3-13-25%20Draft%20Regular%20Meeting%20Minutes%20with%20Attachments.pdf

Parent document: Regular Board Meeting and Study Session-04-17-2025.pdf

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Bellingham
Public Schools

a collective commitment

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
March 13, 2025

OPENING ITEMS

Meeting Date and Location:

March 13, 2025 - District Office, 1985 Barkley Blvd., Bellingham, WA.

Call to Order/Land Acknowledgement

Mr. Ritchey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He acknowledged that this

meeting is being held on the ancestral homelands of the Lummi people and

Nooksack tribe.

Roll Call

Present: Directors Douglas Benjamin, Camille Diaz Hackler, Scott Ritchey (Vice

President), Superintendent Greg Baker and Sheri O’Day (recorder). Directors Jenn

Mason and Katie Rose were unable to attend the meeting.

Audience:

e Kari Gustafson has served as a licensed athletic trainer for 25 years. She
believes high school athletic trainers make a difference in students’ lives, and
she advocated continuing those positions at the three comprehensive high
schools.

e Steven Mitchell is a parent and medical professional in the community. He
encourages the district to retain the athletic trainers at each high school. Doing
otherwise could potentially place a financial burden on parents, and it also
places a burden on emergency responders.

Superintendent’s Announcements and Report: Summary of Dr. Baker’s

comments:

e Accreditation of our high schools recently occurred. We are one of the only
districts in the state that completes the accreditation process as a district,
rather than each high school individually completing the process.

e Robotics teams have qualified for the state tournament, and some may advance
to compete at Worlds this spring.

e Parents of incoming ninth graders recently attended high school information
nights.

e Squalicum High School AVID students have been helping Northern Heights
students with their International Baccalaureate (IB) presentations.


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e In February, elementary students from across the county attended the
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s Peter and the Wolf educational concert with
a Bellingham Public Schools student and district staff among the performers.

e Last evening was the first ever combined band concert for all seven secondary
school bands. Dr. Baker and Deputy Superintendent Mike Copland participated
in the concert, and this evening the secondary orchestras will perform ina
similar combined concert.

e The state legislature is in session, and a revenue forecast is expected next week.
That revenue forecast will give us an indication of where we are going. Special
Education continues to get the most traction, followed by Materials, Supplies
and Operating Costs. Labor leaders continue to work closely with district
administration on solutions. Potential adjustments to the 2025-26 school year
calendar will be shared with the community soon. The federal government is in
the news each day regarding changes to the Department of Education. Itis
hoped that funding will continue to flow from the federal to state governments.

Dr. Baker responded to questions from board members.

CONSENT ITEMS:
Mr. Benjamin made a motion to approve the following consent agenda items:

Approval of Minutes of the Feb. 13, 2025 Regular Meeting; Feb. 26, 2025 Student
Roundtable Meeting; and March 4, 2025 School Visit

Approval of Expenditures and Payroll —- February 2025

Resolution 07-25, Transfer of Funds from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund
Resolution 08-25, Community Transitions Project Compliance with RCW 39.10
Ednetics, Inc. Amendment to Service Agreement (#2324-188A)

City of Bellingham Interlocal Agreement Modification — Recreational Services
(#2324-222A)

McKinstry Essention, LLC Consultant Agreements - Energy Audits (#2324-234B
and #2324-235B)

Personnel Recommendations

Personal Services Contracts

Ms. Diaz Hackler seconded the motion. Unanimous affirmative vote.

BOARD RESPONSE TO MONITORING

Board Response to Monitoring — EL-3, Treatment and Communication with
Public, Parents and Students

The board discussed the feedback contained in the combined monitoring
responses for EL-3 (Attachment A). Ms. Mason will provide a final summary version
of this document which will be submitted for approval at the April 17, 2025 regular
meeting.


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Board Response to Monitoring — EL-4, Staff Treatment, Compensation and
Evaluation

The board discussed the feedback contained in the combined monitoring
responses for EL-4 (Attachment B). Ms. Mason will provide a final summary version
of this document which will be submitted for approval at the April 17, 2025 regular
meeting.

