001how much love when it comes to performing smiling everybody. Everybody please. So and that their ancestors here that any further population of our total population. We're also taking kids into school. This means we engage all kids learners and it will be most our word is achievement. If you're represented by the similar or my weed all my kids high school and graduation students or student mentoring are the first to freely implementation very well known for our three year education. This is in addition to the law student and learning and for our students like they along and they have and also students organizations and this student and this year during October. Our hope is as president of the year 3 is that our students will learn from others who will be able to meet others and then
002our students grow. >> [clears throat] >> Um here we do have a large um population. We have teachers, we have myself um and then we have our children and we get together as a second mom. We look at all the and look at wide teachers and then you categorize them whether it's tier one and then you develop student support for each other. So a tier one support plan by a checker or maybe another home is just kind of tendencies. A tier three is an involved plan. I want to give examples of what that demo like. We've had a couple of who we set up so that they come in when the AI set a goal. Their goal is to make creator. Now what our counselor does is he sets them up with a question and
003they go to the level that they can hang and draw and some of these positive. So the idea is to create a school and when they find out their milit It will hold them rather than having more negative. One of our data points to as long as we start looking at was that there's a huge significant part of the fact that our military families making up 30% of our population and this year around 7% of our population receiving special services being on the highs. What this shows is that on the left hand side of history are the top years. There are 39 students out of 121 students that have been here as a student. At five, that means they've been in this school for five years. So, basically from first grade on there's only 12.
004So, one in three kids have been the rest and changing and changing and also the fourth grade. Now how that plays a difference is the fact that we're constantly having to work with our kitchen and keep coming in. We have kitchens move out come in and all this was done prior to break because one of the things you can see is that our starting enrollment in 22 23 looking across the top was 67 but throughout the years we had 97 enroll school. We also had 65 students that went. This is a common thing that happens throughout our school because of our military families having they come in. What's important about that is the fact that if any student when you look at some other Chinese data is the fact that let's say coming in specifically
005a military student if they don't feel connected to another kid and children that school within the first two weeks they would dress over a year. So, we're constantly trying to push fast, trying to build connections with our kids and trying to make them feel connected with our school. That's why we push belonging and social emotional learning at our school non-stop. That's why we teach kids. That's why we talk about hope. Wish you all you want, but you have no plan. Hope is having plans for the future and having a pathway to get there. Our pathway to get there is to make sure that we connect with those kids so that they know that they belong and that they are important. That's the only way to try and help them in some of our data. And
006we also know that that we need you to understand that as a school board when you're looking at our data for growth. Sometimes we get some impact because of how many kids can go because we do saw and we want to increase that data. We want to make sure they feel welcome because we're constantly introducing new kids all the time to try to go up. >> Speaking of that, logging. So blogging is connected to our community building. We believe in building learning communities and supporting students and learning how each person, student, or adult supports its contributions to the community, whether that's the class, school, or the tent. We want to focus on student leadership or quality and as we discuss in learning we start as we discuss in learning we also start the implementation by
007legalization. Additionally we're ketchup school and essentially with our students in our classes by saying I am and the kids are being happy. I am talented smart and capable of success. The student I had a dream of a future and I will find to reach those goals and dreams every day. The student all success knows the students from PA. One of the big things is that our staff are treasured talent special that every kid has. And as Dr. H as an adult search for all adults skills and intelligence that exist all children I believe all children are capable of success community. All right I'm happy to talk about community. Um we have two excuse me two children community. Um but there was one family in this school. The next service represented by the river. We can
008teach the service development and then bring our wider community. Now this year we have some great fun about two things we've done this year that really connect with the students. The first one is and as Mr. How are you a holistic picture of their future and then there is you have a first graders um study or study specific They study Mesopotamia and to answer them they think. So we invited you to come in our cafeteria pack. I founded over 200 first grade and they built us with the grand crackers and frosting and if we show a little later you can see some of that. Now if you don't want to show us first graders and they explain to you our first and so looking at us we have to stand our buddy levels. Our vertical
009team which has put our students together to either talk about levels and what they're going to plan more graders talk we have these plans for them to be able to share information so they can set up the following years. They can also sh for a student last year that they find this year. The other thing is continue to work out to bring families and parents into the building specifically around our next January 20th. We're going to invite families into the room. We're going to have robots set up all different communities and really great. So again for those small areas we know and um this is something I'm super proud of. We had 170 families complete a survey for our clothing survey and 99% of them show satisfaction. 99% and it really has to do with
010this fantastic team we have teachers students everyone. everyone on a team and I think you have to serve here and I believe this says a lot about the work you do and with that we're done and open it up for questions [applause] if we have any questions but as an ex Southworth star. Really appreciate being here tonight. >> One thing that uh I think is is pretty unique that you guys have worked on since last spring is your your buddy program. You talked a little bit about it, but I think it's important for you to share a little bit um about the why behind it and how that plays out like on a daily basis. What does that look like um as the students go through their day? because um I know that you're kind
011of evaluating it to see how it goes this year. You're working with your teachers to see the benefits and if it's working and going to revisit obviously to determine whether you do it next year. But um I think it's a pretty amazing idea and I think it deserves some more um explanation so people understand what you are actually doing with your students across the building. All right. So, uh we have third graders buddying with kindergarters, fourth graders buddy with first graders, and fifth graders buddy with second graders. That means they have one combined set. Um that way older uh students can try and help the younger students if they have a smaller one. Then we also have adults out there to help the older students try and work with the younger students if they have
012any problem. Then at lunch time you have one grade level will be in the part of the cafeteria and then the other grade level will be in there at the very end to try and support younger ones getting offers part of their day. Um what we've also done um is we've had third graders working even with kindergarteners during uh Halloween learning different stories about pumpkins and all of the third graders some of them were how do I say not all of them were very proficient readers because they had to create their own stories and they had to be able to read it and for them to feel comfortable enough to be able to read it to a kindergarten we're trying to maybe set up a third grader with that success feeling able to read to
