2024-02-27-minutes.txt

Text

  Regular Board Meeting - Virtual via Zoom & In-Person (6:00 p.m.) (Tuesday, February 27, 2024)
Generated by Deborah Kohr on Wednesday, February 21, 2024
    1. Call To Order
  A. Call to Order
  President Hoover called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
  B. Roll Call
  President Hoover called Roll Call. 
  Board Directors Present: 
  Director Larson
Director Simpson   
President Hoover 
Director Proctor 
  Board Directors Absent: 
None 
  Student Representatives Present: 
Alex Brewster 
  Student Representative Absent: 
Dennis Nguyen 
  C. Welcome Guests
  President Hoover welcomed guests. 
  Guests: 
Dr. Concie Pedroza
Deborah Kohr 
Scott Whitbeck
Michael Croyle 
Allison Deno 
Naomi Byrdo
Trevor Watt
Aaron Draganov
Chief Eric Drever
Jeff Baker 
Andra Maughan 
Ellen Gengler 
Robin Allsopp
Duane Meyer 
Terra DuPont
Brittany Larocca
Kate Krueller
Bev Miller 
Brett Christopher 
Eric 
Grace Santuro 
Hani Nur 
Karan Korol 
Leah Reynolds
Se-Ra Chung
Sue Lane 
Erin Herda
LaTanya Parker 
Nick Brown 
Rachel Lavender 
Carlin Salisbury 
Kyla Crawford
Madison Hammond
Christine Jackson 
Pedro Lopez Chaves
Dr. Chris Knaus
Jessie Kuwada 
Courtney Martinez
Danielle Eastman
Jessica Othman
Brenda Eastman
  D. Welcome Message - President Hoover
  President Hoover shared the Community Agreements.
  E. Land Recognition - President Hoover
  President Hoover conducted the Land Acknowledgement. 
  F. Flag Salute
  President Hoover led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
  2. Approval of Agenda
  A. Approval of the Agenda for the February 27, 2024 Regular Board Meeting
  Director Larson made a motion to approve the agenda for the February 27, 2024 Board Meeting.
Director Proctor seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion.
The motion carried. 
  3. Host School Welcome
  A. Host School Welcome - Michael Croyle, Principal 
  Michael Croyle, Principal shared a presentation with Board.  Highlights included: 
  New playground is completed
Social Emotional Learning - Devereux Student Strengths Assessment - data on students served and what qualifies students for this service
SIP update - Math, Reading, Science and SEL.  Currently using SBAC data, however next year it will be i-Ready data. 
          *Challenges 
          *Mitigating the Risk 
          *Related Data 
Team Read Program 
Race and Equity Plan Update - Identified draft goals
  4. Public Comment
  A. Public Comment
  President Hoover called for public comments. 
  President Hoover read the following Public Comment:
  Tim Renz Teacher - Foster High School - This is in regard to the District's decision to end the subsidy for the Champions Before and After School program effective March 15, 2024.  I will be posting a petition at each of the Elementary schools by the end of this week to collect signatures from other families that agree with the statement on the petition, which will follow these remarks that should provide context. Due to the late notification of this decision, families were told on Friday, February 23, 2024, and the current board meeting schedule, the signatures could not be collected before a regularly scheduled board meeting. The negative impact of the District's decision will be felt by families starting March 18, which is a week before the next board meeting on March 26, 2024. It is unclear if the timing of this decision was a deliberate attempt to prevent the public from addressing the Board about this issue. Apparently, originally the District had proposed to end the subsidy on March 1 with the same notification timeline.  The statement on the petitions is as follows:

The Champions Before and After School program currently serves about 150 elementary school families in the Tukwila School District. Before and After school programs are essential to closing the achievement and opportunity gap. These programs are key partners for schools and families, providing underserved students with meaningful academic and enrichment activities, keeping kids safely off the streets during the prime time for juvenile crime, and offering necessary child care for working parents.  The families, who are served by the Champions program, registered for an entire school year of subsidized services. To abruptly end the subsidies for the Champions program is placing unnecessary financial strain and emotional stress on these families. To expect families to come up with up to $700 per month for one child or alternative before and/or after-school services is an unreasonable burden and is not fair to the families.. We, the undersigned individuals, support the Champions programs and urge the Tukwila School District to continue funding the Champions programs and to develop a plan to keep these high-quality programs subsidized in the future.  End petition statement.