Board Response to Monitoring — Ends 2.1 (Part 1), Student Competence

The board discussed the feedback contained in the combined monitoring
responses for Ends 2.1, Part 1 (Attachment C). Ms. Diaz Hackler indicated she
would change her response to question 1 to “a.” Ms. Mason will provide a final
summary version of this document which will be submitted for approval at the April
17, 2025 regular meeting.

POLICY GOVERNANCE REVIEW

Monitoring Report Ends 2.1 (part 2) - Student Competence

Dr. Mike Copland, Deputy Superintendent, and Brian Rick, Director of Research and
Assessment, discussed the report and answered questions from the board.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

GP-7.2 - 2024-25 Annual Board Agenda, Revised - general review.

School Board Directors’ Reports. Highlights of comments:

e Ms. Diaz Hackler heard from high school students at the student roundtable
how important the traffic safety program is to students, and the fact that the
students do not have to pay for the class is crucial. She noticed during the
school board’s visit to Sunnyland what a difference a new facility can make.
While at Sunnyland, she enjoyed participating with students greeting each other
during circle time on the carpet. While at the Parkview PTO book fair with a
family member, she was impressed with how well it was run by volunteers.

e Mr. Benjamin attended an all-day WSSDA board meeting in Olympia, where
there was a lot of discussion about the annual legislative assembly. It will be
moved to an online format for at least every other year due to cost. WSSDA
received a legal opinion about the use of weighted votes, and it does not appear
changes will move forward until there is a change in legislation. During the
board’s visit to Sunnyland Elementary, he liked hearing that the school is
interested in the IB program. He very much enjoyed the student roundtable at
Squalicum and strongly believes that the student roundtables are a beneficial
addition to the board’s calendar. Earlier this month he attended Northern
Heights Elementary’s IB visit. He’s excited that our district is hosting next week’s
WSSDA DA-1 regional meeting. It will be the first meeting for the new WSSDA
director, and there will be a new representative from WSSDA leading the
meeting. Mr. Benjamin’s youngest child, whois a senior in college, has been
meeting with students at Shuksan Middle School in connection with the Body
Justice Project.


e Mr. Ritchey attended the parent information night for students who will be
entering ninth grade next fall. He also was able to watch a Ranger soccer game
on the incredible new Kulshan Middle School field. As part of his individual
board education plan, he met with Chief Technology Officer Kurt Gazow and
others regarding cyber risks. He was very impressed with the work Kurt and his
team are doing to protect the integrity of district operations. The traffic safety
roundtable was fantastic. Students shared that they believe they received better
instruction in comparison to their friends who enrolled in private driving
courses. He’s looking forward to the upcoming community linkage meeting. He
enjoyed the board’s visit to Sunnyland. Spending time in classrooms is always

interesting.
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7.0 CLOSING ITEMS
7.1 Board Assessment of Meeting: Mr. Benjamin assessed the meeting, with overall
ratings of 3,3, 3and3.
7.2. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Approved:

Jennifer Mason, Board President

Attest:

Greg Baker, Secretary to the Board

Minutes approved:



ATTACHMENTA
3/13/25 board meeting minutes

Monitoring Response Document - INITIAL COMPILATION

Policy Monitored: EL-3, Treatment and Communication with Public, Parents and
Students

Date Report Submitted: 2/13/2025

Date of Board’s Monitoring Response: 3/13/2025

Below are my responses in connection with the report:

Ends Reports:
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent: 1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
a. has achieved the goals established in the a. isin compliance, with the
policy or is making reasonable progress acknowledgement that there is always
towards achieving the goals. more work to be done. DB CDH SR
. is making reasonable progress towards . isin compliance, except for items(s)
achieving the goals. noted.*