013the kindergarten but also as a kindergartener I'm like wow this is someone else in the school I get to interact with them and the conversations you just have to see it it's electric then when we have fifth graders going in and working with second graders has been highly positive one of our fifth grade students he has um goes in and help shows up at the end of the day in seventh grade class and his job is to intentionally work with his buddy to make sure he can make it out the door into the bus without having a problem. The fifth grader has had his own challenge. The second grader has had his own challenges, but when they're together, they do great. We're trying to find those intentional times when someone needs to learn how to
014be a mentor and feel like they're a leader to help them like they can actually grow themselves. But we're also trying to find the students here where they can look up to and actually have a connection with and trying to find those different academic times. This year it's a bit more informal. Trying to get those fun interactions and then we're trying to build off of that and throughout here and see how well it does. Want to add to that? >> I do. I've been talking a lot about this. Um, I just want to say I had an example of this today. Um, I had two students in my office. They were kindergarteners and they were struggling to stand in line which is why they were in my office. and we were doing video together and
015a student, another older student came over and talked to me. I said, "Who is that?" Oh, that's my third grade friend. I said, "Oh." And the third grade had come over to them in line every second. And the third grader was trying to just like they just said hi. And of course, it was after the third grader had to continue what they're doing. But that is exactly what we want to see. third graders to mentoring those members in how to teach. Another thing I want to say, it's not just um grade level to grade level. We have a student or program who's the same age here and our program of emotional learning. Um um and so they have is a student in second grade who has his own struggles when he is with his student
016from the self classroom. He is um he is learning and they were present together the other day and it was phenomenal. So it really has a lot of attention for the first year, but I really see how this is going to relatively become a big >> The other part of it is having uh teachers for different grade levels actually being able to plan and support kids in another way. It helps make the teachers also feel like they're part of the community and get out of their own classes. That's our goal is to be able to have teachers feel like they're part of that community across the building. I appreciate you guys sharing that because it is unique and it speaks to that belonging piece which I know that you're working very hard on. Um and
017I think the other thing that's important to stress for you guys and and we've talked a lot about as you said you know about a third of your students are here for the majority of their elementary career. That's it. So twothirds plus are coming and going. So you think about that as educators, you're getting students coming and going and you're expected to make progress with those students, at least a year's progress. But when these students are moving so frequently, that is challenging. And so you think about all the staff that are plugging in to try to meet the needs of these students immediately when they walk in the door, not knowing how long they're going to be there and knowing that at any point in time they could be gone and you're handing them off
018to who knows who. That's a that's a tremendous challenge and that's why systems are so important so that when those students come in, we can plug them into the systems as quickly as we can. But at the end of the day, it's the staff that is doing the work to try to help these students be successful. And and I think it's important to call that out because that is unique here. And uh it's pretty amazing that the majority of your students were not here when they started elementary school and the majority of them will not finish here if they started here at elementary school. And so, um, I just want to recognize the staff and the work that you do, um, because that is very, very challenging and, uh, I appreciate the the time and
019energy that you guys put in and your entire team and creating ways to make sure that they feel like they belong immediately so then you can get to the learning. So, thank you for that. So if you get a chance to see our seniors do the military connected kids, then you will also understand why this connection here at elementary school is so important. because the connection that they make with other kids, with the staff carries through. And then they'll talk about that connection when they're a senior and and they'll say, you know, when I was in at elementary school at Southworth or at Mil Pond or at Fort Stevens or wherever it was, those connections that they make, even if it was for a year and the next school that they go to and the
020next place and the next place or sometimes even they're here but that parent is gone. And those connections that they make here are amazing. And you have to go listen to our kids speak. It is just amazing. So, thank you for making the connection here because it is it's something it's something to behold. So, thank you. My question is what is the percentage of military family students compared to the rest of the schools? >> 30%. It's actually 29.6% 30% of our active military um have students or are students active military families in this building. Anybody have anything else? >> Thank you. [applause] All right, moving on. Next item on the agenda is item three, the YA vote of no confidence. So, I'm sure As everybody here is aware, on Monday a letter of no confidence
021was delivered by YEA and Superintendent Woods and subsequently sent to the media. Um I [clears throat] think I'm going to be the only one speaking on this topic right now. And as much as uh I I don't like reading, um I would much rather speak off the cuff. I think this item I needed to get all of my thoughts down. And I apologize for those that find my voice annoying. You're going to be listening to me for probably a good 10 minutes here. All right, here we go. So, I came to the board two years ago with neither predisposition nor inside knowledge into the inner workings of our district. I chose to volunteer my time for this role because I love this community and care for our kids in their future. Little did I know
022that within months of being elected, we'd go through a levy failure followed by a potential strike that would then lead into three more failed attempts and what seemed like a lifetime of tough meetings and hard choices to try and keep this district solvent. I spent the better part of two years educating myself, asking questions, and trying to understand how we got here, while simultaneously trying to find ways to get us above water in a system that isn't designed to survive without levy funds. I've had the joyous, sarcasm noted, opportunity to fall straight into the toughest years this district and frankly any district has seen. During these two years, rather than seeing this community band together to improve the situation and its future for our kids, I have watched an unhealthy distrust between groups lead to
023a narrative campaign that has burned through the news media and social media to paint certain people and groups as problems. These campaigns have been devised of halftruths and misinformation to breed conflict in the community and serve to mold certain agendas that have no benefit to the true victims of this community, our kids. After two years of diving into this district, I've learned a lot. I have learned just how diseased Washington's funding system for public schools is. I have learned how divisive contract negotiations can be. I have learned how easily perception can become reality when only one side of the issue is portrayed. I have learned that in this day and age, folks have realized that the majority of what they hear from major media sources is fake news. Yet, they believe everything they read from
