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2021-09-16-minutes.txt
| Document type | minutes |
| Date | 2021-09-16 |
| Source URL | — |
| Entity | orting_school_district (Pierce Co., WA) |
| Entity URL | https://www.ortingschools.org |
| Raw filename | 2021-09-16-minutes.txt |
| Stored filename | 2021-09-16-minutes.txt |
Text
Regular Board Meeting
Thursday, September 16, 2021
6:00 PM
Minutes generated by Bonnie Christian
Members Present
Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
Member Absent
Director Holland
A. Opening
1. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order by Director Thibodeaux at 6:02 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Director Thibodeaux led the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Communication
1. Community and Staff Comments
Caraline Griffith shared concerns about our students becoming socially conditioned who are having to adjust
to this new way of life, the survival rate of COVID which is at 99.8%, masks should be available at our schools
but they are not, students not being required to wash their hands, the psychological, harmful effects of extended mask
wearing, and allowing our students some breathing room without their mask, especially at recess. She shared
a couple of quotes, "If you stand for nothing you will surely fall for everything," "FEAR is false evidence appearing
real," and "A leader takes people where they want to go but a great leader takes children where they should be."
Rick Slaughter shared that parents have lost respect in the school system. He reported that many classrooms
are not saying the Pledge of Allegiance, that on the first day of school multiple teachers asked students to
state their name and preferred pronoun in front of their peers with the threat of disciplinary action, that Orting
is a conservative town, in a conservative district in a conservative county and parents want to go back to the day
where students only state their names; no pronouns. It was also confirmed by two students that a transgender
girl who pretends to be a boy was changing in the boys locker room. Within the last two years there was a
boy who went to a camp and stayed in a cabin where everybody else was the opposite sex, the chaperone knew
about it and everyone joked about it and that child stayed in that cabin. Highline Schools at a race symposium
there were staff who expressed their displeasure for being privileged and white passing it along to students,
a high school social studies teacher portrays the public as uneducated warmongers, a New York Post article
wrote about a racial equity team pushing critical race theory for kids. It needs to stop.
The following pubic comments were sent in advance and read by Bonnie Christian, Executive Assistant:
Brett Hancock
As a resident of Orting since September 2020 with 5 kids in the district, my heart and thoughts go out to
all teachers, educators, and staff at the school district and schools in Orting. You have all been a beacon
of light in this town by creating an inclusive learning environment and not succumbing to the disingenuous
fear campaign being promoted by far far too many. I am saddened and appalled every day at the number
of anti-mask, anti-vaccine, and anti-science carnival barkers in this city, from elected officials to citizens,
who choose to spend their time harassing those who simply want to send their children to school as safely
as possible. Thank you for your time.
Michelle Batson
My daughter is in the 8th grade. We have concerns with the time allowance for lunch. It is exceedingly short,
especially if hot lunch is needed. I am unable to attend the meeting tonight, I have patients schedule in Tacoma
and can not reschedule at this late notice as I just learned of this opportunity to voice concerns. I would like
another avenue to provide concerns and request assistance. The minimum break requirement for any and all
employees in Washington State is 30 min. Allowing 15 min to both acquire and eat their lunch is half of the
MINIMUM time required of employers. My daughter is one of many whom is going without lunch consistently
which affects their ability to concentrate through the remaining classes. We tried packing lunch, but even then
by the time they line up outside, move to the assigned seat (which can not be changed) and open the lunch
they have no time to eat anything before having to return to classes. We parents who have discussed on
Facebook community pages have expected that by now this would be noted and addressed by teachers and
support staff. This really is inappropriate and does not allow our students to be ready for learning.
Shannon Samia
My daughter is in the 8th grade. We have issues and concerns with the lunch timing. For 15 mins of her lunch time,
she is forced to stay outside and wait with many other students before entering the lunch room. She (and the other
students) have 15 minutes to stand in line for the hot lunch the school is providing, get her food, walk to her
assigned seat, eat her lunch and then return to class on time. FIFTEEN MINUTES! Please explain how this is even
acceptable. She has expressed her opinions and concerns to Mr. Collins, along with teachers and other staff
members. Their solution at this time is to be late to her next class. How is this right? My student has to be late
to her class just so she can eat her lunch, while the 1st "wave" of lunch students will NEVER be late because they
are rushed through the first 15 mins of lunch time. My daughter is coming to the point where she doesnt want to
eat lunch all together because she doesnt want to be late, or be in TROUBLE for being late. If she does get the
hot lunch, she throws more than half away just so she wont be late. ALL of this is unacceptable. 30 mins is lunch,
not 15. Take a few days....walk the walk our kids are doing. Let them show you how little time 15 mins is to eat
lunch. Because apparently, whoever decided this was a good idea of splitting the lunch times, has never walked it -
from the beginning of the 30 mins all the way through the late walk to their next class. I encourage you to do this.