. is making reasonable progress towards . is making reasonable progress toward
achieving the goals, but a greater degree compliance.*
of progress is expected in some areas.* . is notin compliance or is not making
. is not making reasonable progress in reasonable progress toward
achieving the goals established. * compliance.*
e. cannot be determined* . cannot be determined*

*see comments below (No. 3)

2. Please note commendable progress over the last year.
DB:

e This extensive report demonstrates that the superintendent and his team continue
outstanding performance in communications to the community, an area that has far
exceeded reasonable expectations year after year for the past decade.

e Some new efforts are highlighted such as the ILA devices for Family Engagement,
bringing photo work in house saving money, extensive PD for key staff, growth in
multiple communications mediums, continued improvement in already successful
district publications, social media and school reader boards.

CDH:

e This is one area where our superintendent and his team truly excel. From emails to
records requests, graduations, and family engagement, our district stands out. All
communications are clear, concise and timely, ensuring that everyone is informed and
involved. There’s no better district than ours.

SR:

e Specific challenges from the past year have required exceptional efforts for

communication including but not limited to the levy elections, capital projects, safety

1


ATTACHMENTA
3/13/25 board meeting minutes

incidents, and especially challenging budget planning. Efforts to communicate have
been commendable in all areas due to the distinctive nature of these challenges.

e Especially inclusive communications have been commendable this year also with new
efforts to expand the efficacy of in person communication and multilingual
communication.

3. Please note areas for additional improvement.

DB:

e None.
CDH:

e None.
SR:

e New challenges will no doubt require ongoing innovation in this area, but | have no areas
noted for this cycle.

4. Comments on the report itself.

DB:
e The report itself is filled with exhaustive examples of top-quality work and is a pleasure
to review.
CDH:
e The report is great, as always.
SR:

e Very informative and helpful, another example of great communication!

5. Possible changes to the policy.

DB:

e None.
CDH:

e None.
SR:

e None.


ATTACHMENT B
3/13/25 board meeting minutes

Monitoring Response Document - INITIAL COMPILATION

Policy Monitored: EL-4, Staff Treatment, Compensation and Evaluation
Date Report Submitted: 2/13/2025
Date of Board’s Monitoring Response: 3/13/2025

Below are my responses in connection with the report:

Ends Reports:
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent: 1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
a. has achieved the goals established in the a. is in compliance, with the
policy or is making reasonable progress acknowledgement that there is always
towards achieving the goals. more work to be done. DB CDH SR
. is making reasonable progress towards . isin compliance, except for items(s)
achieving the goals. noted.*

. is making reasonable progress towards . is making reasonable progress toward
achieving the goals, but a greater degree compliance.*
of progress is expected in some areas.* . is notin compliance or is not making
. is not making reasonable progress in reasonable progress toward
achieving the goals established. * compliance.*
e. cannot be determined* . cannot be determined*

*see comments below (No. 3)

2. Please note commendable progress over the last year.
DB:

e The report indicates active efforts and continued improvement in both
recruitment/hiring and staff recognition.

e Thereis ample evidence of the district having a high performing and engaged staff at all
levels.

e Impressive improvement in substitute fill rates.

e There is evidence of strong efforts to work on staff compensation and build unusually
strong relationships with the multiple labor organizations.

CDH:

e The superintendent does an excellent job in how staff members are treated, from the
hiring stage, all the way through to retirement. The board greatly appreciates the work
done to ensure that our staff reflects our students in a variety of meaningful ways. The
employee recognition program is thoughtful and well managed, and professional
learning opportunities have steadily improved over the years. Additionally, it appears
that the district’s approach to evaluating employees has become more effective. Well
done!


ATTACHMENT B
3/13/25 board meeting minutes

SR:

e The new jobs webpage is a great example of commendable improvements to recruiting
practices.

e The increase of nearly 4% for percent of absences or vacancies filled by substitutes,
despite increases in total absences is an impressive accomplishment and
commendable.

e Training support through grant funded programs, such as the PESB grant and the BEST
grants helps ensure this district achieve commendable outcomes. These programs are
a wonderful tie between funding and high achieving in programmatic goals.

e The dramatic increase in vector course completion is evidence of commendable
engagement on training as well.

e The districts work with employees and unions to establish strong relationships based on
shared goals and transparency has been a commendable effort to ensure fair pay for
high quality work.