024strangers on social media is gospel. And most importantly, I have learned that it isn't always what's best for the kids when it comes to public education. Superintendent Woods was hired a little more than a year before I was elected. Coincidentally, if you believe in coincidences, his position became open during a time when all districts would be losing CO funds and forced to make cuts, even with levy funds to stay balanced. In addition to this, there was a looming negotiation on the horizon. Within months of my election, it became apparent that we were in a precarious spot where cuts needed to be made to account for the loss of COVID funds while also attempting to work through noteworthy salary increases. It was during this point in time, months into my term, that I got to see
025firsthand how controlling the narrative can modify reality for an entire community. So around two years ago when these negative comments started circulating on social media regarding the district and its operation, it just happened to coincide with some of these difficult financial conversations and decisions. And in a world where politically we have grown accustomed to shouting at each other rather than listening, debating, and still loving one another. These negative comments created a virus of conflict committee that has yet to stop. For two years, groups have taken the social media and the actual media to perpetually stir this pot of hate and discontent in an attempt to not foster positive change or extend an olive branch across the aisle to work through these tough issues for the sake of the kids, but to better position themselves in
026a conflict that never needed to exist. Based on my conversations with the many people I know in this community, I do not believe these negative views are shared by the majority, rather by a very small vocal minority that has worked tirelessly to undermine trust and breed contempt throughout this community to district. In my short time here, I have not become privy to the entire history of the relationship between YEA and the district office, but it is obvious that a level of distrust has seeped into the said relationship and started to poison the entire process. I do not believe there is a singular entity to blame for this distrust. Rather, there is some level of blame to be shared by all in letting it sour this far. This distrust has led to guarded communication and unhealthy
027whispers rather than the partnership required to run a thriving district for its kids. In the two years I have been on the board and had the privilege of working with Chris Woods, I have grown to know him and to know his character and his heart for the kids and the families of this community. To see his character and abilities slandered continuously is not only unproductive but outright infuriating. Folks spreading these divisive lies do not know him, do not know the board, and do not fully understand the problems we are facing, let alone the solutions. There is not a person alive that I trust more to stand beside in these times than Chris. The fact that he is still standing here today trying to fix these issues that would have crippled in many other districts while
028sim simultaneously getting attacked maliciously should tell this room that the right person is in this role. I spent 16 years in the private sector at multiple large construction companies in different positions and have seen similar campaigns as misinformation spreads throughout the ranks of employees regarding management and their decisions. There is always more to the story and to the decisions than the information that is presented to set employees from a single source. I have learned that the truth is always somewhere in between both sides of the story. We are four failed levies down this rabbit hole of negative media campaigns and continuous conflict. I've said repeatedly that the only way to get us out of this situation is to work together, not apart. But it does not appear that sentiment is shared by all. The magnitude
029of the cuts we have been forced and are continuing to be forced to make is extreme with each one hurting more than the last. The narrative that is being regurgitated has led folks to believe that there is some obvious pool of money that's being misused and fixing those irresponsible spending habits would get us back to balanced. This is simply not true. The board and the district office are not perfect and we've undoubtedly made some mistakes during this process. But hindsight is 2020 and we're learning from them. However, when 85% of your costs are people and you're forced to cut over $16 million, it should be obvious that the cuts will have to be everywhere, including personnel. Not only have I witnessed Superintendent Woods being disgustingly thrashed, but I have seen negative comments being generated toward
030boards members and other staff that the social media talking heads have lashed on to. I've also watched community members try and step up to support programs only to be lambbased for attempting to perform support roles that are currently paid for. This behavior has not only created an environment where it is becoming extremely hard to volunteer or want to volunteer, but one in which people no longer want to get the information for themselves by placing calls or having meetings with those they disagree with. Instead, the proverbial torches and pitchforks are gathered in the form of baseless online harassment. Are we trying to teach our kids that bullying and narrative control is the way to achieve our desired results? They're watching. They're listening. They're aware. This vote of no confidence is the latest in a string of
031tactics to cause further divide rather than work across the aisle to benefit the real victims, the kids. In my short but extremely long two years, I've witnessed an unhealthy lack of trust between the district and YA. Both sides carry some blame for this predicament and both sides will need to modify the current operating procedure for this trust and district to heal. I do believe that there needs to be an ongoing increase in transparency from the district to YEA for this trust to be reestablished. There also needs to be a desire from the leaders of YEA to truly collaborate with the district or board rather than simply complaining complaining about the district's organizational structure or advising us to gut the entire administration from top to bottom. That isn't true partnership or an offering of a realistic
032solution that would remedy our current situation. Until there is an actual desire to put the district and its kids first and work collaboratively despite this recent history, we will be unable to swim above this chaos. And I believe I do believe this desire exists amongst the majority and we as a board and administration and YA need to stop viewing each other as adversaries and start working together to find real solutions that benefit our kids. This will require changes from all of us, including an increase in transparency, a modification to the way we share information with each other and the community and a growing level of trust between groups. That path to change needs to start now or we will fail to rebuild that trust and continue to fail our kids and their families. I wholeheartedly
033disagree with this vote of no confidence as it does not work towards rebuilding the trust in each other and further divides this community. Superintendent Woods is the only person I trust to help us navigate these uncharted waters. And those that truly know him and our current situation agree. Creating this additional turmoil and drama serves no positive purpose for our schools and our kids. If you truly believe that the kids and their future are priority, then the only path forward is collaboration, not conflict. Empathy, not bullying, productive dialogue, and extending all that branches, not harmful rhetoric and slinging of arrows. I [snorts] am volunteering my time and energy in this role. time that my family wishes I had with them to try and better this district for our kids in this community. Most of our educators,
034coaches, staff, and volunteers share this heart. Superintendent Woods is of the same mindset and belief. I know this because I know him. Takes a true leader to want to do what is right despite this constant personal barrage of arrows and insults. We all must put the kids first starting now. This means rebuilding trust, mending division, and uniting to support the kids. This will take a concerted group group effort from all parties involved and it must start immediately. Issuing this vote of no confidence does not work towards this necessary partnership and does not work towards rebuilding this community. Superintendent Woods has my full support as well as the unanimous support of the entire board. [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> All right, I'm going to move straight into superintendent comments after that. >> Um, I'll be uh
