District Highlights
For the final school board meeting of 2016 the Kalles Junior High Jazz Band was asked to perform. Directed by Robin Blumenthal, this volunteer group of student musicians meets in the mornings before school starts three times each week. Before the school board meeting began they shared two songs, "Frosty the Snowman," and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." During the District Highlights portion of the meeting they performed "Señor Banana."

Directors also heard a Fall Sports Summary presented by Director of Instructional Leadership, Athletics, Health and Fitness Rick Wells. Student athletes from Rogers High School were honored as Academic State Champions by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). With a combined average grade point average of 3.802, the RHS Girls Soccer team earned both the Outstanding Academic Award and were identified as the WIAA Academic State Champions. 

Brouillet Elementary Assistant Principal Sam Sharpe then presented directors with information about the Welcoming Schools Program and the impact on climate and culture at the school. With an emphasis on acceptance and inclusion, this school-wide program reaches each student and staff member and helps promote a sense of belonging for everyone.

The Brouillet administration credits the Welcoming Schools Program and the kindness and compassion of fifth-grade student Braden Benner for a unique encounter during recess recently. Braden assisted another student during a medical emergency. Braden helped the student to the ground, took off his coat, and propped the student’s head until help arrived.

Mr. Sharpe congratulated Braden for his response and shook his hand. A certificate was given to Braden and his mother who was present at the meeting. Directors were eager to shake Braden’s hand and thank him for his thoughtfulness.

Bond Oversight Committee

Chief Operations Officer Mario Casello presented directors with an update on the progression of the work being done by the PSD Bond Oversight Committee as a result of their recent meeting on December 6, 2016. The committee discussed the 2014 Levy Life Cycle project schedule and are recommending the acceleration of several projects on the schedule including:

• Seismic upgrades at the four prototypical elementary schools: Woodland, Hunt, Brouillet, and Zeiger. 
• Shaw Road Elementary interior improvements. The original levy schedule shows replacement of the interior carpet. However, after evaluating the carpet at Shaw Road, it is in very good condition.  Therefore, the committee is recommending upgrades to the interior paint of the school instead of the carpet replacement.
• Karshner Museum HVAC upgrades. In the remodel of the Karshner Museum, the HVAC system was not upgraded because it did not fall within the allocated budget; therefore, it was put on the 2014 Levy Life Cycle schedule.  It was recommended for acceleration to better serve staff, students and the community.
• Cooling tower replacements: Waller Road Elementary, Ferrucci Junior High, and Mt. View Elementary.

  In other business the board:

• Approved a donation of $6,300 from the Zeiger Elementary PTA for classroom enrichment.
• Approved the proposal from the Bond Oversight Committee to accelerate the Sunrise Elementary project as presented at the school board meeting on November 21, 2016.
• Approved the Machanics (Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Approved the reservation of $2.3 million in the Fund Balance to prepare for the opening of new schools in coming years.
• Approved a new board policy: #4218 – Language Access Plan.
• Approved October 31, 2016 Financial Statements as presented by Laura Marcoe, director of business services.

Reorganization of the Board

In accordance with Board Policy 1210 – Annual and Organizational Meeting, at the first regular meeting in December, the board shall elect from among its members a President, Vice President, and two Legislative Representatives to serve one-year terms. At the December 12 meeting the following positions were filled:

• Board President, Dane Looker
• Vice President, Kathy Yang
• WIAA Representative, Dane Looker
• Legislative Representatives, Pat Donovan and Michael Keaton

The Board and Superintendent are committed to working together as a team. Each recognizes that their leadership, both individually and collectively, is essential to the effective operations of the district. Later in the meeting directors approved the 2016-17 Board of Directors’ working agreement thus reaffirming their support of the Strategic Directions for the district and their commitment to abide by board policies that guide their working relationships.