On a side note, as a long-time employee of this district, this is my 34th year, I started at Thorndyke in 1990 and have been at Foster since 1997, I have made the conscious decision to have 2 of my 3 children attend Tukwila Schools, even though I don't live in the district. I had to argue with the district in 1999 to let my out-of-district son attend Cascade View at a time when out-of-district students weren't allowed to enroll. My daughter is currently a 2nd grader at Tukwila Elementary School. Not only am I bringing another FTE into the district, I am publicly stating to the community that I believe in the Tukwila School District and fully believe that this is the place that is the best place for my child to attend school. However, due to the starting and ending times of the High School and the Elementary Schools, without the services provided by Champions, I would NOT be able to have my daughter attend schools in Tukwila. The District needs to develop a plan to accommodate staff who want their children to attend Tukwila Schools. I know that there are other staff who are in the same situation and others who would bring their children here if there was a convenient way to make it work. The 10% Employee Discount for Champions services, once the subsidy is removed, is NOT an incentive for me to continue to have my daughter attend schools here. I don't have an extra $700 per month to pay for continued Champions services when I built my budget based on the fact that when we registered for Champions in September, we were registering for the entire year at the subsidized rate. It seems like we entered into a contract between us, Champions, and the Tukwila School District that the District is now attempting to change the terms of that contract.  Please, for myself and the 150 families that are being impacted by this decision, reconsider.  
  5. Reports
  A. Student Representatives Report
  Jr. Representative Brewster reported on attending the Gates Education Roundtable, along with Dr. Pedroza and Sr. Representative Nguyen.   The discussion focused on post-secondary success which refers to what it takes to sufficiently prepare students for transition from the K-12 system to many career paths out there.  We also highlighted the pros and cons of CTE classes.  Sr. Representative Brewster and I also agreed to interview students for the Superintendent Advisory Committee. The first goal of the committee is to write an anti-racist statement, vision and mission.   
  B. Superintendent Report
  First, I want to thank our students, families, business partners, staff, union leadership, and our citizen’s committee for their vote on February 13th that passed both of our levies with over 64% passage rates.  The efforts of the citizen’s committee and the volunteers who took their time to put out signs, ring doorbells, and share information were amazing.  Thank you! Thank you for your confidence in the Tukwila School District.  I also want to highlight this week is Public Education Week. Thank you to all of the public school educators in Tukwila who serve our students every day! 
Building Closure Update:  I am happy to report that Cascade View students and staff are mostly in their spaces.  Our administration building is being worked on and we expect to be out of the building until April.
  Health Update:  Good news! COVID numbers have significantly decreased since last month. There is a reduction in adult COVID cases from last month. During the last few weeks, the nurses have noticed an uptick in stomach-related illness but not at a rate that warrants notification to Public Health, we are monitoring the situation.  Additionally, EpiPen’s are being shipped to us so we have our supply ready.
  I want to personally thank Director Proctor for his connection to his daughter in support of us getting vaccinations for our students.  On February 24th, they saw 31 patients and administered 69 vaccinations from Seattle Children’s Odessa Brown Clinic. 
  Other events:
Student Advisory applications:  We are set to begin our meetings in March after review of the applications. 
It’s a privilege to serve in an ex officio capacity on the Tukwila Children’s Foundation, an endeavor dedicated to addressing the unmet needs of our community’s children.  At our most recent meeting, discussions centered on several grant proposals, each targeted toward literacy and broadening access to the arts. At our next meeting in March, we intend to discuss fundraising ideas. 
Gates Education Roundtable:  As our student directors reported – I just want to add that I learn so much from both Dennis and Alex in these spaces.  It is such an honor to be there with them.
Still Water Story: Since 2016, Still Waters Services has been a beacon of hope for families in transition, ensuring every child is nourished and ready to learn. Initiatives like the Tukwila Weekend Snack Pack Program provide essential sustenance, fostering belonging and empowerment. With dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, Still Waters continues to make a profound difference, uplifting students' voices and creating a brighter future for all.
Foster Cheer Team participation in State Cheerleading Competition (February): Foster High School's Cheer Team showcased their distinctive "Stomp & Shake" style at the recent State Competition. While they didn't secure a placement, their energetic co-ed routine garnered praise for its creativity and impact.
Foster HS Student qualified for the Washington Music Educators Association All-State Performances (February): A talented student from Foster High School earned a spot in the prestigious Washington Music Educators Association All-State Performances, showcasing their exceptional musical prowess and dedication to the craft. Also celebrating Director of Bands, Cody Maynor, whose unwavering dedication to our students has played a significant role in our students' musical success.