035brief. I did have um prepared comments, but I think um now is not the time. I think I will have an opportunity down the road. Um but I think more than anything, uh I want to say thank you to um the board. I want to say thank you to uh the many people that have reached out um from uh staff that I've worked with uh nearly 30 years ago to uh staff that I work with today. um whether it's text message, phone call, email, uh messenger um or um fighting with people on social media. Um, I want to say thank you to them. And um, I think what is best uh for me is to allow people who know me um and know my character. um I will let uh them speak for me rather
036than uh me uh speaking on my behalf because um I think what really measures who somebody is is what other people say about them and it's from those people who truly know them. uh not the people who um want to just say things about them but have never actually had a conversation or sat down or truly know them. So, I'm going to defer um any comments and I will allow those um who know me um in my character to speak for me. >> Time for community comments and we do have some. I want to remind everyone of the guidelines for public comment in accordance with policy 1400. For comments on non-aggenda items, the board will listen but will not engage in discussion or take action tonight. Non-aggenda items may be referred to the administration for
037followup. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker and 15 minutes per topic. For comments on agenda items, the board will also not engage in discussion during this time. Comments related to agenda items are limited to five minutes per speaker and 20 minutes per topic. Please note that comments directed at the performance of specific school personnel are not permitted. All remarks must be appropriate for an open public meeting presented respectfully. The board president will stop comments that violate these expectations and disruptions beyond the comment period may result in the meeting being paused or ended. Additionally, the board's silence during public comment should not be interpreted as agreement or endorsement of the speaker's remarks. Our role during this portion is to listen. We value your participation and appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful
038and productive meeting environment. First on the list is a non-aggenda topic, Tiffany Lince. A lot of pressure >> check. [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> Good evening members of the board and Superintendent Woods and the community. My name is Tiffany Lince. I am in my seventh year of teaching here at Southworth Elementary. And I currently teach second grade. I also have a senior at Yam High School and a third grader here at Southworth Elementary. Uh following that amazing performance by our students, many of them were my own. I'm here today to speak about specialists, music, art, PE, and technology, and why they are essential bridges to belonging and success. We often focus on literacy and mathematics as the primary measures of achievement. While those are vital, they rely heavily on a student's mastery of the
039English language. For many children entering our district, that creates an immediate barrier. My husband's story is a testament to this. He was adopted into the United States from the Philippines at age six. He arrived in a new country to a new family and entered a classroom without speaking a single word of English. To make matters more complex, he also navigated school with learning disabilities. In a traditional classroom, he was lost, but in the music room, he could follow rhythm. In art, he could express his perspective through color. In PE, he demonstrated teamwork and physical skill. And in technology, he found tools that leveled the playing field. These subjects were universal. They did not require a perfect grasp of English grammar, only creativity, movement, and logic. Traits that every child possesses, regardless of their background. Integrated
040arts and physical movement are not just about enrichment. They are about brain development and equity. Art and music support healthy brain development. For students with learning disabilities, music strengthens pattern recognition and problem solving skills. While while art provides a non-verbal outlet for emotional expression and processing, physical education is often the only time during the school day when students can regulate their sensory systems. Something proven to increase focus and readiness to learn in academic classrooms. And in the 21st century, digital literacy is a civil right. Technology provides adaptive tools for students who learn differently, allowing them to demonstrate their intelligent in ways that pencil and paper cannot. If we want to be a district where every child truly belongs, we must value the subjects that catch the students who feel invisible in a standard textbook. Music,
041art, PE, and technology are often where students like my husband first realize they are capable, intelligent, and valued members of their school community. Let's ensure we are not only teaching students how to pass tests, but empowering them to find their voice in a world that may not always speak their language. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the whole child. >> [applause] >> Uh, next up is on an agenda item, Katherine Colum. Good evening members of the >> Hello, I apologize. Uh, good meeting. Good evening, members of the school board, community members, staff, friends. Um, my name is Katherine Cullen. I am co-president of the Young Education Association. And part of my role in that, I'm also 18 years teacher, parent of two graduates, and daughter of a graduate. The role of
042the union president is a challenging one as is the role of the superintendent. In that we have a lot in common and thinking about um what's been happening and how it's gotten to where it's gotten. My desire and the membership's desire has been first and foremost to support our students cuz that's why we're here. We want to make sure they have what they need to be successful in the world in their entire life. That is the core. That is the foundation. We don't always agree how we get there. And that's definitely what I would describe has been happening is we don't agree. So how do we move forward with that? In my mind, a leader has to be willing to communicate and be willing to talk. They have to be willing to listen. that they
043would have to be willing to keep trying. And I just want to look and say when you interviewed for the position, one of the things that stuck out to me that gave me hope was that you said no matter how bad things get, no matter how much conflict that we have to still both still be willing to come to the table and have those conversations. We may not always agree. We can find a way forward. And I believe that with every fiber of my being. The vote of no confidence is meant to represent the feelings of the staff that have felt a lack of communication, a lack of transparency at times when very challenging things are happening, when they're being laid off and then called back and then maybe laid off again, but we're not
044sure. And are they going to have the same supports for their students? And that has caused so much strife for everyone. Everyone. There's no one who has been saved from it. And I agree the only way forward is to keep having those conversations. And it is my commitment to you that I will continue to do that for as long as I'm in this role. And it's my membership's choice as to whether or not they wish to have me in this role. And I know my colleague who's not able to be here tonight, Tasha Johnson. She's working at the basketball game. She is also committed to continuing having the conversations and see if we can find those solutions that will move us all forward together. Thank you. Next up, also an agenda item, Sam Young. There's
045a learning curve to this. Um, I'm going to mainly speak to the board, but I I wanted to speak on behalf of my friend Chris Woods. Um, I've been in Yelm for 25 years. I've raised three of my kids here in Yelm. A lot of people in the community know who I am. I'm a pastor. I'm Chris's pastor, one of Chris's pastors, and in his life group. Um, his integrity is beyond reproach. He's somebody I want to grow up and be like. Um, he's been a rock to me through I can't tell you how many things where I've been able to come to him for steady help. Out of anybody out there, it should be me that's a no voter. I'm retired. 42 years in public service. And uh but I also understand what these
