001To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic stand, indivisible. Record attendance. Someone got it. >> Okay, great. >> All right. The approval of the agenda. Do we have a motion to approve the agenda? Right. It's been moved and seconded to approve the agenda. >> Let's see. We don't vote on that. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Do we have anyone signed in? >> Yep. >> All in favor? Oh. All in favor? >> Signify by saying I. I opposed. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Some people signed in to speak tonight. Okay, online anyone. Okay, seeing as there are no visitors, we will move on to information items. So, first information item is HOSA community awareness student presentation. Mackenzie Yes. >> All right. Hello everyone. Uh it is the season of CTSO competition. So
002FFA, HOSA, DECA, all of us are doing competitions. And I have a couple of students who have a presentation for you guys tonight. Uh seniors Nurelli and Payton have um been competing or are competing in the community awareness competition with HOSA. And so HOSA is for future health professionals. and they have found uh a need in which they've done research and they are just presenting to you tonight their findings and their plan moving forward. There's no action that you guys have to take for this one. Their competition is essentially meant to make awareness or raise awareness in a specific campaign. So, uh I'm going to pull a chair up so that they can both sit right here if that's okay. And Narelli will pass out some documents for you guys and they'll give you a
003short bit of information about their finding. And then Gro, would you bring the bend the microphone down and pull it pretty close to >> Yeah. And pretty close. So the people whenever you're ready. >> Good afternoon everybody. >> You can go ahead and slide that a little closer to you till you so you don't feel like you're >> Yeah. Thank you. >> My name is Narelli and >> my name is Payton. We are here today to present our HOSA state leadership conference project. We are participating in the community awareness event and our project focuses on recognizing the importance of CPR certification for educators in a school setting. We were inspired to conduct conduct this project after learning that it is not a state requirement that all school teachers are CPR certified. or school does comply
004with the basic state regulations that first sorry that special education teachers CTE coaches and nursing staff are EPR certified. However, general classroom teachers do not have the certification. Before winter break, we distributed a survey within our school district. We discovered that 43% of staff members are not CPR certified and 38% of those individuals are willing to become certified. Additionally, most teachers rated their confidence in handling a medical emergency at a 7 out of 10 or lower. Nationally, about 60% of teachers are CPR certified. However, only 18% of those certifications are up to date. Studies show that when a CPR certified individual assists during a medical emergency, the chances of survival increase by up to 70%. In our community, this training is especially important important due to a growing drug use problem. Since 2020, drugrelated arrests
005have increased by approximately 15% each year. Providing all school staff with CPR and first aid training would not only improve safety within school grounds, but also throughout the community. educating sorry but also allow educators to help save lives throughout the community. A local CPR training Columbia Safety offered us a reduced rate of 50% which is a 42% discount from the original price of $82. They would be able to provide training in groups of 60 people. In order to make this program financially sustainable long term, we developed several ideas to raise funds and minimize cost. Our main proposal is to create an extension of our existing HOSA chapter called Heart Club sponsored by the American Heart Association. Through this club, we would apply for a heart club financial aid scholarship which could cover more than 50%
006of certification costs. Our goal is to educate and certify a school staff at no cost to them. Staff members would simply sign up and select a convenient time to train. >> Heart club could also host fundraisers such as a fun run for heart. A 5 km community run. Participants would pay and donors and runners would be recognized throughout heart club. Our next step is to work with ASB to continue developing this plan. Today we wanted to bring these statistics and our concerns for the safety of our students, staff, and community to your attention. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. >> I don't have any questions. I just um as far as like what I do, we have reertification every two years. Um and I just I I think it's one of
007those things like this is great what you guys are raising awareness for. Um because I know after after two years sitting in that CPR training, it's there's just a ton of stuff that you don't use that seems like you'll never remember if if something were to happen. So I think this is great. You guys are doing this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Your information was really good. Thank you for presenting that. I really like >> you did a great presentation. You probably didn't rehearse with whistles blowing every 20 seconds from about You guys take great. >> Thank you. Yeah, what a great presentation. >> Thank you. >> Keep us posted on your on your club progress. I think we'll probably see it come through the board for approval. >> Yeah. Thank you very much.