I'm highly confident that all the staff members have their 30 mins of lunch time....why dont the kids? My student
is coming home hungry almost daily. She takes snacks and whenever possible she does try to bring a lunch so in
hopes she can eat fast enough to get to class on time. But that is not always possible. Please. This needs changed.
I haven't met ONE parent who is ok with this situation for their student or the "solution" they have in place right
now. I have also asked my daughter to make sure she writes down all info that she can regarding the times during
her lunch, meaning - exactly what time she walked through door, what time she stood in line, what time she sat at
her assigned seat and how late she was to her class. This is still a work in progress and hopefully by Friday she
will have some good information that I will continue to share and make known. Thank you for your time.
2. Introduction of New Staff and Junior Student Board Representative
William (Ed) Hatzenbeler, Superintendent introduced:
- Grace Smith, Junior Board Representative
- Aaron Lee, Executive Director for Equity and Student Outcomes
- Rashaad O'Neal, Public Information Officer
Debi Christensen, Executive Director for Human Resources, introduced:
- Cassie Cornelius, Nutrition Services Supervisor
Steve Rabb, Executive Director for Teaching, Learning, Assessment, and Technology introduced:
- Wayne Parr, CTE Support Technician
Myra Andrews, Payroll Manager introduced
- Tracey Reigier, Payroll Specialist
Curtis Nybo, Facilities Supervisor introduced:
- Andrew Melot, Custodian
- Stephen Perez, Stadium/Grounds Custodian
Megan Gentili, Transportation Supervisor, sent her regrets for not being able to attend in person but Debi Christensen introduced:
- Loni Storm, Assistant Transportation Supervisor who also sent her regrets for not being able to attend in person
Cliff Fries, Principal, introduced Orting High School staff:
- Ginger Gerde, Paraeductor
- Tranell Mayfield, English Teacher
- Maria Reyes, School Counselor
- Long Tran, CTE Video Production/Graphic Design Teacher
Executive Director Christensen reported that we have hired over forty employees. To honor the social distancing guidelines,
we have invited new employees to also be introduced over the October and November board meetings.
3. Board Recognition
Director Thibodeaux shared that she loved the energy and spirit at Friday night's football game and volleyball
game last night. It was awesome to see the students and community members at the games and following
protocols. She also recognized the Citizen's Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) and everyone who is a part
of the group with all the variables that are being considered to help us work through the current and future
needs of the District. She encouraged anyone who is interested in what is happening to view the CFAC webpage.
Director Madigan recognized Curtis Nybo, Facilities Supervisor, and the Facilities Department team for their important
work within the District as they are often mentioned during the Citizen's Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) meetings.
Additionally, she recognized Chris Willis, Executive Director for Student Support Services, Megan Gentili, Transportation
Supervisor and the Transportation Department for many things from their part in helping to locate lost students to
knowing about the individualized health plans of students so they can best accommodate them. She is very impressed
with their student detail such as assigning seats so that the adult can always be visible to the student. This shows
dedication and care for our students. Thank you, Transportation Department.
Director Kinzler shared that one of the things that really stood out to her was a 9-11 video that was created by Rashaad
O'Neal, Public Information Officer. The 9-11 video was so professional and heartfelt. It was wonderful to see our connection
to the students and staff. It was a great memorial and a great testimony to have our staff involved in the video. She also
commented that all the communications that are going out are wonderful. The communications are meaningful and so
appreciated. Thank you, Rashaad. Director Kinzler is looking forward to the continued work that you do. Director Kinzler
also shared that as she was preparing to attend tonight's board meeting when she heard a little boy across the street who
was so excited. He loves his teacher and is excited to be back with his friends. She thanked the teachers for they are
the ones that our students love to be around.
4. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Hatzenbeler shared a presentation that included a School Supply Drive where 140 families were served,
the success of our Kick-Off on August 26 which included a national speaker, George Couros as well as celebration seeing
our cheerleaders and drum line. We had over 200 middle schoolers and 200 high schoolers attend New Student Orientation
on August 29 who partnered with our staff to provide them with a tour and answer any questions they had before the first
day of school. Of course, the first day of school was a huge celebration after being off campus eighteen months. Looking at
enrollment, we are near 2,600 students which is over the amount budgeted. Reviewing enrollment helps us to see what the
needs are from a capacity lens. Our Citizen's Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) are charged to preview all of the
considerations for recommendations to the Board of Directors. We also want to make sure we are receiving all the feedback
from our stakeholders about where they would like to see the District go such as what are our successes, what are our
challenges, what does the community want to know about the District. Superintendent Hatzenbeler also provided a safety
and health update including face covering, vaccinations, and testing. He additionally noted that we are working on issues
surrounding pick-up and drop-off of students and issues surrounding supply shortages to get food for our student meals.
He applauded Cassie Cornelious, Food Services Supervisor, for giving students fresh, quality, healthy choice meal options.
The District is reviewing staffing options and other modalities to get the students through the meal lines quicker and improve
procedures. We acknowledge the hiccups as we begin school and are working to make improvements in the near term.
Senior Board Representative, Nadine Brandt, asked what measures are we taking to ensure students are still learning if they
are quarantined. Superintendent Hatzenbeler responded that we will continue to use our Google Classroom platform so we
have that continuity and ability to push material out remotely to our quarantined students.
C. Reports
1. Financial Report
The Financial Report was prepared by Marci Bannan, Business Services Administrator, for the Board and reviewed.
D. First Reading of Select Board Policies
1. First Reading of Select Board Policies
First reading of select board policies were presented.
E. Consent Agenda
1. Vouchers (and contracts for informational purposes only)
Motion to approve items 1 - 7 on the Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
2. Personnel
Motion to approve items 1 - 7 on the Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
3. 2021-2022 Enumclaw School District McKinney Vento Interlocal
Motion to approve items 1 - 7 on the Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
4. 2021-2024 Clover Park Technical College Interlocal Agreement
Motion to approve items 1 - 7 on the Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
5. August 12, 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve items 1 - 7 on the Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
6. August 21, 2021 Board of Directors' Work Session, Board Advance, Minutes
Motion to approve items 1 - 7 on the Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
7. September 2, 2021 Board Work Session Minutes
Motion to approve items 1 - 7 on the Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
F. Action
1. Minimum Basic Education Requirements
Motion to approve the Minimum Basic Education Requirement Compliance for 2021-22
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
2. Surplus Approval
Motion to approve disposal of the surplus items as presented
Motion by Director Kinzler, second by Director Madigan
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
3. DRAFT 2021-2022 Fee Schedule and Meal Pricing Adjustment
Motion to approve the 2021-2022 fee schedule and meal pricing adjustment
Motion by Director Madigan, second by Director Kinzler
Motion Carries
Aye: Director Kinzler, Director Madigan, Director Thibodeaux
G. Board Comments
1. Student Representatives Report
Nadine Brandt, Senior Board Representative, shared that students are so happy to be back with sports and after
school activities. The freshmen seem to be settling in well. Play auditions start on Tuesday and there seems to be
a lot of kids are interested so that is exciting. National Honor Society had their first meeting this week and is
planning their events throughout the year as are other clubs. She has third period lunch and sees some of the lunch
time issues and is hoping that the lunch surveys will be brought back to help combat the problem.
Grace Smith, Junior Board Representative, shared that students are doing well with sports. For cross-country, we
had one of the biggest turnouts we have ever had. A new club, FFA, is starting up and the new teacher is really excited.
Competitive gaming is a new sport and that should be fun. For homecoming, we are working to come up with activities
that are as COVID safe as possible and are looking at spirit events. Grace shared that she is excited to be part of the
Board and to be back at school.
2. Board Comments
Director Kinzler thanked both representatives for being here and contributing to the meeting.
Director Madigan shared how pleased she is with the Citizen's Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC). She
reported that she has more information and viewpoints on this committee than on previous planning
committees which will help us move forward as a District.
H. Adjournment
1. Adjourn the Meeting
Director Holland adjourned the meeting at 6:59 PM.
Please click here for video of the meeting
Carrie Thibodeaux, Board Vice President William (Ed) Hatzenbeler, Superintendent