001I want you to >> I now call the July 17th, 2025 Y community school board meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> Ice flag. >> You're excused. I know. We'll wait for somebody else. >> Okay. Welcome everyone. My name is Denise Hendrickson and I am the school board president. Before we begin, I want to remind everyone that the agenda and meeting packet are made available to our district on our district website at least 24 hours prior to the start of each meeting. Please note that while we strive to provide all relevant materials in advance, modifications to the agenda are permissible. And I'd also like to note that uh Casey has been excused. All right, superintendent comments. Well, good evening on this uh hot day. Um wanted to just take some time
002here at the beginning and kind of recap um the board study sessions. We had two this week. >> Um about a little over five hours of uh meeting time and I just wanted to recap kind of what we discussed. Um we did have um one um audience member on the first meeting and I think we had five on the second meeting which was good to see. Um, just a reminder, those are open to the public and board study sessions are an opportunity for the board to really have conversation and dig deep. Um, board meetings don't always allow that because we would go three, four hours. Um that's why we spent over five hours, two nights in a row um to dig deep into some areas so that when we do come to a board meeting,
003we have opportunity to have additional conversation but also take action. So a couple things we discussed fee schedule um for the district really the changes to the fee schedule. We're taking some things off the fee schedule that are optional. Um, and there were a couple things on there that, uh, yearbook, for example, um, that should not be a fee because that is, uh, up to the family whether or not they would like to purchase one. Um, fees are intended to be things as far as students go that they're required to pay for. And then if they don't pay for, they often they go on their fine list. And so we did some cleanup there. also added some things that needed to be added but um not a lot of change but some discussion around that.
004We also talked about um curriculum comprehensive uh sexual health education. Uh we had an earlier study session um before school was out where Kendall um gave a lot of uh information to you guys and binders um very thick with um uh the standards, state law and curriculum. And just to kind of summarize that, um, what we talked about is number one, a letter that, uh, we're going to send out to our community as we get closer to the start of school, but number two, our commitment to do a curriculum review, um, to take a look at our curriculum and, uh, Lisa Cado Smith and Kendall will uh, lead that process where we will, um, have staff a part of it, uh, parents part of it, where we'll take a look at the curriculum and see
005is it meeting the needs of our students in our district and um it'll be an opportunity to really kind of look at uh everything and um invite some people in to be part of that process. We really want to be a community here that listens. Um and uh we also know that no matter what we do with this curriculum, um we're going to be wrong. Um but we've got to do what is best for our kids based on all the information we have available to us. Um, I'll talk more about that a little bit as I get to the end of my map date. Also, uh, we spent a lot of time on levy. Um, just really the pros and cons of running a levy. Um, why we need a levy. Um, versus not having
006a levy. Um, when is the best time to do it. Uh, what rate is the best rate to go out and ask our voters for? Um it is a complicated process and those who were in attendance for that meeting, I think it was just one person um for that meeting got to hear all the layers of uh what we have to consider when we determine whether or not we want to run a levy and um also spent a lot of time on the budget um the 2025 and 26 budget and the outlook uh for our district um with and without a potential levy. and um how more cuts uh will need to be made um this coming year and in the spring as we uh make some very very tough decisions. We also uh talked
007about the cell phone policy. Um shared that with you which was um a product of um largely students in our district, middle school and high school students weighing in on um that policy I gave you um a draft kind of a pre-draft form, not something that we were um ready to bring to you for first reading. That'll come in August, August 14th at that boarding board meeting. But I wanted you guys to look at it. I also included their comments and questions because the students had some great questions and great comments uh that I wanted you guys to see and uh give me some feedback on whether or not there are things in there that you want me to incorporate into the policy and procedures. uh one of the highlights of their um questions or
008comments were u basically that the high school students want to go down and present this policy to the middle school students and I couldn't agree more um with a better group of students to be or group of people to be presenting this policy than our students who spend a lot of time and energy on it and so uh that would be something we would do in the fall. the ideas. That first reading would be August 14th and then uh second reading and approval on August 28th and then it would be um in policy for the start of school at the beginning of school. We would um potentially have students um visiting the middle schools to talk about the policy and the why behind it. And so I'm excited about that. Uh, last thing I want
009to mention is this week, uh, Tuesday, I reached out to our superintendent of public instruction, uh, because I wanted to meet with him and share some concerns, um, that we have in Yelm Community Schools and, um, did not want an audience there, did not uh, want to do it for um, recognition, did not want to post on social media about it, but him and I had a conversation for about an hour. Um, one of the main things was talking about local control and school districts having the ability to make decisions that are best for their students and talked about funding, uh, talked about levies, talked about bargaining, um, talked about, uh, a lot of things and had a very good conversation. Um, Chris and I don't agree on everything. Um, however, um, I think there's
010a lost art of being able to sit down face to face with somebody and disagree on things and still have a perfectly fine conversation and professional and um, so I plan to have uh, further conversations with him, but I just really felt like as superintendent of Yelm that um, I'm not doing all that I can for our district if I'm not willing to sit down with those who are in positions to make decisions about our students and about our staff. And so, um, also going to be reaching out to some legislators, um, here in the off season, uh, where they're not, uh, real busy with, um, their other job of of serving the state, um, because I think there were some conversations to follow up with them as well. But, uh, it was a good
011conversation with our superintendent of public instruction and, um, I'm going to continue having that dialogue with him as we move forward. So, that is it for tonight. >> Okay. Are there any community comments? >> We don't have anybody signed up this evening. >> Okay. All right. Uh, new business, individual contracts. >> I move we approve. >> Second. Any discussion? >> I told you at the end of the year that we would have more as far as new hires. Um, a couple resignations and a retirement on there. Uh, but then also change uh staffing changes. That is where staff might go from a one-year only position to a continuing or from one building to another building in the same um position. So, uh, there'll be more in in August, but, um, the bulk of them were