008>> You can leave it in there. >> I can leave it. Okay. I'll turn one mic. >> Okay. Moving on to the 2026 Crystal Apple Award. >> Yep. And then you can do this. This goes with Okay. So, a little bit about the I'm a little bit about the Crystal Apple Award. I do have a good teacher voice, so I don't generally ch is a district award. Most districts offer them awards and then our collect. So it's a progressive part about this all the people that are receiving their nomination certificates today and they're not myself. So tonight we're going to invite you up. Yes, and we're gonna say a little bit about you and then at the end we'll do a fun little and then we'll announce that's how that's going to happen. So, oh,
009and we're doing this with alphabet. So, um, first off is Lurel Ar who's not here with us this evening. Um, this is what her peers and her nomination packet said. Lurel is respected and trusted by her peers. She leads through service and connection, offering advice, problemolving support, or simply listening to help others. Congratulations, Lurel. Next, Mr. Christopher Aken, can you come forward? Thank you. Okay. I don't know about you guys. I'm going to tell a little bit about this. Um so when I first thing when I walked in to offer his nominate or give him his um nomination invitation, you get to come over here and stand was the fun thing if you've how many of you loved high school math, right? This is the math teacher that everybody's like, I've got to pass math
010to graduate. The funny part about it is when I walked in, the kids were smiling and they were talking to each other about math. So I think that tells us why he's here. This is what was was said. Prior to Min and had lost his enthusiasm for math, Mr. Akin re reignited his passion and built his confidence as a student and a person. No matter who you are, he is always understanding and willing to help. He always goes the extra mile because he wants to see his students succeed. Next, we have Malia D'Angelo. Oh, I've missed the alphabet, but that's okay. You're good. I miss the alphabet. I don't know. I don't know. I guess I don't know my alphabet. Malia is an extraordinary educator whose compassion, patience, and dedication make her not only an
011exceptional teacher, but also a source of comfort, stability, and inspiration for every single student who walks into her classroom. She creates an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Her patience is unwavering and she approaches each student with the understanding that learning is not only academic, it's emotional, social and deeply personal and um Miss Sydney Charvette. That's the C that I missed before the D. button. In the classroom, she consistently goes above and beyond to create a welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and capable of success. I don't know if you catch a pattern here. As a parent, I appreciate her clear communication, responsiveness, and commitment to partnering with families to support student success. In her short time here, she has already made an extraordinary impact on students,
012colleagues, and the school community. Sydney exemplifies the highest standards of teaching and educational leadership, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and the broader school community. And if you really want to know, follow her on Tik Tok. She'll teach you a few things. Okay, now back to the alphabet. Kaylee Habman. Okay, I I'm We get a little personal once in a while. How old's the baby? seven days old. So, welcome to come in and quite the accomplishment. Seven days ago, she just had a baby. Kaylee possesses a rare blend of instructional expertise, compassionate leadership, and a relentless belief in the potential of every child. She creates a learning environment where students feel safe to take risks, challenge themselves, and genuinely grow. Her impact on students, colleagues, and the broader school community is a profound
013is profound and unmistakable. See another trend here. And I didn't write these. These have come from everybody else. Kaylee, congratulations. Betto Munoz. Yay. So, there's a little communic. If you guys don't know, this is mother and son-in-law. So good friends run friends and family just so you know it's going to happen that way. Mr. Munoz is creative and patient with his students and puts their interests first. Since my son was entering middle school with a disability, he re reassured me that he would keep an eye out for him which gave us confidence for him to start school. See that all about the students. Congratulations, Mr. Dan Norris. It was clear that Mr. Norris is welcoming, organized, and deeply invested in his students. He puts in many extra hours to ensure students succeed and feel connected.
014I think one school would be challenging enough, but working between two different schools with two very different age groups takes dedication. Thank you, Ruth Zitzki. She is creative, flexible, and always willing to think in new ways to support student success. Mrs. Zitzky's classroom is more than just a place of learning. It is a safe haven where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. She is collaborative with parents, other team members, and students in ensuring that students academic, social, emotional, and basic needs are met to achieve success within the classroom. Congratulations. Okay, there's enough people in here that we should be able to make a decent room, Mr. Norris. Right. We should be able to make a decent drum roll in there. Okay. Drum roll, please. And then 256 from here is Missy Char. Thank you
015every congratulate them and the board. >> Let him You guys come back. I didn't think about that. Can you get us all? I just want to say real quick, I've been helping I I've been part of Crystal Apple since the beginning and these were the best and most amazing. I ended up on the committee. She made me um it was actually great. It was an honor. I don't vote, but they were the like some of the best nominations with some of the most amazing, you know, comments from people in there that I've ever seen. So, congratulations to everyone. >> And to each of you, um your packet has your nomination packet so you'll know who nominated you and what they had to say about you because I only read a blurp. Thank you. >> Okay,
016thank you. Give it a second to clear up. Okay. Uh, moving on to information item C, invitation to Boys and Girls Club 2026 Youth of the Year celebration. It basically is just from me to you to put it on your calendar. It's held at the um Uptown Theater and it's just a good community event. We try and sit together if we can. We get to see from the Boys and Girls Club and if I just it's a really fun event. A really fun event. So, I just want to make sure that you're aware of it's uh January 29th. They do a small little buffet dinner and it's about an hour, maybe an hour and a half long, just mainly awareness. Okay. Okay. Next up is discussion items. First, we have the business and operations report.