046guys have to go through. I passed levies, went through the levy processes, had people vote down my levy. And let me explain to you that what I did and what my advice to Chris was, which he didn't heed, which is fine with me, is here's the deal. You don't pay your power bill, guess what happens? You lose your power. You don't pay for the schools. You want to blame the superintendent for that. the votes. I I I love him. I was out with a vote yes sign and I will tell you there's been a period in my life where I was a no voter for the schools. Whatever he says and does, I'll stand in the way to make sure it happens. This is my commitment to the school board. Bill knows me. Debie knows
047me. But here's the deal. I'm here to support you. My calendar is going to have the school board meeting on it every schoolboard meeting. I live in Yom. I've raised three of my kids in YM and I want to see this be successful. Y will not grow as a city unless the schools get what they need to make this happen. A myoptic thought, a group of people who are just really angry and good at keyboards stand in the way of our kids getting what they need. My kids went on to go to college because of Yum schools. Now, I had troubles with young schools and I sat in principal's offices and they listened to me and worked through things. I I just want you I want you guys to know standing behind this man means
048everything. I've been there. I see him when you don't see him. And it sometimes I think it's only his faith that keeps him here. Anybody in the community that doesn't believe that does not know him. He he brings so much to the table that this school board needs to understand is what are you going to do? You're going to replace him, find somebody else, try to train him and try to get something better with people still voting no. It's not going to happen. He's not the problem. The problem is the voters. Young schools have done things wrong. Yes, I've been here for 25 years. I've seen them do things wrong. I've seen them pull out of it. And the moment that man stepped into the superintendent role, he had 100% of my vote behind him
049because he's a man of integrity that moves things forward. It's not you're the guy that says no, people don't like you. But there's times you have to say no, we don't have the money for that. You all have kids. Your kids would love to have the the nicest Xbox there is. And it's like, no, we don't have the money for it. We're down to a point now where football things that all those things that that that the lady before me had said, thank you. Sorry, I don't know your name, but those are important things. Those are the things that got me through being a high school student. Those are looking to go away. And it's not his fault you vote no. There's consequences to voting no. I just want you to know that those consequences
050are going to be very deep and everybody's going to point at Chris because of it. But the pathetic turnout for the vote was horrible. It was It was horrible. I stood held a sign next to Chris and had people wave at me with one finger. I went back with all of mine. The amount of anger. Well, you're angry at the kids, at the schools. You're angry at those things. Look, point your anger somewhere else because our kids mean something. I'm a grandfather and I will stand in the gap for my grandkids. They don't go to Y, but I will stand in the gap for all my kids who do go to Y. So, that's all I have to say, but thank you very much and I really appreciate it. I know what it's like to
051be in your spots. Bill knows I know what it's like to be in the spots and um if I'm happy to volunteer and if people want to come after me, they can come after me. That's fine. I believe in Yelm and I believe in Yelm schools and I believe in Chris Woods. [applause] >> Thank you, Sam. Next up, also on the same topic, Kaylee Hulahan. Uh good evening um members of the board and superintendent Woods. My name is Kaylee Hulahan. I am both uh an educator and a parent of students in this district. I'm also someone who argues with everyone on the NVM in support of Chris Woods. Um, so I am here tonight to uh express my support for Superintendent Woods. As an educator, I understand how challenging leadership in public education truly is,
052especially in a time of increasing demands, limited resources, and heightened emotions. Disagreement is inevitable, but it should not be mistaken for failed leadership. As a member of um as an educator, I'm deeply disappointed and sorry about the vote of no confidence. As a parent, I'm even more concerned about the message this sends our students and our community. This public vote of no confidence only created division, instability, and the distracted from the shared goal that we should all have, doing what is best for kids. Our students deserve open-minded adults who are willing to work together during t challenging times just as we expect our students to do each and every day. I have had the opportunity to watch Superintendent Woods interact with my students firsthand. These moments are genuinely inspiring. He is present, engaged, and invested
053in students as people. He doesn't just make students feel same, though. Our front office secretary told me that Chris is the first superintendent who ever calls her by name and says good morning when he comes in. I have witnessed him show up, listen to staff members, engage thoughtfully. He models the same respect and care that we expect of students in our schools. Leadership requires making difficult choices, not popular ones. And I believe that you have acted in good faith even when decisions are hard. I urge the board to continue to support Superintendent Woods and choose collaboration over conflict. Our students deserve adults who can work through challenges together with professionalism, respect, and focus. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thanks, Kaylee. On the same topic, also agenda item, Julie Woods. This seems really loud, so
054can you hear me with it down here? Okay. Good evening. My name is Julie Woods. I am Chris's wife of 27 years. If your only knowledge of my husband has come from Facebook posts, then you may not know much of him at all. I'd like to share a personal perspective from someone who has been married for nearly three decades. What I see every day is a man of integrity who takes his responsibility to this school district very seriously. He works long hours, carries the weight of difficult decisions, and approaches his role with great care and a tremendous amount of thought. His workday does not end. Don't get me wrong, we travel and go see our kids and our new grandson. We spend time with friends and each other. and we volunteer in the community, but
055he will answer a text, a call, or an email when he is needed. That commitment is consistent. I have always known Chris to be thoughtful, honest, and deeply committed both personally and professionally. He truly embodies relational servant leadership. One example is one I read on Facebook. Yep. I'm reading the comments, too. But there was one from a transportation staff member who shared that Chris comes by just to say hi for no reason and has really checked in when they've had some troubles. If the picture in your mind is of a superintendent sitting in an office collecting that paycheck, you could not be more wrong. He has a schedule for visiting every school and riding morning and afternoon bus routes. He meets regularly with building administrators. When he visits schools, students know his name. And his
056favorite stories that he comes home and tells me are always about those conversations with them. I know I'm biased, but there are many others who would say these same things about him. you just may not see it on social media. I want to end my time with gratitude. Thank you to those who have sent messages of support. You truly cannot understand how uplifting and powerful those words have been when it feels like you can only take so much. The kindness from friends, former co-workers, and current co-workers have been a gamecher. My husband will continue to do his job with integrity. He will continue to show up for staff, students, and this community. the way he has since day one here in Yale. I'm incredibly proud to stand beside him and based on the outpouring of
