05-23-24%20Board%20Minutes.docx.pdf

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MINUTES OF THE BUSINESS MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SELAH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 119
DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM
May 23, 2024
Members present
Dan Peters, Jamie Morford, Joe Catron, Sarah Michael, and Derek Iverson. Student
representatives Indiana Hilmes, Elise Ozanich and Addison Flowers were also present.
1. Welcome
A. Call Meeting to Order, Roll Call & Flag Salute
The meeting was advertised in accordance with law. President Dan Peters called the
meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and led the flag salute.
2. District Highlight
A. Best of the Best Award Winners
Dan recognized the Best of the Best award winners for 2023-24 and the class of '24
retirees.
B. WASA Community Leadership Award
Kevin recognized Aubrey Holwegner for the WASA Community Leadership Award.
C. WASA Student Leadership Award
Kevin recognized Yobi Ruark for the WASA Student Leadership Award.
3. Executive Director for Student Learning Report
A. Since Time Immemorial Curriculum Adoption
Jeremie Dufault submitted the below public comment in writing to the board in advance
of the meeting.
May 23, 2024, Selah School Board Meeting Public Comment
My name is Jeremie Dufault. I have two children who attend school in the
Selah School District. A few months ago, I applied to be on the Instructional
Materials Committee but was not selected. On May 14, I reviewed the
proposed Since Time Immemorial (STI) curriculum at the District
Administration office. Please pardon the length of my comment. I felt the
examples included were necessary to support my concerns with the
proposed STI curriculum.
Slide 10 of the Board presentation indicates that STI must be adopted in
order to qualify for basic education funding. While a mandate was proposed
in E2SHB 1332 during the legislative session (2023-24), it was not passed
into law. Selah is not required to add STI until the next comprehensive
update of its social studies curriculum (SB5433, 2015). E2SHB 1332
included a deadline (2026) for every school district to update their social
studies curriculum. As noted, however, this bill did not pass.

I ask that the Board not adopt the proposed STI curriculum until it is more
fully reviewed by the Selah community and explicitly approved by the
Yakama Nation. If the Board chooses to adopt an STI curriculum, I ask that
at least four items that are inaccurate, objectionable, and unnecessary be
removed from the current proposal. There are approved materials from the
OSPI website such as “The People of Cascadia – Pacific Northwest Native
American History” by Heidi Bohan, that are neither inaccurate nor
objectionable. I further request that any replacement items focus on the
culture and history of Native Americans in our region without contradicting
the well-established history of the United States and without providing
inaccurate portrayals of founding documents like the United States
Constitution, important institutions such as the United States military, or the
Christian faith.
(1) Please remove “Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving
Story.” The book, included in the kindergarten and other grade level
modules of the proposed STI curriculum, undermines a uniquely American
holiday focused on gratitude and cross-cultural cooperation. It claims
without support that the Thanksgiving “meal changed both our lives and
theirs forever. Many Americans call it a day of Thanksgiving. Many of our
people call it a day of mourning.” The front jacket states, “Every American
child learns about the first Thanksgiving. But Thanksgiving didn’t happen
the way most children are taught.” Then on the second to last page under
the heading “The Wampanoag Storytelling Tradition,” it concedes that
“Sadly, the Wampanoag side of the [Thanksgiving] story was lost after a
majority of tribal members died from warfare and disease introduced by
newcomers…This book is a new story…”
(2) Please remove the 5th Grade lesson titled “Encounter,
Colonization, and Devastation.” It states that Native Americans resisted
conversion to Christianity. In our Valley, Chief Kamiakan invited and
protected Catholic missionaries at the St. Joseph’s Ahtanum Mission and
encouraged conversion among his people. To this day, the Diocese of
Yakima and the Yakama Nation maintain a positive relationship and
collaborate on a number of health, education, and religious initiatives. The
question set for the 5th Grade lesson also includes the unsupported and
inaccurate statement that, “the [American] Revolution was about the control
of Indian lands as much as it was about colonial independence”.
(3)&(4) Please remove “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United
States” and “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States For
Young People.” These books call into question without proper justification
the integrity of multiple U.S. Presidents, including Abraham Lincoln,
Thomas Jefferson, and Andrew Jackson, the United States military both
past and present, and respected American authors such as Walt Whitman,