017Uh, is Drew on the phone? I >> Yes, I am here. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yep. >> Perfect. Okay, >> perfect. I got a few items for you guys tonight. >> Um, so first >> Drew, just real quick, I sent to your emails the cash flow document that he's going to go over tonight. So, if you're not able to see it on the screen, I sent it to you for review. Okay, Drew. >> Perfect. Um, so first we're going to start with the cash flow. So, we received our county reports from Benton County this uh last week and so the December number is reflected on there. Um it is better than projected which is great news. Um one of the main reasons is our accounts payable number was under what was projected this
018month. Um and going forward a goal of Kim and I that Kim and I have is to try to see if this number can be 50,000 to 100,000 under each month. So we are looking at ways to drop costs um which will ultimately see a better number at year end. So, uh, we know payroll payroll numbers won't see a huge dip because we have contracts locked in for the remainder of the year. Um, and overtime has already kind of been limited this year. So, we're looking at other ways to to drop costs. Um, so yeah, this month we actually saw a gain in the fund balance, which is good. Um, and it and it does look better from the last time that I presented you a cash flow. Um, one thing to note is that
019our ESD services contract has been signed. Um, and starting in February, the district will will start paying that in six equal payments. And that's for for services from September 1 to June 30. Um, any questions before we move on? >> Let's kind of explain that with um the medical leave of the lease and so forth and the turnover in payroll when we needed the services and support for them. So the that's the sorry Drew but the cost of Drew and his team as well as the support and so we've worked out with them that we will make six equal payments to help moni manage the cash flow so it's not really high one month and then off. >> Yep. Perfect. Thanks Kim. Any questions on the cash flow? Okay. Um, next on my list is
020budget status reports. Um, we're going to get those to you this next uh, meeting and I plan to have August through November reports to you and then hopefully from there from there on we can get, you know, back on a monthly schedule of each one. So, December or January, you know, just each month, the following month. So, we'll we'll keep working on those. Um, Abigail's been a huge help in in getting this data together for me. Um, next Tuesday and Thursday I'm going to be out at the district um with Abigail and we are going to meet with each of the principles and directors across the district um and do a budget review. So something that I did at my previous district was we met every other month and kind of went through our budgets
021um so we can kind of track progress um and it also helps build that relationship with these individuals. Um for me this will give the chance to meet many of them as I have not been able to do so yet. Um and so given the financial you know situation of the district we need to ensure that we're maximizing each dollar and then you know being able to communicate what the needs at the building level is or in a department um can can help us do so as well. So our our goal is to stay within budget, not go over and then know that if you do have something remaining, there isn't going to be carryover next year because there is no money at this time. So um just try to be upfront with folks and
022then kind of make a plan for the for spending the rest of the year. And then lastly, I have emergency repair grant. So, in talking with Kim after break, um there's been some maintenance items that are needing to be addressed across the district. Um as you know, cash flow in the general fund is tight and some of these items could fall into capital projects funding. Um as we were kind of going through the plan for the capital projects funds for this year, there isn't a lot of wiggle room in the budget. Um, so there is an emergency repair pool through OSPI that you can apply for. Um, we did this I did this with another district and we ended up getting $100,000 to be able to do some different repairs um, HVAC. They had um,
023a refrigerator go out at the K with the kitchen. Um, so I'm working with Andy to figure out what his his needs are. Um, and then we're going to write that grant and have get it submitted hopefully by the end of this week. and then we can keep you posted on any funds the district is awarded. >> So, some examples of that is we have one classroom that is a special needs classroom that needs a specific lockable but fire release. It's called a fire egress door. So that the door can be locked from the inside, which is not something that you normally do, but then you assure that when the fire alarm goes off, the door releases, so it doesn't need an adult or anyone to unlock the door. And um that's one thing that
024we're playing for. We have some more leaks at the house middle school roof. Um, and it with all I mean we there's some of them are in some of the locations where we could put a garbage can under it and we could make it another year. But if we can apply for the emergency repair grant and fix it properly, it wouldn't be something we would tackle without this grant. Um, we would make do until we were in a different financial situation. But we're going to apply for this. Drew, will you remind us? I think you can apply for this grant every two or is it every three years? I believe it's every three years. >> Yes. >> So, we want to make sure we're applying for things that need to be fixed, but we're looking