CTE Open House: The winter CTE open house was a resounding success, offering a glimpse into the exciting opportunities awaiting students. From hands-on demonstrations to engaging presentations, attendees explored diverse career pathways. Stay tuned for our upcoming spring open house, promising even more insights and inspiration for students' futures.
    C. Board of Directors Report
  Director Simpson reported that he is continuing to work on renewing our partnership with Highline College and getting them back into Foster High School and working with our students on free FAFSA training, and other free services.    
  Director Hoover reported the Race and Equity training was rescheduled for this month.  This was a full day of learning, reflecting, and thinking about what the steps are and moving toward what we believe as far as anti-racist practices in our district.    
  Director Proctor reported that is was a busy month. He is glad to hear the vaccination clinic was a success.  He reported on working with a group in Seattle that may be willing to do some mentor programs in our district. 
  Director Larson shared on AI and its use in teaching in schools.  We need diverse people to help with this, otherwise, it will not be effective.  He reported on attending the girls' basketball game.  They were close to winning the playoffs in preparation for the state finals. Congratulations to our girls' team! Sporting events need better advertising so people know when the events are and can come and support our students.  Director Larson commented that our scoreboards are missing some lights, which look tacky.  Hopefully, we can get the lights replaced.  He reported on attending NCCE, which is the National Council on Computers and Education, in Seattle.  Theren Hayes presented on Read / Write which is a great tool for MLL students. He also attended a session on assistive communication with our Speech-language pathologist.  He reported on attending a meeting at North Kitsap School District.  They had a really interesting way of incorporating the MTSS framework for how we support the whole student, not just the academics, but also social/emotional.  They developed an interesting dashboard that incorporates how the students are doing in their academics, attendance, behavior, and social/emotional measures.  If interested in looking at the dashboard, please email Director Larson.  He reported on attending the Tukwila City Council Meeting and thanked the council for passing a resolution to support our levy.  He shared that there is a new Interim City Manager, Marty Wine. Director Larson met with the Environment Science club at FHS. The students mentioned that they are interested in getting solar panels. Director Larson advised to conduct research and then present it to the Board.     
    D. Legislative Update
  Director Larson shared several updates. The legislative session is coming to a close, which means a lot of bills have died for this session.  Director Larson shared that there wasn't going to be a lot of new money coming to school districts this year because this is what they call the supplemental year. The session was more preparate to try to prepare for next year when they'll be doing the full two-year budget. We may receive a little additional funding for Special Education as discussions continue on raising the cap to 17.25%.  There is a slight addition of money for MSOC, which would help with covering insurance costs which are continually rising. It also looks as though there may be a little more allocation for Para-Educators. House Bill 1368 would require electric buses and infrastructure for school districts.  Hopefully, our district will be able to get grant money to help with infrastructure costs, etc.  Senate Bill 5462 for inclusive learning standards and instructional materials is super controversial as it's about including LGBTQ history in learning standards and instructional materials. This is a big battle between the conservative parts of Washington.  Last year, this bill got almost to the end  The bill is being discussed again during this short session.   a
  6. Consent Agenda
  A. Approval of Minutes from the January 9, 2024 Board Work Session
  B. Approval of Minutes from the January 23, 2024 Board Meeting
  C. Approval of Minutes from the January 30, 2024 Board Work Session
  D. Approval of Minutes from the February 10, 2024 Special Saturday Board Meeting
  E. Approval of Minutes from the February 12, 2024 Board Retreat
  F. Approval of Minutes from the February 13, 2024 Board Work Session
  G. Approval of Minutes from the February 13, 2024 Special Board Meeting
  H. Approval of Warrants (General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Associated Student Body Program Fund, Vouchers and Debt Service payments) (REVIEWED BY DIRECTORS HOOVER and SIMPSON)
  Director Larson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. 
Director Simpson seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion. 
The motion carried.  
  7. Board Discussion
  8. Questions Only - Presentations
  A. ELL and Dual Language
  Director Hoover commented on Page 2 of the report. They asked if there was any data on other intersecting identities in connection with the impact on student longevity within the program, i.e. gender, class, socioeconomic status, etc.  Dr. Deno shared that we do not have that data at this time, but will follow up with data as requested. 
  Dr. Pedroza shared that this should be a more focused discussion at a future work session.  We will take this information back to the assessment team for a deep dive into data.  
  Director Larson would like the World Language report included as part of this report in the future and he would like to see what technology are we using to assist in communications.  
  B. i-Ready - Second Diagnostic
  There will be a more in-depth discussion at the March 12th Board Work Session. 
  Director Larson asked why none of the Tukwila Elementary students showed growth in reading.  Mr. Baker shared this data is on students who are two plus grades behind.  The number is less than 10.    
