Board Report - 3/25/22
Vea la versión en español del Informe de la Junta Directiva aquí.
This is a summary of the Pasco School District Board Meeting on March 22, 2022.
View the School Board Meeting Online
Recognition
Celebrating School Retirees Appreciation Week
Governor Inslee declared the week of March 21-27 as Washington State School Retirees’ Association Week, and PSD celebrated by honoring our local retired teachers and educators who are part of the Benton Franklin School Retirees Association (BFSRA). Dottie Stevens, past BFSRA president, and several other members were recognized for their hard work and dedication to Pasco students, teachers, and families.
Recognizing Crystal Apple Winner Maria Nuñez
Maria Nuñez, Pasco High School World Languages Spanish teacher, was recognized for being named the PSD 2022 Crystal Apple Award winner.
Several people nominated Mrs. Nuñez for the Crystal Apple Award, and all the nominations voiced a similar theme. She advocates student success, is kind while setting high expectations, and is passionate about teaching.
She was presented with a Crystal Apple Award on March 10 at the Educational Service District (ESD) 123 in Pasco and acknowledged during our Board Meeting on March 22.
Director Districts: Establishing Terms of Office for the 2022 Election
Sarah Thornton, PSD Assistant Superintendent of Legal Services, presented an overview, purpose, background, and legal parameters to guide the board in establishing election scenarios for the 2022 election. Ms. Thornton presented four scenarios for staggering board terms and requested the board take action by selecting one of the scenarios by April 14, 2022.
Resolution on COVID-19 Vaccinations
Sarah Thornton, PSD Assistant Superintendent of Legal Services, provided the board with an updated draft of the COVID-19 vaccinations for students resolution, which included board members' suggestions. The board took action to approve the resolution.
Transportation Facility Naming Update
Omar Escalera, PSD’s Executive Director of Equity, Partnerships, and Family Engagement, provided a recommendation to the Board to name PSD’s new transportation facility ‘The Richard Lenhart Transportation Building.’
Dr. Escalera explained the procedures and process for naming a school facility after an individual, which requires a formal request be submitted in writing to the Superintendent’s Office and a committee be convened to review the request and recommend to the Board whether they should approve the request.
The district formed a committee comprised of community members, students, and staff who administered focus groups and surveys in English and Spanish. As a result, 95% of the 324 respondents favored naming the facility after Mr. Lenhart.
Board members will vote on final approval at a future board meeting.
Long Term Facilities Management & Bond Planning Update
Michelle Whitney, PSD Superintendent, presented board members with a review of the 2023 bond project scope, election date, and proposed bond rates. She also shared a calendar of next steps for the small innovative high school stakeholder engagement process and the board governance timeline for election preparation
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Impact fees and other funding considerations were also discussed. A strategy for saving taxpayers three cents per $1,000 of assessed value on the 2023 bond was shared. Applying $5 million in impact fees and $3 million in 2017 bond proceeds towards the 2023 bond lowers the total bond amount, resulting in the three cents savings per $1,000 of assessed value. The board will consider taking action on the recommendation at the April 26 board meeting.
View the presentation slides
K-5 English Language Arts Instructional Materials Review Update
Carla Lobos, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, and LeAnn Nunamaker, Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, updated the board on the district’s curriculum adoption process for K-5 English Language Arts (ELA) instructional materials, which are up for review this year. In addition, they introduced the committee members scoring curriculum materials from different vendors, discussed the overall reviewing and scoring process, and highlighted next steps. The committee plans on making a final recommendation to the board by April 24.
View the presentation slides
Legislative Priorities for Consideration by WSSDA
Mr. Steve Christensen, Board Vice President, informed board members of their annual opportunity to amend existing positions or create new ones for the Washington State School Directors’ Association’s (WSSDA). After discussion, the Board decided to not propose a legislative decision for WSSDA’s consideration.
Special Board Meeting
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