Rebecca Clifford

The board meeting included the swearing-in of a board member and a proclamation for School Board Recognition Month. A significant portion of the meeting focused on an update regarding the ongoing superintendent search process, which included a report on community engagement efforts. Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation on Cap Sante High School, highlighting the critical role of school social work services in supporting student mental health, academic goals, and post-secondary transitions.

The meeting provided an update on the district's strategy for returning to in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key discussion points included the application of a health metric decision tree to determine the feasibility of reopening, a phased timeline for student reentry starting with elementary grades, and the implementation of rigorous safety protocols such as mask requirements, physical distancing, and cleaning procedures. Additionally, the district administration addressed significant operational challenges, including staffing shortages, the financial impact of lost enrollment on levy revenue, transportation complexities, and the difficulty of balancing concurrent remote and in-person instructional models.

The board received an update from the Anacortes Schools Foundation regarding recent fundraising successes, scholarship programs, and mental health initiatives, including the distribution of COVID-19 relief grants. The Superintendent provided a State of the District address, highlighting key statistics regarding enrollment, staffing, and building management. Discussions also focused on the district's response to COVID-19, specifically the implementation of the new ASD at Home program, attendance strategies during the pandemic, and safety protocols for returning to in-person learning.

The meeting provided guidance to elementary teachers regarding school closures. Key discussion topics included establishing Zoom norms for effective communication, the importance of maintaining student connections and well-being during closures, and the primary goal of solidifying previously taught standards rather than introducing new content. Teachers were advised on distributing learning resources via the district's 'Anacortes Learns' website, the necessity of weekly communication with families, and procedures for utilizing Clever for remote learning. Additionally, instructions were shared regarding the transition to remote workstations, support for student technology access, and maintaining professional work hours.

The meeting featured a presentation regarding the Anacortes High School improvement plan, focusing on enhancing college and career readiness through updated science curricula, including the implementation of AP Physics and OpenSciEd physics courses. The board recognized the high school for its notable achievements in Advanced Placement program access and student success rates. Furthermore, the superintendent discussed the financial challenges currently impacting Washington state school districts, outlining legislative advocacy efforts focused on special education and transportation funding, and provided an update on the district's strategies for managing budget reductions.