  C. Enrollment Report - February 2024
    D. Monthly Budget Status Report – January 2024
  Director Larson shared that he still does not understand why we didn't get transportation safety net funding. Amy Fleming, CFO shared that we didn't get transportation safety net funding because we couldn't demonstrate that excess need.  We will look at this again next year.  
  9. Presentations
  A. Race and Equity Lead Committee Presentation
  Race and Equity Leads shared the Race and Equity Lead Committee presentation with the Board.  Highlights included: 
  Summary of Work - History of Race and Equity in the District - the most important thing is getting building leads. Before this, it was two (2) staff volunteers. This has made the work for community centered.  
Progress in Key Topics - Race and Equity teams written into the CBA, along with compensation for members, Race and Equity Summit in August, clear anti-racist vision with intended consequences for the entire district., and District level Race and Equity Lead team members are well established with continued work done at site and across District. 
 Threats/Challenges - burnout/high turnover in Administration, lack of accountability for carrying out district expectations, lack of required professional development, District budget situation, and District anti-racism policy needs to be updated. 
Opportunities - required professional development on anti-racism, new Board members bring new ideas and perspectives, District policy requires district-wide racial equity plan with clear accountability and metrics (implemented through strategic plan), and equity plan includes restorative practices and equity audits. 
Indicators of Success - actionable goals related to racial equity are included in each school's SIP, typically predictive data (discipline data) will not be racially predictive, and BIPOC staff and students will indicate a sense of safety and belonging based on multiple measures in proportion to white staff and students. 
Tools for measuring Success - SWIS data, climate surveys, skyward data, school progress towards SIP goals, race and equity plans, and equity audits. 
Next Steps - Follow up on discussions between Equity Leads and School Leaders, identify specific actions to be taken by RELT, determine times/dates when RELT representatives can facilitate professional development, Race and Equity updates at monthly staff meetings, and Building Leadership Teams to include race and equity members. 
  Director Larson asked if the policy would be updated.  Dr. Pedroza shared that the policy would be updated by the Race and Equity Leads Team.   
  Director Proctor shared he wants to hear more about the lack of accountability and suggested making race and equity training a required training for all staff, onboarding, and policy changes. 
    B. 23-24 Forecasted Revenue and Expenditures
  Amy Fleming, CFO, shared the 23-24 Forecasted Revenue and Expenditures presentation with the Board. 
  Director Larson shared that he was curious as to how the district got into this situation.  It sounds as though we have an internal control problem. Who is responsible for overseeing the budget?  Amy Fleming shared that because she is new to the district she doesn't have the history or what the process was at the time the 22-23 budget was developed.  Moving forward we have instituted additional internal controls, and as we are looking and analyzing budgets for next year, we are making sure that costs are reflected accurately and that we are actually getting to a zero or higher fund balance.   
  Discussion ensued regarding the Champions after-school program ending in March.  The 21st Century Grant is not funded for the next school year, so we are looking at alternative before and after-school programs. Champions is working with families and offering scholarships through federal grant monies, offering full and partial subsidies, and reduced tuition with a reduced co-pay amount. 
  Director Simpson shared that after-school programs are essential for families and students.  We need to really look at other programs and get creative in our budget.  Dr. Pedroza shared that if the Board would like to move forward with funding the Champions after-school program, then we will need to make budget cuts in other areas.  Director Proctor shared that we may not be able to provide funding, but we could provide other resources such as space for a program.  We need to look at other programs and work collaboratively and creatively in providing this service to our students and families. Director Larson shared that in last year's state budget, Representative Bergquist added $148,000 to Tukwila School District for after-school programs and it is his understanding that we have not yet been able to find where that funding is.  CFO Fleming shared that she has been researching this and has not been able to find a $148,000 allocation or state grant. Director Larson will share additional information with CFO Fleming. Dr. Pedroza shared that we are looking for grants to help supplement families.  Director Simpson shared that he wanted to make sure that we are supporting our families.  Scott Whitbeck, Chief Academic Officer, shared that he would be available at all three schools to speak with families and help them fill out applications if needed.  
  CFO Fleming continued the financial presentation sharing the next steps which include meeting with staff to review current budgets, analyzing all grants, reviewing current gender fund costs that may be eligible to be charged to the tech levy, and continuing with the internal controls.  Additional next steps may include a hiring freeze through the end of the year. and analyzing and potentially ending some vendor contracts before the end of this fiscal year. As part of the OSPI and ESD budget oversight, CFO Fleming is required to re-do the 2023-24 budget with OSPI and ESD and submit it to the Board of Directors for re-approval.  The planned completion is scheduled for March 2024.  