012right there at the end of June. >> Okay. Those in favor? >> I motion carries. Acceptance of gifts. >> I move we approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yes. >> I feel like we see uh a donation from FFA um every board meeting. They are uh a generous group uh the alumni and um it it's pretty amazing. Uh almost every board meeting you see something on here um as a gift to our FFA program and it's no wonder that it is um I haven't checked recently but um in recent past was the largest uh in the country. Um, and uh, that's pretty impressive. But also not just the students that are currently in it, but the legacy that has been left by the ones before and who are still supporting the program. It's it's
013pretty amazing. >> Yes. >> All right. Those in favor? >> I oppose. Motion carries. All right. A strategic planning committee update. All right. Um, I'm excited to share with you uh the first reading of our strategic plan. But as I go over to the podium, um, I'm going to ask our strategic planning committee members who are here to stand up. Um, and if you'd be willing to just introduce yourself. I won't put you on the spot to say much, but I'd love for you to say who you are and um maybe just a brief word about why you wanted to be on the strategic planning committee. So, if you would stand up if you were on the committee, please >> we'll just start right here in the front and work our way. if you would
014say your name and maybe a a word or two about why you're on the committee. >> I'm Tanya Edwards. The reason I'm on the committee is I have gone to school through my entire life. Fortunately, had an opportunity to start to give back to my community. Hi, I am Ashley Brooks and I decided to be a part of the strategic planning committee because I care about all of our kids. uh Rebecca Morwise a parent of children in the district and likewise care about kids in the district and more children have had wonderful experiences and yeah hope that we can for the general population as well I'm tra I was involved I put two two of my children went all the way through community schools and I've seen how great it has been in pass like
015that. Foster been here since 95. All four of our kids graduated from high school and went on to fabulous lives and now our grandchildren are starting in school district. We want to provide them the same great opportunities that our kids had to provide for our future. Hi. >> I'm Angela Taylor and I have three kids now in the school district. Um, so I've also had a friend of shoot my two older kids off in different districts. Um, when my children that were sort of moved here did ask better than they have been. And so then I started seeing things and some some things not going in the best direction. So I decided to step up and be involved with that. Um, since this album has been doing things like strategic planning, trying to make it
016better since birth is central teaching over the I want to be more elected official in Pierce County. I wanted to be on the board planning committee because I've been a part of these before uh and I believe this is where real change happens putting together a vision not just for the current time but for going forward. So getting a bunch of likeminded individuals able to do that is important. Appreciate you having me >> Richard. I'm the head track boys coach but also a self principal and I just wanted to pay for all design effort that former educators put into me when I start trying to pay. >> I'm Ashley Walker. I am the school as an officer at JPLM and I partner with we have a lot of families that live here. Um I have
017families calling all the time asking about things about Y and so being part of the strategic planning I can tell what you all are doing. So it's been a great opportunity. Similar to introduction planning my name is Jones Sagittarius brothers of war I came to this planning committee as a community member went through here 2005 12 and 19. Um and so now as a community member want to come back to continue to participate where I could. One key thing up there you notice it says 25 to 30. Uh we have the mission mission statements that everybody knows about that what we're doing and why we're doing it. But this shows how we're going to do it. Um and and it says 25 it's going to be up and updates as as year by year as
018time stay changes change more money less money whatever it might be with the budget um things change. But I was uh gracious at the opportunity for the superintendent to open this up to community members. We had community members, teachers, administrators, uh faculty, staff and parents. So was a great total community in this process. >> Can we uh give them a hand real quick? >> Uh very excited to share with you. I've been uh sharing with you along the way. and uh Debbie and Denise, you guys were at every meeting. Um and the other board members, I've been sharing with them along the way. And I think um what you see here tonight as far as attendance um it was not mandatory, by the way. It was something that hey, we're going to present this. >>
019No cookies >> and yeah, no treats either. But um this isn't even all uh of the committee. And so, um, I want to talk about, um, there we go. I want to talk about, um, just kind of the vision of the process and then Dr. Lisa Cado Smith's going to come up and share a little bit and then Angela and Judson are going to come up and share uh, some as well. And so, uh, we want to give you a snapshot. you have a number of documents in front of you um from the process um along the way um documents that our our team has built. Big thanks to um Lisa, to Kendall, to Kurt. Um we met after every meeting to take all the information, synthesize it down, um send it back out in
020a note uh form and make sure that we were on the right track. make sure that we were um uh hitting the target. And so strategic planning, we talked a lot in the beginning about why why do we do this? We do this to create a roadmap for our district as we move move forward as was already mentioned. Um we also use it as a filter for making decisions as we move forward. in times of plenty, um, in times of of less, in times of challenge, in times of success, this plan is used to guide us as we make decisions. And I'm really excited about this plan because I think it really does represent uh our community and a nice cross-section of people um that were involved. And I think the the fourth bullet there
021is an important one. Uh, builds trust through transparency and accountability. that word transparency. We've heard a lot uh over the last two years, particularly as it relates to um running a levy. And so, one of the things we want to make sure we're doing is being very open and transparent about the work that we're doing and why we're doing it. And most of all, that last bullet that it reflects the voices and values of our community. A little bit about the the group, 30 plus participants. We had at least 30 participants between staff um parents, community members, and uh through every meeting and um five two-hour sessions held May and June. Uh a lot of data. I've uh worked in three districts. I've been through a number of these processes. Never have I been a