025far enough into the future, too, that we can say we've put enough duct tape and bailing wire on it that now we can't make it work any longer, right? And so, if we don't fix it now, it may need to be fixed next year. So, we have to look far enough into the future because once you do it, you can't apply again. >> Well, >> yeah. I think you can only be awarded once in the in the three-year time span and then you have to wait for the next round of funding to come out. So, are there any questions? >> You had mentioned about the capital projects money possibly being able to be used for some of these repairs. Is how how uh I guess is that really a possibility? Um it could be for
026the roof could be um since it's already in place and um with the leak and whatnot, we could potentially use it. Um but I know that there is part of a loan that we're paying off with this funding and then I don't know exactly what other I know there was a couple other plans potentially in place um based on the levy. So that funding is pretty much earmarked at this point. Um, but some of this stuff could potentially fall into that. We'd have to kind of look more into the rules and making sure that we're we're meeting all the requirements to use capital projects funding though. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Can that roof at the middle school I feel like we've talked about this. >> We've done one roof repair. We've done the part
027the do portion of the roof, the flat that was out there. We've done that. This is a totally different. It's in the end of the 100 hall. >> Okay. Fine. Okay. Any other questions for Drew? >> Yep. Thanks, Drew. >> Thanks, Drew. >> Thank you. >> Talk to you tomorrow. Okay. We're going to go ahead and skip the Howell Middle School report. Michael Denny is um out ill. And moving on to the transportation department report. I may um will you take your make sure it's green light and then pull it real close to your mouth. >> Can you hear me now? >> A little closer. There you go. Almost feels like you're eating it. But, uh, yeah, like I said, everything I have to say is positive tonight. We hired three new drivers. Um, we
028trained them or we hired a private contractor to train them and we got them tested and they're working out great. That's a big relief. We're not scrambling for drivers. >> You're good. Go ahead. >> We're not scrambling for drivers. They're working out great. They're doing an excellent job. And then also we're doing making progress on the new routing software, the Traversa. That's coming along well. Also, um we're to the point where we got the map built and we're plugging in with their assistance. We're plugging in everybody's address, the different pickups, the different community stops, um, walk zones, the it's really kind of intense, but all the different characteristics that are in a bus route, um, where kids aren't allowed to cross the tracks over here. So, all that's coming into play and that's, uh, getting
029worked out. Also, we started using our new buses that got got delivered this fall. We had to shake them down and there was a couple problems that we had to get fixed by the dealer, but drivers are loving them. They have AC, so the football team loved them getting in after a game all sweaty and working all evening. But the football coach in Jackson said that it was awesome having ACI on a bus after playing all night. And >> what will that do? We explain to them what we will do for our bus list and how we will determine which buses we will then surplus and so forth. >> Right. We have several buses that are off the surplus list. So, we're not being reimbursed anymore for it. So, they're just taking up space. Um
030they've got a couple of them have over 200,000 miles on them. So, they're getting kind of rough around the edges. So, what I do is I submit some paperwork to Dan Payne, letting him know that we're going to surplus these buses and puts them up for bid for other school districts or after the if any other school district doesn't want them, then they're open to the public and public individuals can bid on them. So, we're in the process of doing that right now. So what'll happen for you guys, what that means for you is we will bring the surplus list to you once they've met the requirements from OSPI and then that you will give us the permission to surplus them um through a board action and then they'll go on that list for other
031districts. >> Where does the surplus funds go back to? Do they go into our general fund to use for other things or somewhere else? >> No, they have to go back to where they >> Okay. Back to transportation. Okay. >> Has to be to buy something yellow again. >> Uh any more quest? Any questions? >> I was curious what the life expectancy of these buses like. Are they in years or is it more in in miles? >> Uh it's more in years. I think the average is 15 years, 18 years. Uh the last ones came off in 13 years because that's when our uh reimbursement from the government ended but it's around that 13 to 15 years in that time period. >> Would you talk about reimbursement? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Is that pretty
032typical that we get rid of them once we're not getting once we're not depreciating them anymore? >> Was that what >> is that normal? Like, you know, we keep the bus as long as we're depreciating it. And when it reaches the end of that depreciation cycle is when we surplus the bus. >> Once they come off the depreciation cycle, we keep them as a spare bus. So, we still keep them for a couple years. So, if a bus breaks down, we have something to jump into and the driver can just take off. There's nothing wrong with them. They still run great. It's just they're getting kind of weathered a little bit. And uh keeping one or two of them, we usually keep two or three, a special needs bus and then two route buses so
033that if anything happens to a special needs bus or a route bus, the driver can just go jump in, take off and not miss a beat. >> Thanks. >> You're able to look at like the log repairs, the expenses for each unit. Yes, we have all >> each unit. So, you can see when it starts costing >> money. So, they potentially could go longer than that if they're not >> necessarily costing the district much money. >> Definitely. I might keep tabs with Kim letting her know uh if it gets to a certain point whether it's going to start nickel and dimeming us to death. I try and keep the Kim updated on that. So once they get to a certain age, so we keep those two or three spare buses as you know with equipment
