Issaquah School Board - 8/28/19

Members Present:  Harlan Gallinger, Marnie Maraldo, Anne Moore, Suzanne Weaver,  Sydne Mullings

The Board summarized the Work Study on sleep held prior to the meeting. The data over the last 2 years since ISD changed its Secondary start times is now available. The results were very positive, and pointed to an improvement in relationships between both adults and peers. It also revealed evidence of fewer sick days and truancy.
 
Introduction of 2019-2020 Budget Adoption Resolution by Jacob Kuper CFO and Superintendent Ron Thiele. Enrollment originally appeared to be less than last year, but increased in the final days. Kindergarten is now over projection, but not enough to impact the new budget. All new schools under construction are safely within budget.
 
Superintendent Thiele presented his Levy Recommendation to the Board. It came in at 3% less than the original figure, as the district wanted to be conservative and sensitive to housing tax rates. There was some concern there wasn’t enough funding for Special Education. Director Gallinger asked if the District was back-filling to make up for possible under-funding by the state. His opinion was that we should send a message to the Legislature by reducing our levy amounts, to force them into giving the funding they promised. There was some discussion about the consequences if the state refused, and its impact on our Fund Balance (emergency funds). Director Gallinger asked the district to bring back an amended budget to show the amounts without the costs for SEBB (State Employee Benefits Board). The District agreed to bring one to the next Board Meeting on September 12th. Director Gallinger also asked for the District to bring a list of the things that the District accomplished with the last Levy, so we could show the parents what was delivered by their money.
 
Capital Projects update – all remodels will be ready for occupancy at the start of the school year. New school construction projects are moving forward.
 
Legislative matters revolved around concerns about the SEBB carriers. There seems to be a disagreement between the two main carriers: Kaiser and Premera. The disagreement centers around coverage rights. A possible agreement may not come before the start of the school year.
 
Superintendent Thiele highlighted future projects. The District is working on aligning initiatives, one being the adoption of the new elementary STEM/Science curriculum. A new curriculum generally takes 2 years to adopt, from study to implementation.
 
Podcasts of meetings are available to the public via their website, https://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/board/podcast