022a part of a strategic planning process where we've looked at as much data as we have. And the great thing about the group is not only did did Kurt provide uh a lot of data uh with a smile on his face throughout the entire time uh because he loves doing that. But the group also said what about this? What about this? And then we went back and Kurt brought some more data. uh because our team, our committee wanted to see all pieces of data that we possibly could to make decisions around um strategies, goals, and implementation. Uh we looked at the good, the bad, and the ugly. Um that's just the plain way of saying it. Things that are going well, um things that are not going well, and things that we absolutely need to
023address. And I think this plan has captured those. And the other nice thing about this plan is everything in it is measurable and has outcomes. Um you're going to see tonight uh a snapshot. You're going to see the mission statement uh three core commitments that we have uh the seven priorities and then 11 measurable goals as I said. And so we're gonna have uh like I said, Lisa and Angela and Jensen come up uh each and pres present a few more of the slides as we go through. You also have even as I said even more specific information in front of you. But with that, I'll have Lisa come up and share the next slides. >> Thank you for the opportunity and thank you Chris. Um, this is our mission statement and the mission is
024really the heart of the strategic plan. And you'll see captured in there these core ideas that will repeat themselves throughout. You're going to hear learning, belonging, and community. So, empowering every student to reach their full potential through strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and deep connections with family and community. I think one of the things that makes this strategic plan unique is this huge community component. I think as Chris said and I think as we acknowledge throughout the process, we are not where we want to be at this time with our community. I think there's simply an acknowledgment of that and um we are Yelm community schools. I think we want to recapture that idea and so community is a huge huge part of this and you're going to learn more about that from the speakers who
025follow me. So again, these are our three core commitments. When we talk about learning, learning is our core purpose. It means that every student should experience challenging and engaging instruction that supports their academic growth every day. But we also know that learning doesn't happen in isolation. Belonging is the environment that makes learning possible. When students feel safe, seen, and valued, they're more likely to take risks, engage deeply, and persist through challenges. and community provides the network of support that sustains both learning and belonging. Families, staff, and community partners each play a role in helping students thrive inside and outside the classroom. So, it's not just these notions of learning, belonging, and community, but it's how they're deeply interrelated. And that feeds into seven strategic priorities that we've developed from the plan directly using the words
026and the voice and the will of our committee. These will guide our daily teaching, leadership, and partnerships. They align to the three core commitments and they are followed by 11 measurable goals. They're built to strengthen student learning, belonging, and outcomes and they reflect our community. So briefly they are number one instructional excellence, two responsive support for all students, three student engagement and ownership in the learning process. Four, meaningful relationships and belonging. Five, leadership, recognition, and voice opportunities for students. six, family and community partnerships and seventh, very important, transparency and trust. And our 11 measurable goals, as Chris said, one of the really important pieces is not merely that a plan like this is aspirational, but that it's linked to data. that we're truly putting a system in place that one identifies the systems and the
027drivers to ensure that each part of this happens but also measuring our success all along the way and reporting that very transparently. Next slide. And so under learning uh we have five goals and essentially they're focused on attendance. I think one of the things that was absolutely recognized is that we need to focus on attendance. Students have to be at school to learn. The next one is around strengthening tier one instruction. And this means the first instruction that students receive in every class and every grade level. And that looks like aligned curriculum, good pacing, professional development for teachers, and walkthrough systems that let us know how students are performing in our classrooms. Expansion of academic interventions and datainformed structures, increasing student engagement, and we do this through relevant student centered instructional design and providing opportunities
028for student voice. And the last piece under learning is building in personalized graduation and post-secary pathways through the high school and beyond plan and tracking tools. And then three big goals under belonging. Uh focus on expanding our social emotional systems and advisory models to build connections. Sup supporting positive student behavior through restorative practices and clear consistent expectations and increasing student access to a diversity of opportunities uh including uh leadership and opportunities to share voice. and then celebrating those. And next, we're going to talk more about community. >> All right, we're gonna have uh Angela come up and talk about the next uh couple slides. >> Hello. This is my first time with a microphone so hopefully um so so I'm going to be talking about uh the three goals um which in are in community
029um those goals are going to be um launching community voice initiatives and advisory groups to support uh shared ownership and for the community to focus on the the focus is on stronger partnerships and shared responsibility. Um, we're launching community voice and ambassador initiatives to reflect values and elevate input. And our second goal is to improve two-way family school communication through consistent platforms um and regular updates. And that's going to look like enhancing communication systems to keep families informed uh connected and as well as engaged with their students and their schools. And the third one is to increase family involvement in student learning, attendance, events, and planning. And we're going to be building capacity for family involvement from volunteering to shared planning to support students across academics, attendance, and activities. together. These initiatives are going to
030move us from PRA plan to practice and they're going they're going to ensure every student is supported every single day. And slide 12. Um so we're going to be talking about monitoring and accountability. And so that's tracking our progress over time. And we're going to be utilizing three goals to do that. um our dashboards will be updated three times per year. And so that's going to look like um updating data dashboards um at least three times a year to track key indicators tied to each strategic goal. Um these updates will give us will help us measure in movement, identify gaps and adjust supports in real time. And the second one is school progress reports to the board of directors. And how that what that's going to look like is that the board of directors are