057support, it's clear that many others are proud to stay with him as well. My hope is that this community can come together for the students and move forward together, too. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Julie. Next up on the same topic is Ashley Lindsay. >> I got to go after them. [laughter] worked up before I even came up here. So, also I'm winging life. I literally just signed up on a whim. So, okay. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Ashley Lindsay. I work um for the school district. I've been here for eight plus years and I work as the payroll and benefits coordinator. It is through my role here that I have had the privilege of developing so many beautiful relationships with so many employees at every level
058in every building in the deepest ways and I have earned the trust of hundreds of employees over my years here. That is something that I hold sacred. Um, and I had to work for it. And I I don't ever take it for granted. For far too long, halftruths, misinformation, false information, twisted narratives have gone unchallenged. I have remained silent and it is out of my deep respect for the complexities and layered issues and and how we're all coming at this from from different perspectives. But it is out of my respect for all these relationships that I've built here that I've remained silent. It has taken great physical uh restraint on my part to remain silent, to not correct things that are not true or to fill in the blanks when things are purposefully omitted in
059an attempt to paint a very specific picture. Chris, I am so sorry that I did not speak up sooner. And I promise you, I will never shut up about Team Chris ever again. It's going to get real annoying real fast. because I am in awe of you. And I sat here trying to figure out what word would best describe Chris because when I tell you the the real emotional toll that this has taken on me where there are days I come to work and I really struggle to balance the the personal sacrifices that I've made to help employees and to build these relationships, but then to see these same people saying really terrible things that aren't accurate or not fully True. I've struggled. And Chris comes to work and he puts on a smile and
060he's not said a single bad word about anyone. It's forward. It's hopeful. It's positive. It's repair. And I am in awe of you. It is impossible. It is resilient. Except when I kept trying to think of the word, I'm like resilient isn't it because resilient takes grit. Resilient isn't pretty. resilient is ugly and my god the grace that you have every day. I am in awe of you and I will never shut up ever again and I'm so sorry that it has taken us to get to this point for me never again. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Ashley. And our final one uh for tonight on the same topic is Hadley Woods. Good evening, members of the board, district staff, educators, and community members. My name is Hadley Woods. I'm Chris Wood's daughter, and
061I'm here tonight not just as a child, but as someone who has had the unique opportunity to witness the weight, responsibility, and heart that comes with serving as a superintendent. What I hope tonight to offer tonight is a broader perspective. One rooted not in ro rumor or assumption but in firsthand experience. Leadership is not just about policies and decisions on paper. It is about responsibility, accountability, and service often carried quietly. The role of superintendent is incredibly complex. It requires balancing the needs of students, families, teachers, staff, taxpayers, often with limited resources and no perfect answers. Every decision affects real people. I can say with complete confidence that none of those decisions are made lightly and none are made without deep consideration for what is best for students in a district as a whole. There has
062been a lot of conversation, concern, and strong emotions surrounding our district recently and more specifically towards my dad. The posts, negative comments and hatred towards him tells me one thing. You don't know him, his character, or what he stands for. So, I'd love to enlighten you on who Chris Woods truly is. I've watched my dad spend countless hours listening to staff, to families, to experts, and to community members, even when conversations are difficult. I've seen him ask hard questions, pray over decisions, and wrestle with choices that a lot of people don't have to face. He leads with integrity, humility, and a sincere desire to do what's right, even when it comes at a personal cost. What often goes unseen are late nights, the stress, and the toll this role takes on a person and their
063family. Despite criticism, and at times deeply personal attacks, my dad continues to show up with professionalism, patience, and respect. He believes in this dis district. He believes in its students, its educators, its staff, and its future, and he continues to serve because he believes this work matters. I also want to say this clearly, disagreement does not require disrespect. Words matter. As his daughter, it hurts to see hateful and untrue comments about him. When criticism becomes personal or is rooted in misinformation, it doesn't just impact one individual. It affects families, staff, morale, and the culture of our schools. If your family or kids had to see the negative comments about you and how you did your job, I'm sure you would understand and feel the same hurt that I feel. My dad is not perfect. No
064leader is, but he is faithful. He is honest, and he leads with a genuine love for his people, his community, and a deep sense of responsibility. My dad is my best friend. And yes, I may be biased, but he's also a servant leader who truly cares about this community and everyone in it, whether you disagree with him or not. If you take a one away one thing from tonight, let it be this. James 1:19-20, know this, my beloved brothers. Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Thank you to everyone who continue to work hard for our schools and our students. Thank you to all the people who love and support my dad and our family. Your appreciation
065doesn't go unnoticed, and my dad is so lucky to be able to work alongside such amazing people. Most of all, thank you, Dad. I see you. I see how hard you work and all the time and effort that goes into this job. I see how much love you have for what you do and the people you work with in the young community as a whole. When I look at you, I not only see a loving father, husband, and friend, but someone puts but someone who puts all they can into everything they do. Thank you for your time. [applause] [applause] That will conclude the public comments for today. [clears throat] Item number five, new business individual contracts. Do I have a motion? >> Move to approve. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion
066carries. Item six, board comments. I'll pass the mic on the way down. Um, I wanted to begin by saying thank you to the Southport students for their performance. I also thought that it was interesting to hear about how South admin are providing positive incentives to encourage students to come to school. And then I would also like to add that I have never met a teacher or admin that cares about students more than Chris Woods. As a school board student, I can testify that he knows and cares about what is going on in our lives as well as our future. I don't think anyone could be more positive during such a challenging time. So, thank you, Mr. Woods, for your commitment to me and my classmates. [applause] Okay, usually I have a good idea of what
067I'm going to say for these, but now I'm just going off the fly. So, forgive me if my thoughts are a little incoherent. Um, but I just want to say that all the words spoken today have been valid and whether or not you agree or disagree with them, uh, deserve to be spoken and heard. Um, as Casey said earlier, the polarization has only been worsening. Um, and it is incredibly debilitating. And the best way to mitigate that is to have these productive, respectful conversations [clears throat] where we can look each other in the eye and go, I may not agree with you, but I hear you and we can figure something [clears throat] out. I like to I often say that social media is simultaneously the best and worst human invention. Um, it can be
068a wonderful thing. It can be very educational. But it can also be extremely debilitating when it's used as a weapon. And I am one of the few um teenagers that does not open five social media apps in a span of 30 minutes. Um I quit Facebook the same day I made my profile. So I have not seen the worst of it. But I don't have to be on social media to know that um the yelm today is not the same y I grew up with. Uh but that is not to say that it is entirely gone. I still see the spirit and I appreciate um these schoolboard meetings. I appreciate all the people who take the mic and speak with eloquence and respect and their truth. And I appreciate those who have volunteered and dedicated