  As part of the 2024-25 budget development, and as required by binding conditions, we must provide a balanced budget that brings our fund balance to $0 with further work to begin building fund balance reserves.  Additionally, ESSER funding ends August 31, 224 totaling $5.9 million in lost funding. This is important as we do have some staff positions and some contracts on ESSER funding.   Therefore our estimated 23-24 Fund Balance is projected between negative $3.5 to negative $4.3 million. 
  CRO Fleming shared information on how the district will get to a $0 fund balance.  Staff attrition will not get us there alone.  This means there will be cuts on certificated staff, classified staff, central office staff, and contracts. This is the only way we can get to a $0 fund balance and begin rebuilding reserves.  These will drive recommended cuts: 
  Detailed recommendations
Board Priorities and Philosophies 
Union Priority input
Collective Bargaining Agreement
  10. Action Items
  A. Approval of Human Resources Staffing Report
  Director Simpson made a motion to approve the Human Resource Staffing Report. 
Director Larson seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion. 
The motion carried.  
  B. Approval of Tukwila School District Engagement Agreement
  Director Proctor made a motion to approve the Tukwila School District Engagement Agreement. 
Director Larson seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion. 
The motion carried.  
  C. Approval of Resolution No. 945 - Fiscal Stabilization Plan
  Director Larson made a motion to approve Resolution No. 945 - Fiscal Stabilization Plan. 
Director Simpson seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion.  
  D. Approval of School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement
  Director Proctor made a motion to approve the School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement. 
Director Simpson seconded the motion. 
The motion died on the floor. 
  Director Larson asked what is the plan to introduce the SRO to the student body?  How are you ensuring that students have a solid understanding that this is an additional resource being implemented to complement and enhance the other safety resources that are already in place? Principal Christopher shared that staff and students shared several different strategies including introducing the SRO program during 6th grade orientation.  We would have SROs there so that students and parents would be introduced to them, who they are, what their function is, etc.  Due to limited availability right now with the department, the team tried to identify different events where we could be highlighting those staff who were coming on board so that they would be seen with the community. 
  Principal Parker shared that one of the things we want to be extremely intentional about is who is in the building.  We want to have a SRO who is there, and who is actually building and bridging relationships with our scholars.  It is important for us to introduce it to our community through our current programs and groups that we have, and having our potential SRO come and connect with families. We want to, as a school community, restore and help bridge some of the historical harm that has happened by connecting with our youth. 
  Jr. Student Rep Brewster shared that it would be good to connect with the  Superintendent Advisory Group and have student input on the pre-selected SROs that have already been trained.  This would definitely help ease the SROs into our schools.   
  Amendments: 
  Article 2, Section B, Number 2 -   Replace "with the ability to request the assistance and input of the District" with "in collaboration with and input from the District".
  Article 2, Section C, Number 9 - Replace "Strive to increase student understanding and respect for law enforcement"  with "Strive to increase mutual understanding and respect between law enforcement and student interactions and influence". 
  President Hoover made a motion to approve the School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement as amended. 
Director Proctor seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion. 
The motion carried. 
  E. Approval of Overnight Travel Request - FCCLA State Leadership Conference
  Director Larson made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel Request - FCCLA State Leadership Conference.
Director Simpson seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion. 
The motion carried  
  11. Public Comment
  A. Public Comment
  President Hoover called for Public Comments. 
  Kate Krueller - Community Member - I have two (2) comments.  I see nothing in the language that was just passed and can change in the future, so for your consideration, because I do this for a living, is adding body-worn cameras on officers for the sheriff's department.  There is no language in there saying whether they can or cannot use that and you might want to consider that and have it defined as to what the school district cares about.   Additionally, I would love, either at the next meeting or if you know today, to understand the process for applicants for District 2. 
  Chief Drever shared that policy mandates the wearing of the cameras for a uniform.  This would not be uniform, however, we can find a way to make sure that the cameras are on the officers. They don't record 24/7, they only record when activated.  There are certain policies that would dictate when they have to activate them and we can work through that to make sure that we are incorporating it and providing that added level of accountability. 
  12. Executive Session
  There were no items for Executive Session. 
  13. Adjourn
  A. Adjourn
  Director Proctor made a motion to adjourn the Board meeting. 
Director Simpson seconded the motion. 
All voted in favor of the motion. 
The motion carried. 
  President Hoover adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p.m.