James Fenimore Cooper, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Here are some
excerpts:
Page 2 – “The history of the United States is a history of settler
colonialism—the founding of a state based on the ideology of white
supremacy, the widespread practice of African slavery, and a policy of
genocide and land theft.”
Page 5 – [Regarding Thanksgiving] “But this idea of the gift-giving Indian
helping to establish and enrich the development of the United States is an
insidious smoke screen meant to obscure the fact that the very existence of
the country is a result of the looting of an entire continent and its
resources.”
Page 9 – [Regarding July 4th] “The absence of even the slightest note of
regret or tragedy in the annual celebration of the US independence betrays
a deep disconnect in the consciousness of US Americans.”
Page 36 – In section titled “White Supremacy and Class” – “Also part of the
Christian colonizers’ outlook was a belief in white supremacy…White
supremacy can be traced to the colonizing ventures of the Christian
Crusades in Muslim-controlled territories and to the Protestant colonization
of Ireland. As dress rehearsals for the colonization of the Americas, these
projects form the two strands that merge in the geopolitical and
sociocultural makeup of US society.”
[Note – this is one of many instances in the book where the author
contradicts the historical record and her own point. How can conquest of an
ethnic population that is considered “white” (Irish) be an example of the
establishment of so-called Christian colonizers’ white supremacy.]
Page 39 – “In the lead-up to the formation of the United States,
Protestantism uniquely refined white supremacy as part of a politicoreligious ideology.”
Page 50 – “…the United States still invades countries under the guise of
rescue.”
Page 60 – Section titled “Settler-Parasites Create the Virginia Colony”
Page 79 – “Somehow, even ‘genocide’ seems an inadequate description
for what happened, yet rather than viewing it with horror, most Americans
have conceived of it as their country’s manifest destiny.”
Page 94 – “The continued popularity of, and respect for, the genocidal
sociopath Andrew Jackson is another indicator. Actual men such as Robert
Rogers, Daniel Boone, John Sevier, and David Crockett, as well as
fictitious ones created by James Fenimore Cooper and other best-selling

writers, call to mind D.H. Lawrence’s ‘myth of the essential white
American’—that the ‘essential American soul’ is a killer.”
Page 108 – “It’s not that Jackson had a ‘dark side,’ as his apologists
rationalize and which all human beings have, but rather that Jackson was
the Dark Knight in the formation of the United States as a colonialist,
imperialist democracy, a dynamic formation that continues to constitute the
core of US patriotism. The most revered presidents—Jefferson, Jackson,
Lincoln, Wilson, both Roosevelts, Truman, Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton,
Obama—have each advanced populist imperialism…All the presidents
after Jackson march in his footsteps.”
Page 131 – “The US Civil War allowed for the reorganization and
modernization of the military and streamlined counterinsurgency
operations—that is, ones targeting civilians.” [Note – this is a totally false
definition and description of counterinsurgency operations.]
Page 228 – In section titled “North America is a Crime Scene” – “…The
story of the new world is horror, the story of America is a crime.”
Jeremie Dufault also spoke regarding the STI curriculum and biggest issue is particular
books that are derogatory about the country, military and the Christian faith. The
curriculum is very important, since we are so close to the Yakama Nation. Some of the
items can be reconsidered and still taught with factual items that are not whitewashed.
The law is currently not requiring this information. We need to reconsider this before
moving forward.
Daylene Ackerman had a brief chance to look at some of the items and believes it is
presented in an intentionally divisive way. Please hold off, look at other sources and
look at other items that don't focus on racism. That language and talk and negativity
should instead be about coming together. Tactics like these are used by revolutionaries.
This is part of what is keeping us divided in our country. Let's hold off and look at other
materials.
Derek spoke following Alicia's presentation and believes that there are racist undertones
in the curriculum and it's divisive and not promoting patriotism. We can teach Native
American History without dividing people. He doesn't see the benefit of adding these
materials to the curriculum. He sees this as adding cultural value, but not educational
value. Now is also not the right time to add this to our budget.
Jamie would like to table the topic until June to consider the materials and opinions that
were recently brought forth.
Derek moved that we do not approve the curriculum tonight and wait until such time is
required by state law.
A roll call vote was taken. Derek – yes; Jamie – no; Dan – no; Sarah – no; Joe - no