031going to receive monthly progress reports from schools during board study sessions showing how each school's improvement plan is advancing and where focused attention is needed. And then the third is school prog or I'm sorry stakeholder feedback loops. And just as important um as the progress reports back to the board is that we will continue to gather input through stakeholder feedback including surveys, focus groups, and advisory teams. These will help ensure the voices of students, staff, families, and community members remain central throughout implementation. and transparency and responsiveness will be ongoing because meaningful progress requires both visibility and shared responsibilities. you know, and Judson's gonna talk about the last two slides and then we'll have an opportunity for any um questions and conversation. >> Well, together here. All right. So, madam chair, members of the board, uh
032Mr. Superintendent, and all the members of the staff, appreciate it again for having me here. and members of the audience, I want you to know that this was a very difficult uh opportunity. It wasn't where we just sat together and pulled a bunch of things out of thin air and said, "I think this is going to work." Uh these were very comprehensive, multi-hour blocked uh times that we put everything together. Every part of this wall was covered with paper to come up to this point right here. So, getting to the final slide of this, the five-year implementation plan. So members of the board, what we looked at is we've got all these great ideas. How do we actually put into action and then how do we account to that action? Talking about accountability. Uh so
033we've got the first year uh from 202526 uh we're going to focus on building the systems, launching the key initiatives and the this includes setting the baseline data so that we have a clear starting point because if we don't know where we're going and we don't know where we're at, how do we need to understand where we start and then how we get there? And so understanding where we're at right now and then setting those benchmarks down the road is going to be incredibly important and crucial to understanding how we're going to get there. In 2026 27, we're going to implement with consistency across the district while also monitoring how things are working and where we need stronger alignment all throughout the slides that you've seen. That's where everything can talk uh simultaneously and and
034synergistically because if one of the members mentioned that if um a levy were to pass or if a budget deficit were to happen, how can we continue on the strategic plan because adjustments need to happen. So this is an ongoing work plan. This isn't something that we're asking to implement today and that it doesn't need attention until 2030. Obviously a strategic working plan does that. So from 27 to 28 uh it will be about evaluation going to analyze the progress using both using both data and feedback and then make meaningful and thoughtful adjustments to prove the impact. So meaning we're halfway through what has worked, what hasn't, should we keep it, should we scrap it, should we improve it, should we continue it and then and then see where that's going to go for the
035next two years of plan out. uh from 28 to 29 uh essentially it's going to deepen the work scale of practices that are showing results in strengthening implementation districtwide. And then finally in 29 to 2030 we would conduct a comprehensive review and begin developing the next strategic cycle building on what we've learned what works and what doesn't. So the phased the multi-phased rather approach helps us move forward with purpose while staying responsive and focused uh for long-term success for the students. So finally at the very end of all this uh moving together moving forward together together with double pronunciation. So what does that look like? So we've got the entire plan. Uh it's multiple pages. Um we feel that this is a solid plan going forward. We've had multiple uh interested individuals as parents as
036community members as business owners uh teachers come together and say this this is what doesn't work. This is what could work. And we're asking for you tonight to take formal action to adopt the 25 to30 strategic plan. Uh and then I made a note here that your approval is more than just a vote. It's a shared commitment to our mission of the students, the families, and the staff of Yelm. And so we ask for your continued support as we move into implementation to begin tracking the progress. Uh together we can ensure that Yelm students are not just future ready, but known, supported, and empowered to thrive. So I appreciate your time and welcome to the boardrooms. So again, I want to say a big thank you to our staff and community members, parents, um, everybody
037who participated in this process. And as Judson said, this was not easy. Uh the conversations were indepth and as I said earlier the amount of data that they uh looked through uh was pretty intense and so tonight this starts u the process for adoption. So we are sharing it with you tonight. The hopes would be that you would share with us any questions. Um is there anything that we're missing? Is there anything that you want us to to look at? So then um for our next meeting we would present that formal um plan to you or if there are no changes then the second meeting could be uh an opportunity to just formally give you the plan for consideration for approval and then we would uh move forward. But I'm very pleased to share with
038you the the product of of what this 30 plus member strategic planning committee has put together. What questions or comments do you guys have? >> Um, so this is great and everybody that was on the strategic plan, I mean, I was at all of them and they did an amazing job and when they talk about this walls being plastered with paper and they forgot all the writing and all the notes and all of the suggestions and go back and, you know, the staff cleaning it up is amazing. Um I guess so I don't know if we talked about this about having our strategic plan. Is it going to be similar that's on the back of the board the main and I know it goes main and then under each bullet so that staff the buildings
039get it. Did we talk something about having this in each one of the buildings? >> Yes. >> We're broke. I understand that. But something this important because we're inviting the community into the I mean we could with somebody with nice handwriting, you know, printed on. We know what the poster board is, right? We can afford that. But would it be in the buildings? Did we talk about that? I know. >> Absolutely. And um the different documents I gave you at the top um it talks about who the audience would be for that particular type of document. But yeah, for example, like the goal statement, right? >> And um the overarching themes, we have three rather than than four. So all of those would be uh would be visible in all of our district buildings. The
040other piece we talked about was making sure that this plan is visible in our community. Yes. and working with our uh business owners to see if they would be willing also um to advertise our strategic plan because one of the things that um we heard loud and clear on the community portion of this plan was that this really has to be a community effort in order for us to be successful in all areas. We have to not only have parents and guardians uh as partners, we also have to have community members, business leaders, um elected officials, uh everyone needs to be involved in this. Um for example, one of the things that that rose to the top as far as um a challenges is attendance. We need our community to work together to help us