034whenever it's not used regularly it sits the you know it they kind of and so and then we like Haime said we then have to keep them house them store them take care of them and you don't want to keep too many you don't want to keep too few right so there is kind of a balancing act so we have the two or three that were our backups and now they'll go to the surplus and these that are just coming out of service will become our backups. So we kind of keep a rotation. >> Okay. Any more questions? >> I had one question. Is there at some point because we get money back for those buses for depreciation, right? >> Yes. Is there a certain year that that hits where we maximize the depreciation or
035if you extend it like we're talking about is do we get more or is there a cut off like 15 years this is going to be your max? >> Yeah, it all depends on the contract that's built into the bus >> when we buy a bus that depreciation schedule cut kind of comes with the bus. >> Good question. And we're at if my notes that I remember, we're on schedule to buy another bus this spring to keep that reimbursement fund flowing properly. >> Thanks, Hy. >> Next up, we have student rep reports. Olivia, you're first. Um, sorry. The cast list for The Great Gatsby play this spring was released today. So, that's exciting. Um, everyone knows what role they got now and we're looking forward I'm looking forward to watching that. Um, NHD for the
036middle school and the high school is having their local history night, I believe, February 5th. Um, I'm volunteering there to judge. um they need a lot of volunteers to judge. So, anyone willing to do that, that'd be great. Um the prom committee also has started. I'm not going to say much about that because it is a little secret, but we're in the beginning stages. Um my big thing today is to extend an invite um to an action day at the Washington State Coun. I'm a member of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council of Washington State. Um and we're hosting an action day for open to all sixth graders um to seniors on February 1st. This gives students a chance to learn about the legislative session um legislative process, meet with legislators, and network with various organizations.
037Um if anyone's interested, they can contact me or go to the Washington Legislative Youth Advisory Council website. Hey, as we >> um so first off, we have the wish retreat coming up um next Friday on the 23rd, which is kind of exciting. We get to pick wishes to grant for the students at our school. Um myself and five other students are going to be attending the student summit event next Thursday in Grand View. Um so I'm excited to kind of see what details we find out about other schools in the valley. And then lastly, there will be a miracle minute at the boys and girls basketball game on the 23rd for Coach Silva, the boys and girls soccer coach. Um, and donations are accepted from the 19th to the 23rd. So, that's a really good
038opportunity to support Coach Silva. That's me and Samantha. Um, so a few weeks ago before break, we went to the middle school to go talk to their ASB. And so it was just us three and like six of their uh eighth grade members. And so it went really really well. We were there for about like an hour and a half just talking to them. And we had the opportunity to be able to talk just as students. And so we got really great feedback, really honest feedback for them. Um and they really liked our idea of having an inquiry box at the front of the school for them to put their ideas um anonymously straight to us. And so we're going to work on that to get that over there to get their opinions and start
039working with them. And yeah, we really liked it. They were very kind to us and they were really we were working really well together. Um and yeah, we're excited to start working with them and create a relationship with them. >> Yeah. Do you have are you planning a regular meeting over there like monthly or? >> Um we haven't gotten that far, but I think that's a great opportunity. I think that's a Yeah, for sure. And did you say their inquiry box will go to you guys? >> Yes. So, we do have one at the high school. We also have like a little barcode for them for the high schoolers to like scan their phone and it comes straight to us and we think that the middle schoolers will really like that. They said that they
040think that they would get lots of input for that. So, yeah, great idea. >> It's wonderful. >> Yes, it is. It's at the end of the month, so it's still being planned. Yeah, they just decorated. They're already thinking prom. Okay. >> Okay. Um, moving on to action items. So, the first action item is vouchers and payroll. Any questions? I do have a one question. Um Kim, I and I emailed you about this one, but I just wanted to talk about check um 912354 the 5400 for the natural hazard assessment >> so everyone knows what that's for. >> Okay. So Abigail responded and I mean I could explain it but I wanted to make sure the grant and so forth. So there are requirements for all buildings and so forth. Um, believe it or not, this
041one is about earthquakes and so forth for our buildings. And so you get a a contractor who comes in, assesses all your buildings, and the charge of the assessment is then build to the state and a grant board. So it was $5,400. We got the $5,400, we did the assessment, and they charged us. And so it's a part of our ICOS um operational every so many years we have to do a national hazardous or a national natural disaster um survey. >> We're good on Yeah, >> good to know. >> Any other questions? >> I think a motion to approve Dr. That's seconded. >> It's been moved and seconded to approve vouchers and payroll students. All of those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? And motion carries. Next up is