069their time to helping this community. Um, I can say I know that Chris is a very sincere man. I have not known him for nearly as long as some of these people have, but I do have a very good idea of his character and his people. Um, so I just wanted to say that I appreciate all of you for coming. I've been on the school board for two years now and although it's been a rough couple years, um I'm grateful for them in a way because they've really opened my eyes to this community and people are going to be different. We're going to have different ideals and thoughts and ways we go about things and that's just natural. It's okay. But we can also be extremely resilient and cooperative and I've seen that a lot
070in these last couple years. So, thank you [applause] going to the soccer kids. I don't know if many are still here, but I love getting to hear them sing. It was absolutely adorable. Um, slightly off topic, but the buddies that we're talking about, um, My sixth grade buddy told me blue cheese was not good to eat because it was moldy. Um, bunnies are great. They really help with um like development and they're so important. I love seeing that in South. Um, going more back into what you're talking about, Mr. Woods is really one of the best superintendents I have like ever gotten to meet. Um we are so lucky to have him in this community in such a hard time and the heart and like drive that he has to just like motivate everyone. Nobody
071sees the little things that he's doing behind the scenes. He I went and visited my mom the other day. Um what was it? Saturday. Uh and I don't know what day of the week. It was winter. It was winter break. Um, but he was in the office with just my mom and him and he was working and doing all this stuff that nobody sees. Um, and it's all this stuff that's like putting in the work by going on the bus, getting to see these students, and just truly making a connection with the community that you won't see somewhere else. So, to have somebody like that on board is truly the best thing that we could ever ask for. I'm so lucky to get to meet someone like Mr. Woods. [applause] >> I want to thank
072South for having you us tonight. Um because my kids homes school, so I'm going to be biased towards South. Um they've done a great job. Um my oldest came here at fifth grade, my middle one at third, and my youngest is here at kindergarten, which you guys all know about him. Um [laughter] they've done such a good job. Um my daughter used to hide from me when we'd come to school. Um, with the buddy system, she's really gotten out of her shell and I've seen that now that she's a fifth grader. Um, my son's excelling. You guys have done an awesome job. Um, it's just really cool to see what you guys are doing here. I've gotten to know you guys. I've gotten to know your hearts. I went here as a kid. Um, and
073it's great that the community is still here. Um, you guys put that here at this school. I still have teachers that were teachers here that I'm still in contact today with that have been to my wedding. So, it's great to see that community still being a part here. Um, speaking about Chris, um, you guys did a great job tonight. Um, speaking on his character, took my [snorts] words right out of my mouth. Um, but so I'll just share one story with him about him today. Funny today. Um, my youngest comes home today and he goes, "Dad, I got to meet your friend today." And I said, "Really? Who is that?" And he goes, "Chris." And I was like, "You met Chris today?" And he goes, "Yeah, Chris was telling me about the story earlier in
074the day. Um, there's nobody better to lead this district than that guy down there. Um, my wife teaches in another district and that superintendent there. Don't know them. They're not in the schools like that guy. Um, he walks the halls. I've walked the halls. Doesn't matter what school. He knows staff by name. He knows kids by name. He goes to sporting events without stipens. he's there in the community when other superintendents are not. Um, and there's nobody better that I'd rather have my kids be his superintendent. So, I appreciate everything you do down there. Um, and I will fight tooth and nail for you until I'm out of here. So, and I'm not going anywhere. [applause] >> Okay. Um, first of all, Tiffany Lynn, thank you um for reminding us how important I wrote I
075wrote a little note. Thank you um because not all students learn the same way and um all these things all these things are very important. So, thank you and uh thank you for hosting. It was great. The kids were great. Building's great. Um, thank you for those that, um, spoke. Um, uh, yes, we, uh, we know how great our superintendent is because, um, we picked him. And so, um, I could go I could go on and on. Um, I'm just going to say we saw it when we did our superintendent search and um, it came down to it. He was the best man for the choice. I believe he was the best man for the choice then. I believe he is the best man for the choice now. I agree with you. I'll fight for
076him till I'm gone. And I'm not going anywhere. [applause] >> Well, I'm a pretty panther and I won't sing the same song from my childhood, but we live in a different time than when I went to school. And uh the buddy system, the thoughtful planning that goes into that is is wonderful. And getting connected is is important. Um, and so I appreciate that you guys open up here. Um, I had prepared some thoughts because I thought, you know, that there was going to need to be some defense for our super tonight. And there was an overwhelming sound that came in the room and you can tell a lot about someone by the friends that he has and the people in his life. And so, uh, I would just say I hope that our community is
077listening to what was said tonight and and and there we have some real challenges. Nobody at this table or in this room is unaware of the challenges that we are facing right now. Um but we're better together. Um I'm I'm new to Chris and I'm new to the board, but I'm not new to YM and and I'm saddened by uh how Chris was received in in our community. I I love this community deeply and sad for how he was received and uh I'm grateful that he's here. I'm grateful to be inside him. I I reached out to him um a year ago by email because I had some frustrations that I saw on the social world that is, you know, everything true. And he invited me in instantly and and talking about transparency. There's there's
078nobody that is is more open in my experience than than Chris. He invited me in that week and we sat down and in and every conversation I had with him from there forward was uh refreshing just the it was it was clear that there was a honest and transparent and desire to make things better. Um, so that has been my interaction from day one and and and I've um reached out to groups and members in the community and asked for transparency and and haven't had the same response. And if we're going to do this together, we genuinely need to to be on the same page. Um, and um we're we're going to be fighting together and um so I'm grateful to be here. I'm grateful to be a part of this group. I'm grateful for
079Chris and and grateful for y'all. Uh we have some of the greatest teachers and staff anywhere quite honestly. People that that put in countless hours and and love our students like their their own. And um it's hard to find communities and districts like that. And so I'm I'm super grateful. And uh thank you. [applause] A lot has been said. How much more can I say? Thank you to Southworth for hosting us tonight and thanks to our great choir. They were great. Uh Kevin senior night wrestling last night match a few years loved it. So, >> I was the one that was president the year we hired Chris and I have 100% confidence in him to lead us through this. I took Denise's advice and stayed off Facebook. So I trying to wean myself off of
080it. I would try to tell everybody the truth that it just went in one ear and not the other. So Chris, you have my confidence. >> [applause] >> I think I said enough. So, I'll make this brief, but um it I don't believe in coincidences. And there was a band here for each of us tonight that says commit to hope. [clears throat and cough] And I think with what I've heard tonight from all the speakers and what I what I do know about this community is I do have hope. And sometimes you have to go through the darkness before the daylight seeps in. And sometimes sometimes sunlight is the best disinfectant. And there's been a bacteria growing in the dark. And there is nobody that is singularly to blame. Everybody carries some blame. And I
