Assistant Superintendent of K-12 Education; Rob Phillips,
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education; Alyssa St. Hilaire, Assistant
Superintendent of Teaching & Learning; Vic Roberts, Executive Director of Business
Operations; Robyn Chastain, Executive Director of Communications and Public
Relations; Ron Cone, Executive Director of Information Technology.
Other Guest(s): Bronson Brown, District Legal Counsel
CALL TO ORDER
President Michael Connors called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of
Allegiance with approximately 71 online and in-person staff and guests in attendance.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM PARENTS, STAFF, AND RESIDENTS
Allison Dabler shared that she is here tonight to say love must be louder than hate. She
commented on pride flags and how many other things are happening at schools that are
controversial and indoctrinating.
Tina Gregory stated that she stands against the woke agendas, woke pronouns, and
sexualization of our youth.
Annette Rose commented on the American Flag and how it stands for every student and
every person. She stated that the American Flag is the only Flag that represents everyone.
She stated that the American Flag means you are accepted, you are free, and you get to be
anyone you want because it gives you that right.
Lisa Peppard stated that she does not believe it is the Board’s job to censor everyone’s
expressions of support for the LGBTQ community, and it is not the Board’s job to
promote the nuclear family.
Silas Clayton spoke on the importance of Pride flags and inclusion.
Rob Woodford commented on flags and reminded everyone to vote yes on the levy.

Minutes
November 9, 2022
Page 2
Linda Stephenson acknowledged the amazing accomplishments of the Kamiakin High
School Math team at the Math is Cool regional contest placing first in the 11th and 12thgrade top division. She shared there will be an in-person Math is Cool Middle School
contest in Richland on February 10, with Desert Hills Middle School participating.
Jason Goodwin commented on the Title 9 Federal Law that talks about sex discrimination
and LGBTQ and how the law provides a safe place for students. He stated that the U.S.
flag is the only Flag that should be allowed in the classroom as the U.S. flag stands for
being one of the most tolerant nations in the whole world. Mr. Goodwin stated that the
Board should be focused on The National Center of Education Statistics, showing the
largest score drop in reading since 1990, along with score drops in math.
Carly Coburn commented that she is the chairperson for the local nonprofit PFLAG
Benton Franklin. The organization offers advocates and supporters for the local LGBTQ+
community and educates people regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Ms. Coburn stated she is
here tonight because of the flag policy and would like to hear from the Board on
continuing a conversation where the Board can ask questions and discuss the realities of
being LGBTQ+ and hopes the Board will do right by the LGBTQ + students in
Kennewick.
Shelly Burt commented that she would like the School Board Meetings to start later as
she feels it is difficult for people to arrive on time due to traffic. She also stated that the
American Flag should be the only Flag in a classroom for students to know they are
accepted and loved.
Roger Hayes shared that he is a combat veteran, and in his combat unit, they had Black,
Puerto Rican, Hawaiian, and Hispanic people., He stated that they were diverse, and they
all served one Flag. He said having a pride flag in the classroom is divisive and not
helpful. Mr. Hayes shared that he is also concerned about the core curriculum and math
scores dropping. He said he feels that’s what should be the focus.
Brian Achenbach shared that he served in the military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and
stated that if it weren’t for the United States Flag, there wouldn’t be any flags. He
commented that many flags represent many things for many different people, and the
educational system needs to focus on curriculum and educating students.
RECOGNITION
Native American Heritage Month
Superintendent Dr. Pierce read Governor Inslee’s Proclamation proclaiming November
2022 as Native American Heritage Month.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Diane Sundvik to approve the consent items as presented.

