2024Oct14BoardMinutes.pdf

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Clarkston

CLARKSTON SCHOOL DISTRICT J250-185

1294 Chestnut Street, Clarkston Washington

BOARD OF DIRECTORS9 MEETING

V SCHOOL DISTRICT
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14, 2024

:
OCTOBER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
BOARD

MEMBERS

PRESENT:

Dennis

Lenz,

President

fous

sa

Dennis Lenz, President
Miles Sidener, Vice-President
Chris Bunce

aed as
Superintendent

Thaynan Knowlton

Miles Sidener, Vice President
Jim Nelly, Director
Dan Randles, Director
MEMBERS

NOT

PRESENT:

Chris Bunce,

Director

SUPERINTENDENT:

Thaynan Knowlton

RECORDING

Keri Myklebust, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

SECRETARY:

Clarkston School District J250-185 held its regular school board meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Heights Elementary
School, located at 1917 4" Avenue, Clarkston, WA (and via Zoom).
Agenda Item 1:

Call Regular School Board Meeting to Order
President Lenz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Agenda Item 2:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Lenz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND SCHOOL UPDATES
(Board of Directors)
Director Sidener reported that Grantham staff is doing well with the new curriculum
and extended special thanks to educator Nikki Katus for her contributions. At Lincoln
Middle School, a record-breaking book drive was held, showcasing the generosity of
the students. Sidener also mentioned upcoming community initiatives, including a
food drive in November and a coin drive in December.

Agenda Item 3:

Director Nelly announced that the Hawkathon will take place this Friday at 10:00 a.m.
at Heights Elementary School and encouraged all to attend. He also shared that the
PTO has successfully raised $27,000, which will be used to support various needs at
the school. Nelly expressed his pride in being part of such a meaningful cause,
adding that the event is both rewarding and fun.

Agenda Item 4:

:

PUBLIC

COMMENT

(0-10 minutes)

None at this time.
Agenda Item 5:

REVIEW
OF AGENDA

(Dennis Lenz, President)
President Lenz reviewed the agenda. No changes were made.

Agenda Item 6:

SUPERINTENDENT COMMUNICATIONS
(Thaynan Knowlton, Superintendent)

Wellness Center:
Superintendent Knowlton reported that Shelli Hardie saw 255 students at the
Wellness Center in September. Students check in for brief periods to relax, talk, etc.,
and then return to class. Superintendent Knowlton expressed appreciation for her
work and the support provided by educators at the high school in assisting students.
Outdoor Education Experience:
Superintendent Knowlton shared that Heights recently participated in an outdoor
education experience at Camp Reed. The initial plan was to phase in all schools over
several years, but the timeline has been accelerated. Both Heights and Highland
Elementary Schools will participate this coming school year. A grant application will

Attachment

be submitted for the 2025-26 school year to support a district-wide 6th-grade camp.
The final decision will be made by coordinators hired for this project, in collaboration
with school principals.
Emergency Procedures and Safety Protocols:
October has been designated as the month to reemphasize the district's emergency
procedures and safety protocols. A tabletop exercise is scheduled for district office
staff and the district leadership team later this month. The School Resource Officer
will facilitate the session, walking the team through an emergency scenario.
Superintendent Knowlton also noted that all schools are required to conduct monthly
emergency drills. A new webpage has been added to the district's website, detailing
the School Response Protocol (SRP), which is a nationally accepted model for
emergency response preparedness. Superintendent Knowlton encouraged staff,
students, and the community to familiarize themselves with these protocols.
School Visits:
Superintendent Knowlton shared that he visited classrooms and attended a
Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting at Heights Elementary last week. He
observed positive progress, noting that educators are doing excellent work.
Superintendent Meeting:
Superintendent Knowlton will attend the monthly superintendent meeting in Pasco on
Thursday. One of the topics to be discussed is the ongoing challenge of bus driver
shortages. Currently, the district's transportation manager and mechanic are driving

buses to cover routes.

Delayed Start Discussion:
The district remains committed to implementing a delayed start schedule in 2025.
Further information will be provided as discussions continue.
Agenda

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Item 7:
7.1

Career and Technical Education
(Cami Browne, Educator)

Presentation

Attachment

Cami Browne, a 23-year veteran teacher in the district, provided a presentation on
the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the high school. She
highlighted the unique aspects of CTE, including the focus on preparing students to
be both career and college-ready through certified teachers, approved frameworks,
and a leadership component. She also explained the importance of the Three Circle
Model, which encompasses classroom instruction, leadership opportunities, and
hands-on lab experience. Cami shared the impact of this year9s six-period schedule
and noted that a committee has been formed to consider different options for the
2025-2026 school year.
CTE Pathways Offered:
e
=©Agriculture Sciences: Cami Browne & Kalista Wales (CHS)
e
Business/Marketing Education: Margie Denton & Andrew Thompson (CHS),
Len Kelley (EOC)
Computer Science: Kelli Williams (CHS)
Energy Systems: Allen Sonnen (WWCC)
Family and Consumer Sciences: Molly Eldred (CHS), Lindsey Slaybaugh (LMS)
Industrial Arts: Ryan Newhouse (CHS)
JROTC: Sgt. Doug Lincoln (CHS)
CTE offers dual credit opportunities and Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) options
in partnership with WWCC, SCC, and LCSC.
7.2

