SchoolBoardMeetingMinutes12-14-2022.pdf

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KENNEWICK SCHOOL DISTRICTNO. I7
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING / Remote Board Meetins
December 14,2022

MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT
Board Members: Michael Connors, President of the Board; Ron Mabry, Vice president

ofthe Board; Diane Sundvik, Legislative Representative ofthe Board; Micah Valentine,
Board Member; Gabe Galbraith, Board Member; London Moody, Student Represenlative
to the Board; and Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent and Secretary ofthe Board.
Cabinet Members: Dr, Doug Christensen, Associate Superintendent of Human
Resources; Matt Scott, Assistant Superintendent of K- l2 Education; Rob phillips,

Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education; Alyssa St. Hilaire, Assistani
superintendent of reaching & Leaming; vic Roberts, Executive Director of Business
Operations; Robyn Chastain, Executive Director of Communications and public
Relations; Ron Cone, Executive Director oflnformation Technology.
Other Guest(s): Bronson Brown, District Legal Counsel
K.C. Bennion, principal, Delta High Schoot
Paul Randall, Director, Tri-Tech Skills Center

CALL TO ORDER
President Michael connors called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and led the pledge of
Allegiance with approximately 107 online and in-person staff and guests in attendaice.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The election of officers was held per RCW 28,4,.330.010.
President

Michael Connors was nominated for President by Diane Sundvik.
Nominations closed with no further nominations.
Roll call vote:

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

Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes

Motion canied 5-0.

Vice President
Ron Mabry was nominated for Vice-President by Diane Sundvik.

Minutes
December 14,2022
Page 2

Nominations closed with no further nominations.
Roll call vote:

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

Mr.
Mr.

Motion canied 5-0.
Legislative Representative
Gabe Galbraith was nominated for Legislative Representative by Micah Valentine.

Roll call vote:

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

No
No
No
Yes
Yes

Motion canied 2-3'
Diane Sundvik was nominated for Legislative Representative by Ron Mabry'

Nominations closed with no further nominations.
Roll call vote:

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

Yes
Yes
Yes

No
No

Motion canied 3-2'
COMMTJNICATIONS FROM PARENTS, STAFF, AND RESIDENTS
on the agenda
Sandra Jackson stated that she believes the reason that the LBGTQ flag is
be a
to be banned from the school is based on fear, and she believes the school should
safe Place for all.

offered
Lisa Peppard shared a recap ofthe conversations around the pride flag and
the-flag policy
another option besides restiicting or banning flags' She suggested leaving
policy
change'
the
reject
to
as it was originally wriuen. Ms. Pepard asked the Board

JessiRobledourgedtheBoardtovotenoontheproposedamendmentstopolicy2333.
Penny Nokes asked the Board to please vote not to ban the pride flag'
James Robledo spoke against removing the pride flag'

Minutes
December 14. 2022
Page 3

Tina Gregory stated that she is asking the Board to stand and stop the grooming and
confusion ofour children. She thanked the Board for allowing religion and gay pride
flags to fly in the classrooms but stated that the only flag that should fly in the classroom
is the American flag.
Dan Mildon presented the Board President with a handout titled Board of Directors:
Public Comments and Communications Improvement for each Board member. He shared
his concerns with the Board about changing from the public comment period from open
discussion with input from the community to allowing 30 minutes total with two minutes
for each speaker. Mr. Mildon stated that he thinks the modification he presented to the
Board to change the language would help the community feel like they are being
communicated with.

Alliyah Jackson asked the Board not to give power to people who only feel hate. She
stated that everyone in every community should be equal, and that includes the flags.

Linda stephenson spoke about KSD volunteering opportunities, She wanted to give her
perspective as a volunteer who has logged thousands of hours in various capacities over
the last l3 years. In her experience. she has not felt important and valued ai a KSD
volunteer. Another pool ofvolunteers that Ms. Stephenson stated has been overlooked rs
the high school students. Ms. Stephenson stated that she thinks the Board needs to focus
on truly making volunteers feel valued and on retaining people as volunteers.

Virginia Halden stated that the Board should vote no on the proposed policy banning
certain flags. Ms. Halden added that schools should provide an environment conducive to
learning, and that people learn best when they know they are accepted.
Virginia Tomlinson stated that she is speaking in support of LGBTeIA+ students and
their parents. She stated that all students deserve to feel safe and supported in Kennewick
public schools.
Jason Goodwin commented on opening the portal for Iawsuits and litigation. He stated
that if the Board allows one flag, they must allow all flags. The Ameriian Flag covers
everything that people have talked about.

Mickey Beary stated that teenagers who are LcBTe deserve to be safe and secure no
matter where they live, work, or play. Mr. Beary added that assuring LCBTe students
have a safe place, free ofharassment, by allowing a pride flag in the school is a small
gesture of concem for these students.

cati Banta stated that removing the pride flag would be inappropriate or biased because
all deserve to feel safe and welcomed. Ms. Banta asked the Board not to remove or ban
the pride flags.
Reverend Richard Matters, Pastor ofSt. Paul's Episcopal Church, stated that he speaks in
opposition to the motion and in favor offree expression within the bounds of mutual
resDect and love.