042the winter ball consultant service agreements. We have Erica on the phone. Maybe >> I have to approve the winter ball consultant. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded to approve the winter ball consultant service agreements. Great. Um, all of those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Okay. Motion carries. And now we are on to the consent items. >> I would move to approve the consent items. >> Second. >> Okay. And then um >> Brian >> myself. >> Okay. So Brian is recusing himself from the consent items. We have a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. All of those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All right. Any oppos? Okay. Motion carries. >> Okay. So, I saw three students look like what did that just mean? So,
043um I'll just explain for the public as well. If and Deiana's had to do these types of things before when you are approving something and you have a family member or someone who's in that a board member cannot vote or do that. And Mr. Weineman's son was part of the hiring process that's in that process and so he could not vote. So I know I this is what I saw when I looked over there. So I thought I would answer because if they have the question probably so does someone else. >> Did I look your way? >> Yeah. All right. Uh moving on to reports. So, first up, we have the director of grants, Kevin. >> Hello. So, we've had a lot going on. Uh, last week we had some ARC uh bilingual PD and
044they're continue to working on bridging uh the two languages and being very intentional on how they do that and then the process. Um, so identifying what they're really going to work on could be cognates, it could be other things. um and and then intentionally planning it and then de delivering those bridges. The next two our teachers are going to model for each other and then the last one we'll be walking through last session with uh PD. We'll be walking through and just kind of doing a a self assessment on how we're doing with the bridging process with with the two languages. Uh we meet with Chris Clim as an elementary PLC this Friday. uh their midyear uh reviews on their SIP plans are due at the end of this month. So once we go get
045through the principles u presenting their data to you guys then I'll start to present some data uh based off those SIP plans and then also Wiff and some I Ready data. So that'll be coming. Uh we also have some uh thinking building thinking classrooms math PD on the 20th and then some thinking maps math thinking maps PD um on the 20th and also on the 27th we went to WATO uh with the three uh migrant students from the high school. They do the presentation with the planetarium. So they presented the the did several presentations for those kids that were at Watau. And we also had a coach's PLC today and we're really starting to dig into some of the instructional pieces. So, um, especially around targets and success criteria. That's all I have. Thank you.
046>> Thanks, Kevin. >> Diana, >> um, we are getting ready to gear up for registration for next year and soon we'll be releasing our early learning interest survey for for families that have three and four year olds that are interested in early learning. I'm very excited um about our new HR person. Her name is Amy Flores. Her maiden name is Amy Salgado. She's um got HR experience. Um has worked in a couple different areas in HR. Um has lots of energy which is necessary in this role. And uh she's a proer grad so she really wants to be here in proer. So we're excited about that. We had some great candidates. Really great candidates. Um we're working pretty uh intently um of different people depending on their role. A red rover that you approved it
047a few meetings ago. We're working on all the background to get it set up. Um everything from the application process to all the data needed to set up the sub piece and the the time and attendance. So that's that's moving along. Just takes a while to get all of that done. Um a few board meetings ago there was a discussion about driving and people driving our vehicles and who um uh what the process is for that. In that process, Kim had done some background work and really we should have been collecting information from people who are driving our vehicles and people who are driving during work time in their personal vehicles. So I said I'll do that. So we have about 150 staff members. So, we're in the process of collecting their driver's abstracts and
048their information about uh their their driver's license as well as um verifying that they have personal insurance and they're insurable. Um they're not due yet. Uh but it's been a process. And if you've ever used the DO website, it's not the most userfriendly and trying to get a driver's abstract. Um I won't point fingers, but one person on this side of the table has their abstract turned in. >> Oh, it doesn't? I thought you me one person that has her turned in. Um, so it's just important for us because we know that if if any of our employees are driving our vehicles or also if um we have like today our coaches meeting, all of those coaches drove during school time from their buildings to this meeting. So we want to ensure that if something
049were to happen, we make sure that everyone's covered, everyone's safe. So we're in the process of getting that done. So it's another big project, but an important one. That's it for me. >> Thank you for coordinating that. Sounds like a big lift. Um, okay, Kim. Oh, it seems like um it's a long list and then I tried to put it on paper and it seems shorter. So, um the budget um you heard us talking with Drew today. Um I believe uh Treasurer Spencer is going to come and talk on the 28th. Um here we're working on coordinating that. Our work with the ESD, OSPI, and and all of that is continuing. And I I think it's really important that if you're into budget, if you're into or school finance, maybe I shouldn't even say budget.