Heights Highlights
Vordan Jennings, Principal)
Mr. Jennings began by thanking the board for the opportunity to host the meeting at
Heights Elementary. He emphasized the value of rotating meetings between schools

Clarkston School District J250-185 | Official School Board Minutes | October 14, 2024

to provide board members with a firsthand look at where learning takes place and to
get a sense of each school9s unique environment. He then shared the following
updates:

Enrollment: Current enrollment stands at 356, which is consistent, and only

four students below where it was at this time last year.
Open House: The school9s Open House was a success, with over 500
attendees.
6th Grade Camp: In mid-September, approximately 72 6th-grade students
attended Camp Reed. Mr. Jennings reported the experience was highly
successful and expressed hopes for all future 6th-grade students to have the
same

opportunity.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Conferences, held October 2-4, achieved a
96.6% turnout rate, with only 12 families missing their scheduled meetings.
Elementary Cross Country: The event, which included participants from
Asotin, saw around 50 students from grades 2-5, with 30 students
representing Heights.
Music Programs: Approximately 99 students in grades 5 and 6 are
participating in band, 30 students in grades 4-6 are in choir, and 20 students
are part of the Ukulele Club.
Book Fair Family Night: Between 150-180 people attended the event. Sales
for the week reached $53,000.
WatchDOGS Program: An information night for the WatchDOGS (Dads of
Great Students) program was held, resulting in five dads signing up. Efforts
are ongoing

to increase

participation.

ELA Curriculum: Teachers are feeling more comfortable with the newly
adopted ELA curriculum after additional training and experience. At the end
of the last school year, 66% of students were at or above grade level in
reading, and Heights is focused on improving that percentage this year.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): The PLC process is running
smoothly, following a trimester schedule. Teachers meet in the library to
receive direction and support from PLC leaders. Mr. Jennings holds monthly
meetings with PLC leaders to discuss questions, concerns, and timelines.
Hawkathon: The PTO raised over $27,000 in their fundraising efforts. The
Hawkathon run will take place this Friday at 10:00 a.m., followed by an
awards assembly at 2:00 p.m. in the gym. The PTO is considering using
some of the funds raised to support technology needs for the new ELA
curriculum.
7.3.

October Educator Presentation: Science

(Andrea Dale, Educator)
e
e

Mini-Lesson: Andrea Dale with assistance from Crystal Harris (Heights
educators), delivered a mini science lesson to the board, focusing on the
Patterns of Earth and Sky.
Science Assessment Data: Mr. Jennings provided the board with a handout
showcasing Washington State standardized science test data for Heights
Elementary 5" grade students.

Agenda Item 8:
8.1

DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS
None at this time.

Agenda Item 9:
9.1

REPORTS
None at this time

Agenda Item 10:
Consent

MINUTES

10.1
ACTION

Attachment

CONSENT AGENDA (ACTION)
REGULAR apne
(Dennis Lenz,

ernie MEETING MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

President)

Attachment

Clarkston School District J250-185 | Official School Board Minutes | October 14, 2024

Agenda Item 10:
Consent
PERSONNEL

10.2

ACTION

CONSENT AGENDA
PERSONNEL ACTION
10.2.1

ITEMS (Rob Moore, Human

(continued)
Resources Director)

Attachment

Requests for Hire/Re-Hire:

Recommendation:
The Superintendent recommends

the Board approve the following requests:

CCA
e

(Effective 10/15/2024)

IN
>
I

e

Luke Mastroberardino, Special Education Paraeducator, One-Year-Only,
Parkway Elementary (Effective 10/15/2024)
Morgan Newman, Special Education Paraeducator, Heights Elementary

e
e

Cindy Stoffregen, Assistant Cross Country Coach, Clarkston High School
(Effective 9/30/2024)
Mark Huffman, Head 7" Grade Boys Basketball Coach, Lincoln Middle School
(Effective 10/15/2024)

10.2.2 Requests for Leave Without Pay:
Recommendation:
The Superintendent recommends the Board approve the following requests:
Heather Schultz, Special Education Teacher, Heights Elementary (10/14/20241/6/2025, intermittent 1/6/2025-6/12/2025)
Kaitlyn Ellis, Paraeducator, Grantham Elementary (11/4-8/2024)
Justin Pease, Technician, Maintenance (11/21/2024-2/13/2025)
ShaNia Haws, Teacher, Grantham Elementary (3/3/2025-6/3/2025)
RoxAnne Compton, Transportation Assistant, Transportation (4/9/20255/14/2025)
10.2.3 Requests for Resignation and/or Retirement, Separation, Rescission:
°