Minutes
December 14,2022
Page 4

CONSENT ]TEMS
Motion by Diane Sundvik to approve the consent items as presented.
Seconded by Gabe Galbraith.

Ron Mabry asked if it would be possible to add the School Board meeting dates to the
calendars approved on the consent agenda.

Roll call vote:

Mr.
Mr.
Ms.
Mr.
Mr.

Connors Yes
Yes
Mabry
Sundvik Yes
Valentine Yes
Galbraith Yes

Motion canied 5-0.
The consent items were as follows:

. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting November 9,2022
. 2023 Board Legislative Priorities
. Career and TecLnical Educatio n:2022-23 KSD & Tri-Tech Skills Center Perkins
Assurances
Recommendation of Approval of Instructional Materials:

'

oFrida,authorKristyPlacido,publishedbyFluencyMatters'Thismaterialwill

o
o

be used in 9-'12 gtade World Language'
Mata la pinata, author Kristy Placido, published by Fluency Matters' This
material will be used in 9- l2 grade World Language'
IXL Learning, digital. This material will be used in K- l2 grade Special

Education.

o (Jnique Leatning Systems, digital' This material will be used in 6-12 grade
SPecial Education.

' Personnel Actions - Certificated, Classified, and Extracurricular
. Future School Year Calendars
.KSD.MaintenanceandoperationsCollectiveBargainingAgreement2022.2025

. Payroll and Vouchers Ending October 3 l, 2022. Budget Status Report Ending September 30, 2022
. Resolution N o.2,2022-2023: Cancellation of Outstanding Warrants
SUPERINTENDENT/BOARD MEMBER REPORT

SuperintendentDr.TraciPiercerepo(edthattheYakamaTribalCouncilunanimously
granting the
passed a resolution approving the districf s land acknowledgment and
dirt.i.f , request for iiamiakin High school to retain the Braves mascot with the newly
the Washington
designed logo and imagery' Mr. \iashines invited Dr' Pierce to attend
participate in a
will
she
gducation
where
April,
in
Association Conference
StatJ tnaiun
of
Professional
superintendent,s panel. Dr. Pierce shared that Tina Brewer, Director

Minutes
December 14,2022
Page 5

Learning and Assessment, will anend a Yakama Nation Education Collaborative this
week.
Student Representative to the Board, London Moody, reported she attended the WSSDA
Annual Conference Student Representative Network and the Superintendent Student
Advisory Council meeting.
Cabe Galbraith reported he aftended the WSSDA Annual Conference in Spokane and
listened to Dr. Pierce on the radio. Mr. Galbraith stated that he hopes people are getting their
levy questions answered, as he wants to ensure everyone has the levy information. He added
that he hoped people would stick around to listen to the discussion on policy 2333. Mr.
Galbraith asked Dr. Pierce if it is possible to get notifications for school closures or delays a
little earlier.

Micah Valentine shared that he, too, hoped people would stick around for the discussion on
the flag policy. Mr. Valentine stated that he had a nice conversation with Mrs. Alfaro, one of
Kennewick School District's elementary teachers and that he attended the Amazing Shake,
the wSSDA Annual conference, and heard Dr. Pierce on the radio. He encourased the
community that if they have issues with the levy, to please communicate what th]ose issues
are so that they can be addressed.

Board Member Diane Sundvik reported that she attended two of the wSSDA Networkins
Hour meetings, two of the Racial Equity & Social Justice meetings, two of the cet To
Know KSD meetings: Technology and Family Engagement. Ms. sundvik shared that she
attended the WSSDA Annual Conference in Spokane; two Richland School District Board
Meetings; The Amazing Shake at Hawthome Elementary School; the credit union
legislative gathering, and the wssDA Advocacy Insights meeting to prepare for the 2023
legislative session.
Ron Mabry gave a book reading reminder to Board members and suggested London
Moody, Student Representative to the Board, be able to have an advisory vote. Mr. Mabry
stated that the advisory vote would allow the Board to hear where the student reoresentative
stands on issues, but the vote would not count.
President conners reported auending part ofthe wssDA Annual conference in Spokanc.

REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Delta Hieh School
Dr. Pierce introduced Delta High School Principal K.c. Bennion, who presented the annual
update on the school, a partnership among the Kennewick, Richland, and pasco school
districts. Delta is a small public high school that draws students from all three districts and
incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) into all subjects. Ms.
Bennion reported that the school has an enrollment of405 students, includine 142 students
from Kennewick.