Dan stated that he is not a K-12 curriculum expert and thanks those who did the work
on this. He puts his trust in them for their expertise. Native American history is American
history and this is balancing the perspective. He would encourage other board members
to not approve the motion.
Dan moved that we table the adoption of this material until the June business meeting.
Motion carried 5/0.
4. Student Board Representatives Report
A. Student Board Representative Presentation - Elise Ozanich
Elise spoke regarding her project to make faith-based resources available to students in
schools. She hopes that it will be continued after her graduation and even expanded, if
possible. Dan thought Elise's testimony within the books might be a nice touch, as well
as Spanish language texts.
B. Student Board Representatives Update
Today was jorts day at the high school. Indy has been running the Selah Decisions IG
page and has created an encouraging atmosphere for where seniors are headed after
graduation.
5. Suggestions/Comments From the Audience
A. District Guidelines for Public Comment
There were no additional comments.
6. Meeting Minutes
A. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of April 25, 2024 and May 9, 2024
That the board approve the regular meeting minutes of April 25, 2024 and May 9, 2024,
as presented.
Motion by Dan Peters. Motion carried 5/0.
7. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Consent Agenda
B. Human Resources Action Sheet
(Approved as filed)
C. Payroll, Goods & Services May 2024
● Approved General Fund Payroll Vouchers No. 177790 through 177814 in
the total amount of $802,299.24.
● Approved General Fund Vouchers No. 177617 through 177789 in the total
amount of $373,510.72.
● Approved General Fund Vouchers No. 177815 through 177921 in the total
amount of $289,304.03.
● Approved Associated Student Body Fund Vouchers No. 19409 through
19430 in the total amount of $25,746.11.
● Approved Associated Student Body Fund Vouchers No. 19431 through
19451 in the total amount of $27,084.59.