050If you're into school finance, you really need to um like we call it Google it or search or a chat person, whatever it may be. How many districts are struggling in these times? Yes, we may be struggling a little more than others, but I don't know of a single district that is taking in more than they're spending, right? Where their reserves are actually going up. Some are going up because they're earning good interest on money that they've got invested or things like that, but as far as the actual taking in more than what they're spending, it's very tough right now. Um, I um I just I just really want people to understand um I used in our meeting our one-on-one meetings and I want the public to hear this. Um I use buying a home
051as an example. You you often use a realtor. The realtor brings you a document to sign say yes, we'll do it and this is how much it's going to cost you to use the realtor. And then you sell your house and back and forth you negotiate what you're going to sell your house for and then you say, "Okay, I'll accept that offer." Then you go to a title company traditionally, right? You you get your financing, go to bank, you go to a title company. And I don't know if you personally, anybody's listening knows what I'm talking about. There's about an inch thick of paper. You generally pay pretty close attention to the first page, the amount that you're buying the home for, the amount you're selling yours for, how much money you're getting, and how
052much your payments are. And other than that, the other inch of paper, they hand it to you, you sign it. They hand it to you and sign it. And there's a real professional um code of conduct or professional way in which you do that. And I'm going to say there's probably very few people who take that pack at home and read it first before they sign every document. That is very similar to what is happening in education right now. Our business manager provides documents to me. I say, "Okay, um I'm like that home buyer, right, that that signs papers and then it goes to the ESD, which is your next check and balance." Kind of like the tech title company boss, remember before they go and and uh what's that called? when they do it
053with the county, they um they take it to the county and they approve accepting the title transfer and then the deed take the deed into the to the county and they do that and then it goes to the bank and then you so many days and you make your first payment. Well, we go to the ESD and the ESD looks it and puts a seal on it and then it goes from ESD to OSPI and they look at it and put a seal on it. Well, we're asking as common board members, right? People who do not live in finance of education, we're asking for the professional judgment of those people that are looking at that to say, "Hey, something doesn't feel right or something doesn't seem right or you've got to make these changes or
054whatever it might be." And I don't think the check and balances are exceptionally strong. And I'm included in that. So, everybody who's listening, I'm included in one of those checks and balances. And I can say it'll never happen again. But when we rely on people who are professionals, you take your stuff to the accountant, you expect the accountant to give you good advice on what you invest and what you do and so forth. And that's what we're doing. So that is now the work that I'm doing with Ken at the Mr. Spencer, the county treasurer. I'm doing with the ESD when Drew says I'll be here every every two days next week. That's the work we do when we talk with OSPI, right? We're getting deeper into that and that work has got to continue
055until we're in a way different position than where we're at. I think as superintendents we're also learning that I think about our home budgets. We traditionally if we're comfortable in our home budget and we have money in savings, we may not look at every single penny, but when there is not very many pennies, you know where every penny goes. And that's where we're at right now. Should it have probably been looked at closer when there were more pennies? Probably. But we work in a different mindset when you have money in savings versus when you don't. So, I want to make sure the public understands that. Um, legal, we don't really have anything going on, but we have had some huge public records requests. Um, so that is very time consuming. Facilities, we're working with Bentonier
056on LED light upgrades. There's quite a bit of quite a few programs out there about 90 cents on the dollar. So, let's say these lights here. Um, this one light fixture might be $100. Well, we can fix it for $90 and switch it to LED. We pay $10. The program pays the $90 and then we our energy efficiency. So, we're working in things like that as well. The roof leak at HMS is becoming there. there. The eagerress store, I talked about it. Our early learning facility, Department of Commerce grant, we met with Boys and Girls Club and ECAP today. We're super excited. Um, we're hoping that we could be complete, well, we have to be completely done by June of 27, but we're hoping maybe sooner and get our ECAP students moved into that location.