041improve attendance. And another one was social, emotional, mental health. Uh we need our community and staff um all working together. We can't do all of this just as staff members in our district. The jobs are getting harder and harder and more complex and it truly needs to be a a community effort. So um in addition to our buildings, you would also hopefully see this in our community and in businesses. >> So just throwing out an idea and I know I get in trouble sometimes, but just going to bring it up. We have these beautiful reader boards. We have an audience full of geniuses that could put something once a month that is a mission just you know I don't have >> it's an idea. >> Yeah. And things like uh student leaders reading um part
042of the plan before events uh whether it's athletic or activity or the arts um always keeping it out front. Yes. >> of whatever the audience may be uh so that we continue to revisit this um and at board meetings at our professional development that you would see this um pieces of this plan wherever you are. Well, the other thing is when um when we talk about this room was covered with papers and sticky notes and writing, there were tables in here and there were groups of people and you weren't all necessarily with people that you would know and socialize with, but you would sit and talk and ideas would come up and there were still issues that you all felt the same and when you walked around the room and you put your stick, >>
043everybody felt the same issues that we needed to work on. And so there's a reason why we call this Yelm community schools. We all have a community feeling for it. We all have the issues. And so all those things all came up that we need to work on. So, I'm like really excited because this is truly a community plan. And so, I'm I'm just like because the things that I feel are really near and dear and important to me that I thought, well, you know, we should really work on, they were also things that everybody in this room thought was important. And I didn't even have to say a word. >> Yep. >> It they were all right there. And so I was I was so grateful to be sitting here and just listening and
044knowing that everybody else was seeing the elephant in the room. It was right there. The good, the bad, the ugly, it was there. So I appreciate every single person that came and shared >> what they wanted us to work on. >> And I think it's super important like Justin said that it's not a static plan. I think that's the most important part. We don't set goals in our own lives and then check them in five years and be like, did I make my goal? You know, you constantly re-evaluate the process. And, you know, this could be a great plan in six months, you're like, "This isn't working, so we're going to chop it up and do this." And I think that's very important to do. Um, and I appreciate every community member that took the
045time because none of you got paid for it. It was at 5:00, 6 o'clock at night. You know, you'd rather be home with your families like anybody else, but instead you were pouring back into the community. And like a lot of you said, it was because Yon gave back to you and you want to give back to them now. So I think that's very important. So I appreciate everyone's time spent on this. >> Yeah. I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this. Um it was a lot. I can tell just by what everybody said. It was a lot of work >> and it's a ongoing process that uh >> Yeah. Oh, should I say something? >> Yes. >> Like looking at me. I'm like, okay. Yeah. No, so
046I've been just like a fly on the wall so far is listening to all this. But it's really awesome to hear, you know, the common theme being, you know, like Frank said, like Young Community Schools did so much for me and I want to give back and that's kind of why I became a student rep is because I love my time being in Yelm. I was born and raised here. I grew up here. went to South Worth, went to Yel Middle School, Yam High School. Um, and I really do love my community here. I'll be very sad to leave once I go for college. Um, and yeah, seeing like the entire room stand up for being on the committee was crazy to see. And you all showed up and I just think it's a beautiful
047thing. And I love you all. Yeah. And I just want to again uh acknowledge and thank um our team that helped facilitate the process. Um Lisa and Kendall and Kurt. Um the three of them um they really were the brains behind the operation as far as facilitating the meetings, but then uh really kind of turned it over to the people um who are part of the committee. And the four of us would meet after each one as I said earlier. And I think we got more excited after um each meeting because when we sat down, you could start to see this plan come together. And then what was even uh more fun to watch was the community portion of this. uh that was completely turned over to members to even facilitate that portion of the
048plan and the work um here together. So um really we wanted this to be authentic. We did not want this to be something that we just created and said, "Hey committee, look what we have. We want you to bless it and move it forward." Um we really wanted it to be their input, their ideas, and uh we're excited about this. And uh the last thing I'll mention as I mentioned before is uh all the goals um are measurable. And so as was mentioned, we'll be coming to you with information to share how we're doing. And even though it's a five-year plan, um that'll start this coming school year, we'll be bringing data back to you um as to how we're doing, even in the short term. Um so um any uh thoughts or ideas that
049come between now and the next board meeting, let me know. Um, I'm happy to pass those on to the entire committee so that they can see any thoughts and ideas and questions you have and then we would make any necessary changes for the August 14th board meeting. >> Well, being the historian, when I first walked into the meeting and the room was packed and the first assignment that we had to do, I went, "Oh, I don't know how this is going to work." and being the historian historic the old person. Um we've never done anything like this. We've had parts of the community and the second meeting it was like oh okay in the third meeting and I was just blown away. We were just blown away because we do have a great community and
050you guys all stepped up and Kendall and Lisa and Terry and Kurt with all his data and then Judson who's poking the bear to get more data and then all of the other ones for more data. It was just >> more questions and more questions >> more questions and I'm just shaking my head thinking, "Oh, I don't think this is going to work." But I had faith and you guys pulled it off >> and it's amazing. >> Yeah. >> I think it's the best way that you can take ownership as a community for something because everybody was like we just sat. >> Exactly. >> We didn't we didn't have any input. >> We just were like, we're just going to sit back and just Oh no. They drugg us right up to the table. And
051I'll tell you what, Kendall's gonna get really mad about this, but you guys have not lived until you've been to a meeting and had Kindle be the one who >> I think it's really nice that we have the glossery of terms. >> Yes. Yes. >> A lot of the stuff >> we should Okay, >> we should have that. What do you that plastic put across it? Does that still do they still do those things? You will get a final copy once once it's all done with all the pieces. Yep. >> I'll take the work and laminate it for you. >> Oh, that's what I want. >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much for all your hard work. Appreciate it. >> Okay. um award the bid for the 20 24 uh 01-01 milk products approved.
