Andrew Benitez

The board meeting included acknowledgments for School Retirees Appreciation Week and a recognition of the community partner Team Read. Pacific Middle School staff presented on their standards-based instruction and equity work. The superintendent provided an update on the budget process and district visits. Various public speakers expressed concerns regarding the proposed budget cuts to the Raisbeck Aviation High School Career Center, highlighting its critical role in student mentorship and industry networking. Additional discussions addressed the proposed relocation of Cascade Middle School, with community members advocating for rebuilding at the current site to preserve existing green space and athletic facilities.

The Board meeting included recognitions for Read Across America, Social Workers Week, and Education Support Professionals Week. Discussions featured updates from the Highline Education Association, a detailed presentation on the Native Education Program's initiatives and tribal sovereignty curriculum compliance, a monthly budget update concerning enrollment and future reduction planning, and reports from individual Board directors on school activities. The public testimony portion covered topics such as student activism, the importance of teacher expertise over standardized curriculum, and advocacy for a football program at Tyee High School. The Board took action to approve a grant of easement for the Evergreen High School replacement project and a license agreement for HealthPoint services.

This Strategic Plan outlines the commitment to ensure every student is known by name, strength, and need, and graduates prepared for their chosen future. It is anchored by four strategic goals: fostering a Culture of Belonging, promoting Innovative Learning, developing students to be Bilingual and Biliterate, and ensuring students are Future Ready. The plan further emphasizes four key areas of focus: Student Support, Inclusionary Practices, Literacy and Language Development, and Secondary Redesign, all aimed at enhancing student success and preparedness.

The regular board meeting included recognition and appreciation for the African Community Housing & Development Organization (ACHDO), highlighting their robust programs involving social-emotional learning, STEM curriculum, and unique outdoor education experiences, including family campouts and wilderness trips. The Superintendent's report covered a visit to Evergreen High School regarding college credit opportunities and initiated the refinement process for the current strategic plan, seeking community feedback via ThoughtExchange. The Highline Education Association President addressed current challenges for educators and promoted upcoming professional development opportunities, specifically addressing the need for proper implementation of inclusion work as per the collective bargaining agreement. The Chief Financial Officer provided a budget update as of December 31, noting stable enrollment projections and trending expenditures, while detailing the comprehensive timeline for the 2026-2027 budget development. Board reports touched upon safety concerns for students regarding immigration fears, the opening of the new Health Sciences Program at Tyee, and updates on local legislative tracking, including support for bills related to technology surplus, levy communication, and public records requests. Action items included the approval of two bond resolutions (Refunding Delegation and Issuance of Bonds) intended to save money, and an adjustment to the salary schedule for substitute guest staff and athletic coaches due to the City of Burien's minimum wage increase. An introduction item concerned a new board policy for Accommodating Students with Adrenal Insufficiency.

The board meeting primarily focused on the selection and assignment of director liaison roles for various committees for the 2026 calendar year, including the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee, Capital Oversight Committee, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, Highline Schools Foundation, Highline Forum, and the legislative position. Key discussions also included the superintendent's update on refreshing the strategic plan and an update on the district's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which detailed standardized approaches to emergency response and preparedness. Furthermore, the board addressed two resolutions related to financing: Bond Refunding Delegation, which involves refinancing outstanding bond debt from 2015, and the Issuance of Bonds, which constitutes the final issuance of the 2022 authorized bonds to complete capital projects like Pacific Middle School. Public testimony raised concerns regarding district policies related to gender identity and medical disclosures to parents.