057um kind of like our hazardous uh what did we just talk about the earthquake and the hazardous? Well, we have to also comply with a new program called the clean building performance assessment by 2027. What does that mean? They're going to have us check air quality. They're going to have to do things in any building between 20 and 50,000 is a stage two building. That includes this building and Hel Middle School. And um so there's certain requirements we're going to have to meet for that clean um building or clean air building. So we're starting on that and then stage three will be the high school when it's over 50,000. So that's a whole process that we're going through. Leadership um we're working with our principles and our union on student behavior issues. They're still continuing.
058Um, and when we talk about behaviors, I want to make sure we're not people don't misconstrue that with, oh, a tardiness or a not sitting, not bringing your pencil to class. That's not that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about true behavior issues traditionally really impacting our TK and our littles. they seem to um we have enough steps in place as they get older and they mature, the students mature and then we have more services and so forth, but it's really hard to work with a fouryear-old who's barely learning how to communicate but to how self-regulate when they're frustrated or angry or something. Um, I think the other thing that I want everybody to really understand, the relationships that we have with each other are really, really important when times are tough and making
059sure that we are when we're talking, Diana and I work on this, when we're working with employees or in other situations that we're talking about the situation and not the person that we're doing what we need to do to make things better and um really honor people and make sure we're respecting them. the Crystal Apple Award and then um everybody says where are you going to see me because you know my list used to be long all these places you used to see me basically now you see me in my office um for Christmas Andy how bought me those um it was a gag gift or a white elephant gift it's a little take a number thing and it really has a little red number and you can take the number out of the thing
060and so it's kind of a joke but it's pretty much been officebound you'll see me at a few sporting events if you know I I love um the athletic events. And then on Monday the 26th is the Chamber of Commerce community awards. And then tomorrow I think uh Director Verolm and I will be at the Southeast Wasa um night meeting. I have meetings all day at Pasco, but then the evening meetings tomorrow night. Thank you. >> Thanks, Kim. Okay, moving on to board reports. Um, looks like I'm first. So, as promised, I still am working on gathering um budget data to look over. So, I'm working on gathering um revenue data for the past three school years, expenditures, and then budget data. Uh, believe it or not, it is really hard to get your hands
061on that data in a usable format. So, it's on SPO OSPI's website. Um, but they don't like you to copy it or or they'll give it to you in a PDF, so you can't really do anything with it. But, um, I just wanted to put that out there that I still haven't lost sight of it. I am going to look at all that data and try to figure out um, what's been going on with our budget over the last couple of years. And then just a heads up, I did um, and this is really for the students to start thinking about. I did ask Kim as we go into this new year to really start um, thinking about AI policy for the district. I know that um AI is becoming bigger and bigger. Teachers have
062already started like using um using it in different ways, allowing it by students in different ways. And I know our policy that we especially in the high school for students who have used AI is different from teacher to teacher. And so I just think it's really important as a district that we have consistency um across classrooms so teach, you know, students know what to expect no matter what class they're in. So start thinking about how AI affects you as a student, please. and um just be prepared to educate us because I think it's really important we address that. And that's all I have. Brian, >> I don't have anything for tonight. I do want to say thank you to you student reps. You guys are uh doing a lot of good things. I'm I'm hoping
063you get kids interested in in attending state legislative. That would be that would be awesome. Um but thank you guys. You guys are doing some great stuff for the district. Thank you. Um, I just wanted to say congratulations to the 2026 Crystal Apple Award candidates. All of them, you know, worked hard and um, but also just a thank you to all the teachers in the district. I mean, this the the time they poured their heart and souls into into teaching these kids and this is really what it's all about. So, just want to say a special thank you to them. Um, we do have special challenges and this legislative session I think is going to be interesting to say the least. It's uh it seems like they're maybe in a little bit of a panic
064just their money short everywhere. So, it's going to bring some extra probably some extra challenges and uh seems to be especially to like rural school districts. So, I could see the benefit in us um you know having relation good relationships with other school districts and and trying to unite be a united voice um in the legislature. So, that's all I got. I my I've been echo Frank on how nice it was to hear all the positive things that people wrote in about our teachers in our school district and how nice it is that you're hear positive things um and to see the good things that are happening with winter sports and I did miss that last meeting in December but I had just attended or shortly thereafter effort attended the winter band concert which was
065just the most magnificent um high school band concert I've ever attended in concert truly wonderful to see all the talent up there and how and music programs. Congratulations. >> Thank you. And our next board meeting is going to be held January 28th in the boardroom here at 6 PM. And with no further business, our meeting is adjourned.