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Seconded by Gabe Galbraith.
Roll call vote:

Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Connors
Mr. Mabry
Ms. Sundvik
Mr. Valentine
Mr. Galbraith

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

The consent items were as follows:
•
•
•
•
•

Minutes of Regular Board Meeting October 26, 2022
Personnel Actions – Certificated, Classified, and Extracurricular
Payroll and Vouchers Ending August 31, 2022
Payroll and Vouchers Ending September 30, 2022
Budget Status Report Year Ending August 31, 2022

SUPERINTENDENT/BOARD MEMBER REPORT
Superintendent Dr. Traci Pierce reported on our mascot updates in the Kennewick School
District, noting that the logos and imagery for the Braves mascot at Kamiakin High
School is being updated, and the school is also providing learning opportunities about
Yakama Tribal history and culture. Dr. Pierce added that the district appreciates the
consultation process and the renewed relationship with the Yakama Tribe.
Student Representative to the Board, London Moody, reported she did not attend the
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meeting on November 9, 2022, but shared the
discussion on bathrooms that occurred during the meeting,
Board Member Gabe Galbraith reported he attended Tri-Tech Skills Center’s soup
competition.
Board Member Micah Valentine reported attending both the morning and afternoon TriTech Skills Center’s soup competitions. He also visited Legacy, Endeavor, Phoenix High
Schools, and Amistad Elementary.
Board Member Diane Sundvik reported attending Tri-Tech Skills Center’s soup
competition, WA DOH media briefing, WSSDA networking hour, Fuerza Book or Boo
Bash, and Getting to Know KSD Safety and Security. She encouraged people to check out
the Tri-Tech pies and sides that can be ordered for Thanksgiving.
Board Member Ron Mabry reminded the Board about the Amazing Shake and
encouraged everyone to read a book.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Discussion of Board Legislative Priorities

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Superintendent Dr. Pierce presented a draft of legislative priorities for 2023 and asked the
Board to review it and let her know if they had any changes they would like her to make
before the adoption at the December 14 School Board meeting.
Following the Board discussion, Dr. Pierce was asked to present an updated draft for the
Board to review.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution No. 1, 2022-2023: Educational Programs and Operations Levy
Superintendent Dr. Pierce presented a recap of the levy information followed by a
recommendation for the approval of Resolution No. 1, 2022-2023: Educational Programs
and Operations Levy.
Motion by Diane Sundvik to approve Resolution No. 1, 2022-2023: Educational Programs
and Operations Levy.
Seconded by Gabe Galbraith.
Roll call vote:

Motion carried 5-0.

Connors
Mabry
Sundvik
Valentine
Galbraith

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Appointment of “For” and “Against” Committees
Superintendent Dr. Pierce presented a recommendation for the Board to appoint Mary
Lynn Merriman, Jan Fraley, and Pat Mastaler to serve on the committee to write the “for”
statement for the levies for the voters’ pamphlet.
Motion by Diane Sundvik to approve the Board appointing the following individuals to
serve as the committee to write the “for” statement for the levies for the voters’ pamphlet:
Mary Lynn Merriman, Jan Fraley, and Pat Mastaler.
Seconded by Micah Valentine.
Roll call vote:

Motion carried 5-0.

Connors
Mabry
Sundvik
Valentine
Galbraith

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

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November 9, 2022
Page 5
Policy No. 2333 INSTRUCTION: Flag Exercises, First Reading
Dr. Pierce presented a draft update of Policy 2333, which deals with displaying flags in
schools and classrooms. Following the School Board discussion, the Board directed Dr.
Pierce and district attorney Bronson Brown to update the draft, which will be presented to
the Board at the next meeting.
7:15 p.m. Ron Mabry, excused
NEXT MEETING AGENDA
The Board reviewed items for the next meeting agenda:
A. 2021-22 Financial Closeout
B. Delta High School Annual Report
C. Tri-Tech Skills Center Annual Report
D. Boundary Process Overview
E. Policy No. 2333 INSTRUCTION: Flag Exercises
Ms. Sundvik asked that the Board have time to discuss the 2022 WSDDA Annual Conference they
will be attending next week.
There being no further business, the Board adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

_____________________________________
RECORDING SECRETARY

_____________________________
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
_____________________________
SECRETARY OF THE BOARD

Approved: December 14, 2022