052I second >> Oh to Dairy Fresh. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Anything Terry? This is This is exciting. >> Exciting. this every three five three Yeah, this one's a three-year um bid process and Jessica put that forward and we only had one vendor apply which is Dairy Fresh who we've used pretty consistently over the last nine 10 years and so uh the prices will not change for milk. Uh however the p price of milk has gone up it won't change um when you look at the v schedule down the road but uh so we hope you will award the bid so we have milk >> in favor >> I opposed motion carries >> I got to say one thing working with taxes when we had to build plant those little containers got more of milk
053>> you haven't put them yet Okay. Policy revisions, additions. Um, this is first reading just for review. >> I move we Oh. Oh, we don't have we don't have a motion. >> Okay. So, um, >> yep. >> I don't have questions. >> Um, just to share what these are. Two of them are just u minor updates, right? >> Um, I'll start with the first one. Risk management. Um at the end of that one um the previous policy had actual names of staff members and um really encouraged to remove that and put titles so then every time staff uh change you don't have to go back and and uh do a motion. So that's uh what the change is in um the risk management one taking names out um and then also updating times of operation.
054Uh the next one, civility in the workplace. This one I'll talk about briefly. Um this is something that a lot of districts are adopting, policy 5161. Uh really what it speaks to is um expectations of board of directors, employees, parents, volunteers, contractors, and visitors. And it speaks to um how we will treat each other. And um it's it's interesting that we have to have a policy that speaks to civility. Um but we do and um this clearly defines the expectations. Um and now the nice thing is is if um there's a violation of the policy, we can refer to the policy that hey, this is how we are going to treat each other in our district. And so this is first reading for that. and an opportunity for you to look it over. Um, let
055us know again if you think there's anything missing or anything you would like us to add to it. >> So, I have a question. >> So, we had a policy, right, on it. >> This is brand new. >> Y, >> she told me there was a policy. >> There was some paper in something in there. >> Okay. Well, I've been looking for it. Thank you for >> Right. Well, he said the list wouldn't be >> you would think treat others as you'd like to be treated >> because I've been looking and couldn't find it was the golden rule that we all had. But >> and really this came about um from Dee um our director of human resources. she was the one that um believed we needed to implement um first adopt uh one and
056then make sure that we are implementing it in all areas of our district >> and uh so I want to make sure that that DD uh gets credit on that for uh bringing it to our attention >> and then um gender inclusive schools that one um comes from WASDA um boilerplate language it's basically uh one sentence at the end. Anyone may file a complaint alleging a violation of this policy using the appropriate complaint process outlined in the sexual harassment of students prohibited policy 3205 or the non-discrimination policy 3210. So that's a recommendation from WASDA. Anytime there are changes or updates, they send them to us as you see throughout the year. Um so that is a piece that they have uh advised us to add to that policy. >> Okay. All right. Vouchers and payroll.