D. Out of State/Overnight Travel Requests
● Proaction Dance Camp for Shawna Treat, Bethany Treat and Bailey Treat
and 18 students June 23-25, 2024 in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
● National TSA Conference and Competition for employee Geoff Anderson
and 4 students June 25-July 1, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.
● FCCLA Nationals 2024 for employees Shari Brink and Maggie Uceny and
8 students June 27-July 4, 2024 in Seattle.
E. Surplus Property Declaration
F. Donations
● $2,400 donation from Viking Crew to SHS TSA Program for travel
expenses for Nationals.
● $1,000 donation from Tiffany Minton of Coffee at Tiffany’s for travel
expenses for the FCCLA National Conference.
That the board approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Motion by Dan Peters. Motion carried 5/0.
8. Administration
A. State & Federal Programs Annual Report - Kristi Irion
Kristi Irion presented regarding the progress of the State and Federal Programs.
Migrant PAC president Elvira Figueroa presented regarding their improvements, the
topic of mental health and suicide within families, as well as discrimination and drug
abuse. Migrant PAC Member Graciela Berrueta spoke that her experience in the
program has made her feel safe and supported and able to find food and housing for
newcomers. She is most proud of her daughters' achievements along with the program.
Migrant PAC Parent Maria Jimenez is a mother of 4 boys who are doing great. She is a
seasonal farmworker and did the Dare to Dream Academy. She moved to Selah 2 years
ago and it was intimidating starting all over. They wanted to move here to be closer to
Oscar, her son at YVC. The Migrant program has helped them tremendously with
finding services. They needed help with the books for YVC for Oscar. Her oldest is
finishing chiropractic at Western WA Univ. and Her son David was a Gates Scholar and
went to Stanford, then to the Naval Academy for flight school in Pensacola, Florida with
hopes to be an astronaut. She is most proud of them thriving in their education and
careers and living their dream. Maury Falcon, Migrant Student Leader - has been with
the program for three years. IT has been very educational. Has learned about the
district, her culture and the program. She assists with planning events. She has had the
opportunity to attend Dare to Dream. She attended a week-long program at UW
learning about campus and gaining 1/2 credit. She wants to go to medical school and
become a pediatrician. She wants to go to the UW for her Bachelor's degree and
pre-med, then either medical school at UW or PNWU.
B. Annual Policy Review and CTE & Choice Programs Annual Report - Jeff
Cochran
Jeff Cochran spoke regarding CTE and the newest addition of internships for student's
pathways. He showed the CTE growth timeline, grant funding received, pathways,
post-secondary credit. He stated that there is an opportunity for a direct transfer AA
degree. He spoke regarding updates to choice programs. There is a new online partner

for K-12 next year, as well as Open Doors (GED) to re-engage those students who have
left the educational system.
C. Resolution No. 2024-3 WIAA Delegation
D. Resolution No. 2024-4 Authorization to Employ Supervisory Personnel
E. Resolution No. 2024-5 Authorization to Employ Non-Supervisory
Certificated Personnel for 2024-25
That the Board of Directors approve Resolution No. 2024-3 WIAA Delegation,
Resolution 2024-4 Authorization to Employ Supervisory Personnel, and Resolution
2024-5 Authorization to Employ Non-Supervisory Certificated Personnel for 2024-25, as
presented.
Motion by Dan Peters. Motion carried 5/0.
9. Associate Superintendent for District Operations Report
A. 2024-25 Budget Update
Chris Scacco presenting the budgeting process.
B. Enrollment Update
We saw a 27.0 decrease from April to May and we're slightly under projections now.
She's hoping we hold our numbers for our June count.
C. Financial Status Update for April 2024
April always sees a lot of tax revenue, levy equalization calculation come in and we're
66.67% through the fiscal year. We hope to see the two buses we ordered two years
ago. We also hope to close out the JCP building project, as well as the Transportation
Coop. They're starting the prep for the SMS track construction, set to begin June 28.
10. Superintendent Report
A. Superintendent Update
Kevin reminded the board of senior awards on May 28, white coat ceremony on May 29,
baccalaureate on May 30 and graduation on June 1. Last day of school is on June 10,
which is an early release. Study session will be on Thursday, June 13. Perhaps
materials for STI could also be presented by Alicia then for the board’s review.
B. Facilities Committee Prioritized List of Facility Improvements
Kevin walked through the prioritized list of facility improvements from the facilities
committee. There are 7 items. The next part is to turn it into a revised Long-Term
Facilities Plan, a survey of all parts. I hope a draft will come to you at the June meeting.
11. Board Communications
A. Board of Directors Communication
Dan is impressed by the progress in the Migrant program. Dan also commended the
2024 Senior Parents who have been working really hard at planning for our senior
class.

Jamie thanked community people who are working hard on our committee roles and
who are voices who are stepping in to make change.
B. Application and Placement of New Student Reps, Timeline & Process
Kevin noted the attached timeline and process. We'll start to communicate this in the
coming weeks.
12. Executive Session, if Needed
There was not a need for executive session.
13. Adjournment
A. Adjourn
There being no further board business, the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

President
Secretary
Dated this 27th day of June, 2024.