Minutes
December 14.2022
Page 6

Tri-Tech Skills Center
Tri-Tech Skills Center Director Paul Randall presented the annual report on the
cooperative skills center that the Kennewick School District hosts. Mr. Randall reported
that the school has an enrollment of978 students, including 321 students from
Kennewick. Tri-Tech has 19 preparatory Career & Technical Education programs'
ranging from autobody technology and construction trades to cosmetology. culinary arts,
game design. and pre-nursing.
2021 - 2022 Financial Close-out

Executive Director ofBusiness Operations Vic Robefts presented an overview ofthe
district's finances at the end of 2021-22. He reviewed enrollment numbers, noting that the

averagestudentFTEforthe202|l2o2zschoolyearwas232lessthanbudgeted.
Budgited, projected, and final General Fund revenue and expenditure amounts were
reviewed. Approximately $15 million in federal ESSER funding (meant to offset
pandemic losies and expenses) helped with an enrollment dip and with expenses. ln^
212l-22,the district used ESSER iunding to add online/Endeavor High School staff,
in
nurse/health room support. student mental health support, and to maintain staffing
The
decline.
elementary and middli schools during the pandemic-related enrollment
district enied the year with a fund balance of$50,845.329. Mr. Roberts reported on the

next
2022-23 enrollment numbers, the projected ESSER Funding use fot 2022-23, and the
are
dollars
ESSER
that
steps for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 budgets. He reminded the Board
one-time funding through August 3l , 2024.
Boundarv Process Overview
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Rob Phillips presented the background

andhistoryofthemostrecentboundarychangesandreviewedtheprocessformaking
capacity
decisions about boundary adjustments. He shared the current enrollment and
boundary
for
Goals
2022'
numbers for all the elementaiy schools as of October
adjustmentwerepresentedalongwithboundaryprosandcons'Mr.Phillipsshareda
year to
boundary procesi and timeline to complete the process in the 2022-23 school
determine new boundaries to take effect inFall2024'
President Connors announced a five-minute break at 7:35 p m'

The Board reconvened at 7:44 P m

LD{FINISHED BUSINESS

flags in
Dr. Pierce presented a draft update ofPolicy No 2333, which deals with displaying
Brown
schools and classrooms. The Board directed Dr. Pierce and district anomey Bronson
to uodate the draft at the November 9 School Board meeting'

Minutes
December 14,2022
Page 7

Motion by Ron Mabry to discuss Policy No. 2333 INSTRUCTION: Flag Exercises for first
and second reading with the changes identified by the Board.
Seconded by Diane Sundvik.

Board discussion followed.
The Board suggested the following changes:
Removing the word permanent.
Changing the word permanent to full+ime.
Removing the first sentence (The flag ofthe U.S. stands as the universal and most
singularly important emblem of America.) Micah Valentine stated, for the record, he
feels the first sentence should be there.
Removing the last bullet point.
Removing the bullet point regarding multiples of the same flag.
Changing the word cloth to material.
Removing the last sentence.

r
.
r

r
r
.
.

Motion by Ron Mabry to accept Policy No. 2333 INSTRUCTION: Flag Exercises for first
reading as amended.
Seconded by Gabe Galbraith.

Roll call vote:

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

No
No
No
No
No

Motion canied 0-5.
Board members asked Dr. Pierce to amend the poticy by removing the first sentence and the
last bullet point (No flag may be hung in a manner that causes distraction), removing the last
sentence, and changing the word cloth to the word material.

Motion by Gabe Galbraith to accept Policy No. 2333 INSTRUCTION: Flag Exercises as
amended for first reading.
Seconded by Ron Mabry.

Roll call vote:

Mr. Connors
Mr. Mabry

Yes

Ms.

No

Sundvik
Mr. Valentine
Mr. Galbraith

yes

Yes
Yes

Motion canied 4-1.

Mr. Mabry asked Dr. Pierce and Mr. Bronson to wordsmith the word .,permanently" to see

Minutes
December 14,2022
Page 8

ifthere is a better word to use in place ofpermanently.
The Board requested that Student Board Representative survey students and seek feedback
from the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council members on this policy'

NEW BUSINESS
Levy "Asainst" Committee Appointment
Superintendent Dr. Pierce presented a recommendation for the Board to appoint Dallas
Burt to serve on the committee to write the "against" statement for the levy for the voters'
pamphlet.

MotionbyRonMabrytoapprovetheBoardappointingthefollowingindividualtoserv-eas
;'against" statement for the le\y for the voters' pamphlet: Dallas
the committee to writl the
Burt
Seconded by Gabe Galbraith.

Roll call vote:

Connors
Mabry
Sundvik
Valentine
Galbraith

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Motion carried 5-0.

NEXT MEETING AGENDA
The Board reviewed items for the next meeting agenda:

A.lncreasingcommunityengagementandvolunteerism/volunteercoordination
B. Cuniculum CYcle
C. Future facility planning/priorities and use of space
buses.
Mr. Mabry asked that the Board discuss the student advisory vote and electric school
Board'
the
on
Ms. Sundvik asked that the Board discuss having multiple student representatives

EXECUTIVE SESSION
president Michael Connors announced an end to the business portion ofthe meeting at 8:54
(i) to
p.m. and moved the Board into executive session at 9:00 p.m. per RCW.42.30'110.(l)
formal
no
further
iiscuss a legal issue for approximately l5 minutes. Mr, Connors noted that
action would be taken.

OTHERBUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW.

Mr.ConnorsreconvenedtheregularsessionoftheBoardatg:00p'm'Therebeingno

Minutes
December 14,2022
Page 9

further business, the Board adjoumed at 9:00 p.m.

{$,r',

Approved: January | l,2023