057>> We have heard it. >> Any discussion? >> Yeah. >> Before the meeting and I approve. Thank you Debbie. >> All those in favor? >> I oppose. Motion carries. Uh facilities report. I move we approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Oh, we're getting slide. >> Oh, pictures. >> Summary. She's just a bunch of So, a few of the items see there are the projects that are completed um that we probably talked a little bit about uh some we hadn't. Uh the auto shop always has a lift inspection every year. So, again, uh these are sometimes just the things that we do on a yearly basis. And uh then you've seen the readerboards and some of those modules be going up and and today we just got the prairie one up and running. Uh, so
058you'll see a couple of these are just portions of those projects that are being completed. We've got some fencing that was completed before. We have a lot of fencing happening throughout the summer. So you'll see more of those coming forward and uh we've had some significant issues with different alarm panels and so we are working through with our vendors to correct those. Um, but again those are ongoing issues that we usually see that are always part of our capital facilities. But in terms of an operations update, just want to kind of keep you going on what's happening over the summer because I know I'm out in the community and they're like, "So, school's closed. How's it going?" And I'm like, "School's not showing students right now, but we have a lot going on." Um, one
059of the coolest things right now that I thought happened was our custodial team came together, three different schools, and we're using again a new vendor uh with new products that we've talked about that will save us money, time, and energy. And they learned about that. They had some great training from uh our vendor. They talked about uh the different kinds of products, the the health and safety of these products and the timeliness and the tools that are technology, right? They're really about some really cool new technology. And so they got to use these new tools. And what you may not notice there is uh in comparison the old tool would um and they this was just a model they showed us for us to use. But what they did right there you see that sanding
060of the the top of the gym floor. Usually it doesn't turn white because we don't get down enough. Right? So there are ridges in the in the gym um and they kind of like waves and they call that cupping and this goes right through that and starts to break that up. um and our old devices don't get that that much off the top. Um but in addition to that, uh this is a tool that um anyone can use. It was three times as fast. It didn't cause that much work um in terms of the physical labor. Uh so it was efficient and safe and doing a much better job for our gyms. So, but it was also really cool to see the teams come together um work with each other and then now be able
061to go back out to their buildings and utilize that equipment and those products. So, it's really proud of all of them and and the hard work they did on a very very warm Friday. Um we've talked about the McKenna roof and I think it's really important to not only we see it happening, but they're digging down. This company is doing a really great job and telling us and sharing with us there's been a lot of um kind of mold and um rotting of the board. So, we're having to replace bit quite a bit. You can see a beam there. They are cleaning that up, fixing it and reestablishing um better drainage uh as so the water won't seep into there. Um but it was much more than we expected. So, uh it's not that it's
062taking them longer, but they're doing a really good job for more long term. And this this roof was only 20 years old. Um, but we could tell the wear and tear was happening and um, so they're finding it up there. U, so we appreciate them being very thorough about their work. When we built Southworth, we talked about adding a play shed in our um, uh, self program and the for the autism students and we are finally putting it in. Uh, we ran into a couple of hiccups because you have to make sure you test to where you drill uh, to put them. So it actually has to roll back. You can kind of see where those cones are. And so the the edge of the play shed will be where those cones are. They'll remove
063um they've removed that grass, the turf grass there, but it will go back up to where the cones are. And um those are the footings that just got inspected and and we're moving forward with that project. So before school starts, they will have that covered play shed in the fenced area. Bus drivers, we're very excited. I mean, I am really excited. So, number one, we've had five resignations, right? Um, and that happens. People move, people change. That's not a big deal. We've already filled three of those um with uh current CDL drivers, and we have about five on our list that are in different stages. Two right now are working towards their certification. We have our on staff trainers of our drivers that are certified. And so they're out there in this hot sun getting
064ready to um practice their drives and and get stuff ready. So we've got two right now that have their CDL permits, their training on site. They're doing their drives and getting ready to pass their CDL test. Um both of them are interested in applying for those open positions we have. We just went to a job fair on Tuesday. We have two applicants already who want to start training next week. Um that's probably too quick. Got to get them through the system, but they are ready to go. They um and a lot of people with a class A license, which is the semis and the big trucks, they still have to do training and get their certification with class B for passengers. Um but they are ready to switch over. They feel comfortable driving big rigs.
065Um but they want to do it with students. And so I'm very excited about where we're headed. We really believe we will be staffed to start the year and we even might have a few subs. We're hoping and we're still recruiting. So if you know somebody, we're hiring. >> Okay. >> Um and then uh this was this is still in progress, but uh it's also impro it's important to understand we've spent a lot of this year at the high school fielding issues with um the HVAC and spent significant dollars repairing it. Uh it was on the capital facilities plan as one of the items that we needed to do along with the McKenna roof. And so uh we've been working with multiple vendors to find the best price. got the best price. They took out
066the old one on the left. You can see the um the being gone was 20 years old and now the new one is going installed there and we are having it calibrated and connected to our HVAC um ATS manages our our system and we believe uh working with Velocity who is running our energy efficiency um evaluations. uh we saw an increase in our energy usage and with this we should see a strong increase which will put us in compliance um in the effective timeline that we need to. So we're really excited about that big change um and hopefully the high school will feel that difference and we won't >> electrical gas or >> I believe they are natural gas but I will get back to you on that. >> So that's it that's what's happened.
067Um, I have a question on the bus. Did we do the the bus drivers have a bus rodeo? >> We haven't done that for a few years. Um, and I believe it has to do with number one, we don't have the ability to train um, and do the professional development and they used to do that during um, it was a statewide component. I do believe our trainers went to uh the a smaller version of that and they will bring all of those pieces back to our staff during the 3-day summer training at the end of August to go over all of the new rules and and guidance. But we used to host the radio. That's why we knew a lot about it was because we were the host of it probably seven or eight years
068ago. Um and got to see all that training happening here on our site and that we all of our staff got to go if they wanted to. Um, but again, one or two people came from across the state to our location where now we send one or two of ours to the rodeo to the training. >> Thank you. >> Good question. >> Okay. >> All right. Those in favor? >> I All right. Financial reports. So Chris recapped our quality time together on Monday and Tuesday night. So I don't have a lot to add for tonight. I think we covered enough um for the week. Um but I did want to just mention um the fee schedule will be brought to the August 14th um board meeting for adoption since you just received it this week.