°

°

e

Recommendation:
The Superintendent recommends the Board approve the following requests:
e

Consent

PAYABLES

10.3.
ACTION

e

Lynn Mason, Head 8" Grade Girls Basketball Coach, Lincoln Middle School
(Effective 9/25/2024)
Brian McElroy, Assistant Cross Country Coach, Clarkston High School (Effective

e

Bruce Bensching, Head Baseball Coach, Clarkston High School (Effective

10/1/2024)

10/9/2024)
PAYABLES & SPENDING AUTHORITY

(Dani Lynas, Executive Director of Financial Services)
10.3.1 September Payroll -- $572,394.80 for the 941 Electronic Transfer; Payroll
Voucher numbers 259611 through 259621 in the amount of $34,979.06, and
Vendor Voucher numbers 259622 through 259643 in the amount of $2,658,393.63.
10.3.2 Comp Tax August 2024 -- $10,306.54 (Wire Transfer Payments 202400001

through 202400002

10.3.3 General Fund Accruals -- $740.00 (warrant #259610)
10.3.4 CHS ASB Accruals -- $1,120.26 (warrant #259644)
10.3.5 Capital Projects Accruals -- $10,519.68 (warrant #259645)
10.3.6 CHS ASB Accruals -- $128.00 (warrant #259646)
10.3.7 General Fund Accruals -- $435,025.54 (warrant #259647 through #259698)

Clarkston School District J250-185 | Official School Board Minutes | October 14, 2024

10.3.8 LMS ASB -- $1,149.10 (warrant #259699 through #259700)
10.3.9 CHS ASB -- $24,736.63 (warrant #259701
10.3.10 General Fund -- $165,636.65
Consent
WWCC

10.4
ACTION

Consent
GIFTS
ACTION

10.5

|

through #259725)

(warrant #259726 through #259805)

2024-2025 RUNNING START AGREEMENT
:
:
:
(Keri Myklebust, Executive Assistant)

WITH WWCC

GIFTS TO THE DISTRICT
(Keri Myklebust, Executive Assistant)
.
.
,
- $2,000 from Schweitzer Engineering to Grantham Elementary
- $10,000 from Hughes Foundation to Grantham Elementary

Action

Attachment

Attachments

:

Motion by Director Sidener, second by Director Randles, to approve the consent
agenda items as presented. Motion carried 4-0.
ACTION

President Lenz highlighted the resignation of Mr. Bensching as head baseball coach,
noting it as a significant loss for the district. He commended Mr. Bensching for his
many years of dedicated service as a highly respected coach for Clarkston.

Agenda Item 11:
OLD

OLD BUSINESS (ACTION)
11.1 Consideration of the Second Reading and Adoption of Policy 2410, High
School Graduation Requirements
(Troy Whittle, Assistant Superintendent)

BUSINESS

|

Attachment

Action
Motion by Director Sidener, second by Director Randles, to approve the second
reading and adoption of Policy 2410, High School Graduation Requirements. Motion
carried 4-0.

ACTION
|

Agenda Item 12:
NEW BUSINESS

Agenda Item 13:

NEW BUSINESS (ACTION)
12.1 None at this time

;

BOARD

COMMENTS

(Board of Directors)

President Lenz noted having read about a CHS soccer player who achieved over 100
goals. Audience members identified this player as Becky Skinner, who was present at
the meeting. The board members congratulated her on this remarkable achievement.
Agenda Item 14:
EVENTS
14.1

UPCOMING EVENTS
(Dennis Lenz, President)
Upcoming Events
¢
October 23 - Mass Band & Choir Concert - 6:30 PM - CHS Auditorium
e
October 28 - Regular School Board Meeting - Educator Support Center - 6:00 p.m.
e¢
November 8 - LMS Conferences - LMS Students Dismissed at 12:25 PM
«
November 11 - No School - Veteran9s Day

Agenda Item 15:
EXEC. SESS.

15.1

EXECUTIVE SESSION (ACTION)
None at this time

Clarkston School District J250-185 | Official School Board Minutes | October 14, 2024

ADJOURNMENT

(ACTION)

(Dennis Lenz, President)

|

ion

Motion by Director Sidener, second by Director Randles to adjourn the regular school

ACTION

board meeting at 6:56 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.

i

Nw

BOARD OF DIRECTOR

TH:

AN

=

KNOWLTON,

SECRETARY

Clarkston School District J250-185 | Official School Board Minutes | October 14, 2024