3. Please note areas for additional improvement.

DB:

e None.
CDH:

e None.
SR:

e None.

4. Comments on the report itself.

DB:
e Detailed report. Appreciate all the specific examples with photos and use of social
media.
CDH:
e Greatjob on the report!
SR:

e Very comprehensive and informative. Thank you.

5. Possible changes to the policy.

DB:

e None.
CDH:

e None.
SR:

e None.


ATTACHMENT G
3/13/25 board meeting minutes

Monitoring Response Document - INITIAL COMPILATION

Policy Monitored: Ends 2.1, Part 1, Student Competence
Date Report Submitted: 2/13/2025
Date of Board’s Monitoring Response: 3/13/2025

Below are my responses in connection with the report:

Executive Limitations Reports
1. The Board finds that the Superintendent: 1. The Board finds that the Superintendent:
a. has achieved the goals established in a. is in compliance, with the
the policy or is making reasonable acknowledgement that there is always
progress towards achieving the goals. more work to be done.
DB SR . isin compliance, except for items(s)
. is making reasonable progress towards noted.*
achieving the goals. CDH . is making reasonable progress toward
. is making reasonable progress towards compliance.*
achieving the goals, but a greater degree . is notin compliance or is not making
of progress is expected in some areas.* reasonable progress toward
. is not making reasonable progress in compliance.*
achieving the goals established. * . cannot be determined*
e. cannot be determined*

*see comments below (No. 3)

2. Please note commendable progress over the last year.
DB:

e Overall data shows modest gains in most areas or at least “hold steady.” The particular
growth in math is a nice stand out. Of special interest are the impressive math growth
numbers among 6th and 7th graders; these are students who would have been
significantly impacted during key early elementary learning years by the pandemic.

e The report shows that progress is solid with key groups such as low income, students
with disabilities, multilingual and Hispanic/Latinx.

CDH:

e There was steady progress in ELA scores, bigger gains in math and improvement in
science scores. It would be nice to also see growth among all students, but |
understand there are a lot of factors involved.

SR:

e The progression of ELA performance reported in contrast to high bar comparisons, may
indicate that BPS may face specific challenges early in students engagement with the
district, but the level of achievement begins to approximate high bar outcomes by grade
10. This is acommendable progression.


ATTACHMENT G
3/13/25 board meeting minutes

e tis wonderful to see the student growth achievement in math grades 4-8 specifically,
and more generally overallin Bellingham students and the efforts made to achieve this
growth are commendable.

e lItis great to see the gap much closer between grade 10 students (fig. 22) in math
compared to grades 3 and 5 (fig 20) between low-income and non-low-income students.
Continued effort is needed in math to reach higher level proficiency relative to state
averages and top performing districts and | understand the district has made changes to
progress in this area.

3. Please note areas for additional improvement.
DB:
e The report itself outlines the challenges and areas for improvement. The board would
like to see continued progress in all areas.
CDH:
e None.
SR:
e Ongoing improvement in gap closure continues to be needed and areas where gap
trends are varying between BPS and the state overall may be areas for emphasis.

4. Comments on the report itself.
DB:
e l|tis good to see that the data being used for comparison continues to be evaluated and
adjusted to make those comparisons relevant and timely.
e Appreciate noting specific challenges as well as positive trends.
CDH:
e Thanks for a great report with great details.
SR:
e The report is incredibly informative and a great resource.
e It may be helpful to have a better understanding of whether or how statistical errors or
methodological differences may have impact on these scores over time, or across
geographies, but that could possibly be a board study session in the future if complex.

5. Possible changes to the policy.

DB:

e None.
CDH:

e None.
SR:

e None.