081guess what I wanted to say was Katherine, I I really do appreciate your comments today. And it was not what I expected was going to be said. And that alone, I think, out of everything I heard tonight, gives me the most hope because I do personally think we're not that far apart and that different in our hearts for the kids. And it gets lost in the bureaucracy and it gets lost in the paperwork in the system that's not been designed necessarily with the kids in heart. And now we're stuck in such a crappy situation where we have no money and we still have to make cuts and [clears throat] we've got non-stop conflict from every direction and everybody just wants to react and we spend so much time reacting that we haven't had time to
082actually sit down and realize that we're actually on the same side and we're all people. And I think tonight might I'm hoping hope that tonight is a night that we can start getting this thing back together because we do need to start rebuilding this district. And I think we can do that and make it better than it's ever been. Um but I think we need to start that tonight. And I do have faith that Chris is the guy to help lead us there. And I'll stand by him until I'm voted out. [applause] Um, a couple things. Um, first to South Worth. Um, I want to say thank you for for hosting us. Um, this place is is very special and I look forward to walking in those front doors um every time I come here
083and to see uh Carrie and Dorene um first and they spot me from from a ways away and they hit the button for me to come in even though I have my badge and uh greet me every time with a smile. smile and um even often with a hug. Um and then uh Tracy and Charles and the work that they do, they uh compliment each other so well. Um they are very different but together they are so powerful and so strong. Um, and again, by the way, Tracy is our elementary uh assistant principal of the year for the state of Washington. [applause] >> [applause] >> Um, and the other thing I appreciate about this building is that um, the staff is committed to doing whatever is necessary for these kids. As we've heard earlier, um,
084it's challenging. They work with some challenging students for a variety of reasons. Um but they don't give up and they keep fighting for each and every student. Um and it's pretty amazing. And the last thing I'll say about the work that that this team does is they are innovative. They are not afraid to try new things. They are not afraid to try something even if it doesn't work out. if it does work out, what if? Can you imagine if we can uh change things for our students in a positive way by trying something new? So, thank you for being willing to to do that. Um, in regards to to the vote of no confidence, again, I I said that I will um have an opportunity at a at a later date to speak, but um
085one thing that um I am committed to and I've tried to uh when I see or hear that there is somebody that um has something negative to say about me or our district. Um, I am quick to reach out and invite them for a conversation. Rarely do they say yes, but sometimes they do. Um, I will, if given the opportunity, um, extend an invitation to every single teacher that voted uh, a vote of no confidence. Um, I will take the time to meet with each and everyone and listen if I'm given the opportunity. If not, then it'll take a little longer, but I'll make my way around the district and have those conversations. I have um I have zero anger in my heart. Um, I have uh sadness and um hurt, but uh I think
086the word that does uh continue to um stand out to me is hope. Um there are very few people that would want my job. There are even fewer that would want my job right now. Um, I've told the board that as long as they believe that I am the right person, um, that I'm going to stay and fight, um, there's nowhere else that I want to be. Uh, I believe that this can be the greatest redemption story in our state and I'm committed to working towards that. I'm committed to continuing to fight for our kids because they deserve it, especially now when we're trying to find ways to provide them the same things that kids in other districts get. But we have to figure out how to do it with a whole lot less. And
087our kids need people that will fight for them, not fight with each other and ignore them. I am committed to that as long as it takes until my last day here. I will continue to fight. I will also continue to listen. Um, I've been told uh and listened when I've been told I I don't know how to do my job or I'm doing it wrong. Um, let's talk, let's listen. I think it's important for us to continue to have dialogue and I appreciate those that are willing to have those conversations face to face. So, thank you for those that are willing to do that. And my commitment is that I will continue to show up each day. I will continue to give my very best. Um we are not always going to agree, but I
088think we can still find a way forward. I want to give one example of um just a really um positive and encouraging uh meeting. We met yesterday with our Yale Extracurricular Association leadership team, Phil Perry, Alex McIntyre, Dakota Hill, myself, Dee, and uh Ryan and Casey. And it was entirely based on a conversation to see how can we find a way to make athletics happen next year. We know we have hundreds of kids that rely on that experience to keep them in school, to keep them motivated, just like the other things we heard about tonight. The specialist activities, same thing. But what was so impressive is these three were willing to come sit down and have a conversation about how might we make this work next year. We can't afford to do what we did
089because all athletics are funded out of a levy. We don't have a levy anymore. So, in theory, athletics are gone. But we know that is not good for our kids. So, I just want to acknowledge publicly the three of them for their willingness to come have conversation. I don't know how we're going to get there and be able to offer athletics, but we are sure going to try. And this group of people up here have said we've got to find a way. How do we do it? We got to get creative. And the last thing I'll say is we need the community. This community has to step up. People have to step up and help us. We are not going to get through this as a school district alone. We need to come together and
090partner on this and find a way because our students, a few of them down there and a couple right here, deserve the very best from us. And is this is not their fault. They should not be the victims in this. And as long as we continue fighting, they're going to continue to suffer. So we have to come together for them to find a way to provide the opportunities for them that every other student is getting in this state. They should not be penalized because of their zip code in the city they live in because that city has chosen not to vote for a levy. They should not be penalized. So my plea is that we will come together. We will stand up and speak against those who are bullying, saying hurtful things, that we won't
091tolerate it, and that we'll come together. And that's my hope. And I'm going to get up each day, go to work when it's dark. I'm going to go home when it's dark. And I'm going to continue to try to find ways with the amazing team that I get to work with every single day at that district office and around this district. And we'll find a way. I appreciate all the the comments tonight. Um, very humbling. Um, I'm not good at accepting compliments. Uh, I'm not good at uh saying thank you for those. Um, and I'm sad that it came to this that uh I had to recognize the support that I have because of a pretty ugly situation. So, thank you. Um, I appreciate the the kind words and all those who have reached out.
092Um, and I'm going to continue showing up every day until the board tells me that I'm not the right person and until the people that I work most closely with say, um, we're not going to follow you. But until that day happens, I'm going to keep showing up. All >> [applause] [applause] >> right. The board is going to go into executive session to review the performance of a public employee. Uh, the board will now be in executive session to be a homeless public employee as allowed by RCW42 42301G. The board will be in executive session until 30 minutes past the current time, 8:15 p.m. The board is not expected to take further action following the executive session. So, you guys are free to leave if you want.