069Um regarding the levy, there was a request for adding the LEA information to the levy amounts. Um, so I just finished that just before the board meeting and sent it to Chris for review. So he should be able to get that out to you. And um, and then I have no new updates with the budget. So I wanted to be available if there were any questions about anything you learned Monday and Tuesday. >> I have a list. >> You have a list? >> No, just kidding. I have a few. >> I only asked you to get us the other day. >> I think we answered all all the questions. Casey had a lot of questions on Monday night on the budget and we answer or Tuesday night and we answered most of them. Yeah, I
070think he said they were all answered and then I will get you the 129 page budget document out um probably right after I return from vacation on August July 29th. >> Okay, I'll be looking at that. Any questions? Yes, probably send you an email. >> Yeah. And let us know if there's any other information. And and um just so everybody knows, this is all additional information to ultimately make that decision of whether or not we run a levy. If we run one in November, we have to make a decision by August 5th. >> Uh we have to file. Um but even before that um we've got to make a decision because you also have to make a decision on for and against statements as well. That also has to be done by August 5th in
071order to run in November. So um this is all followup to our study sessions and additional meeting for you ultimately to make that decision. So let us know as we get you this um additional LEA information if there's anything else you want. Um we are uh tenatively holding July 29th for a special board meeting. That would simply be to approve a resolution to uh put forward a levy um in November. So let me know if you need additional information as you're >> and one more note on the information you'll be receiving. Um the spreadsheet I created um I had to convert it to fiscal year because that's what aligns with the budget. So when you were looking at scenarios and dollar amounts and growth rates, that was for calendar year because that's what we would
072go out for in our in our levy, but um I calculated it for fiscal year. So you can compare it to the budget. >> Okay. All right. And there's no report for student enrollment. most respons. >> So, I'm gonna sound like a broken record because I feel like I say this every single board meeting, but when I say something a lot, I mean it. Um, Yelm has an incredible sense of community, and I spoke a little bit on that earlier, but it's definitely my favorite thing about Yelm. Um, we're a relatively small town and I really like that it brings us closer together. I've gotten to know a lot of people. I recognize some people in the audience already um because of how often I see them and I'm able to build these wonderful connections
073and I love how even though we face some challenges, you know, like levy failures, um we don't stagnate and we still continue to move forward to um improve student learning, belonging, and community. Um, and something that stuck out to me in the maintenance report was the South Worth um, playground because I remember when I went to South Worth, the playground was my favorite part. >> Like, do you guys remember the old South playground? Huge. It was huge. And I was so bummed out when I found out they were, you know, rebuilding South. It's like, no, the playground. But it's nice to see that you're still building upon that. And a play shed. We didn't have a play shed when I went there, but that sounds like a lot of fun. And I hope that those
074little kids have just as magical experiences as I had. And thank you. Yeah. >> So, okay. Thanks. >> Uh the only thing I have is again thanks everyone for their work on this planning business, grand job and a grand vision. So, >> yeah, >> I fell on that. You know, I just want to thank all of you that showed up tonight. Thank you for all those Thursdays and Tuesdays that you were here. Um, you took time away from your families. You did a whole bunch of work and I can't wait to see those plans implemented. I want to thank Terry for getting bus drivers. It makes my job a whole lot easier in the morning and afternoons. It's not Mary 5:30 call. How's my kid getting to school at, you know, seven? So, fingers crossed
075with that. Um, and I just love that there was a diverse group of people that worked on that strategic planning. It just wasn't administrators. It just wasn't faculty. This wasn't community members. It was a wide range of people. You guys probably differ on all your views over everything, you know, but you still came together to put a plan forward and I can't wait to see that implemented. >> I just have a question. Did the strategic plan did they get uh committee did they get all of this? >> They're going to get all the documents. Uh we wanted to get them to you guys and then we're going to send a complete >> um they didn't get nearly what you've got right now. >> Okay. >> They'll have it all. >> Make sure that they get
076all >> they'll frame it. >> Yeah. They frame offer. >> It's nice. It'll be worth something. >> Yours. >> So that's all I have. Just thank you. We've repeated you guys >> are the heart and soul of the community and the school. So >> yeah, the community is Young Community Schools. It's there's a reason it's in the name. We say it all the time, but there's a reason it is Young Community Schools. So, thank you again for all this. And I enjoyed I missed one Thursday because I had to go to the airport, but um >> you didn't miss me. I didn't think you would. Um, but I enjoyed the process. It was really >> All right. >> Um, I just have to thank you for um your time with the study sessions. We've had
077more study sessions this year than I think you guys have had in uh several years combined. Um, I also just want to say thank you because uh you you deal with a lot as far as criticism and people um giving uh opinions on on what you do and don't do and how you should and shouldn't do things. And I think it's important uh to mention that until someone sits in your seat, they don't understand fully what you deal with. For every opinion they have, there are uh many many other counter opinions, more than just two sides and you guys hear them all. And um I don't think that um people realize that and also that you're human beings and that when your name is brought up and you're mentioned in social media posts um that
078we're talking about human beings. Um I get paid to be in this job and so I accept um what comes with that. you volunteer your time and so I think it's important to to say thank you um for what you do and we're not always gonna hit the mark on everything we do but we're going to do our best and u we're always going to keep in mind what we believe is best for our students. So uh I just want to say thank you for that. Um I'm going to take some time off next week. um you still know how to find me if you need to, but um uh I'm going to try to disconnect and um my wife and I are going to take some time off uh for the week. Um I
079think it'll be good good for a break. So that's it. >> Okay. All right. The next board meeting is August 14th at 6 PM. It's a regular board meeting and it will be here. Well, maybe we're we're potentially over at the new transportation facility on the 14th. >> That's right. We'll let you know for sure, but that is the plan right now. >> Okay. >> So, stay tuned for the location. >> Yep. >> It'll be on the website. >> Fine. >> Day and time stay the same. Uh but as of right now, location will be transportation just a block away. >> Okay. Meetings adjourned. produced.