Cathleen Sherman

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the approval of numerous contracts for school services, a revised policy on donations, grants, and contracts, and the adoption of the 2026-2027 budget. Additionally, the board approved the 2026-2031 strategic plan goals, a bond resolution to rebuild deteriorating schools, an educational technology and capital improvement levy, and bond refunding and issuance resolutions. The board also addressed the capital facilities plan, approved a superintendent evaluation, an amended employment contract for the superintendent, a contract for student transportation resource management, and insurance coverage. Further discussions involved the approval of additional supplemental student transportation contracts and custodial supply purchases.

The board meeting included an executive session to review the performance of a public employee, followed by a regular session covering superintendent and director reports, including school-specific math projects and board goals. The agenda items focused on the approval of personnel reports, financial reports, interlocal agreements for purchasing, and food service program expenditures. Furthermore, the board addressed the creation and repeal of several board policies, appointed members to the Instructional Materials Committee, and reviewed professional services agreements for athletic training and running start program expenditures. Key financial and strategic planning items included the adoption of the annual budget, the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan goals, authorization for bond issuance and educational technology levies, capital facilities planning, and various service contracts with educational institutions.

The board meeting included several recognitions, including National Autism Awareness Month and School Library Month. There was a discussion regarding a community partnership with Play-Well TEKnologies. The superintendent report highlighted school visits, refinement of the strategic plan, and updates on transition programs. Community members provided testimony concerning transition and community-based programs, facility conditions at Hilltop Elementary, and the preservation of the Shark Garden. The board reviewed and approved policies related to advertising, facility usage, and assessment systems, including a one-year contract for i-Ready.

The board meetings included a work session dedicated to budget discussions and a regular board meeting. Key items addressed included superintendent reports from the Highline Education Association, a Student Leadership Team presentation, and a Capital Facilities Advisory Committee presentation. Action items featured the declaration of district properties as surplus, the approval of various open doors and reengagement program contracts, acceptance of annual asset preservation report scores, and a significant change order for the Pacific Middle School replacement project. Additionally, the board considered the installation of recognition plaques, the revision and repeal of several board policies, participation in a joint purchasing cooperative, approval of food service and commodity contracts for the upcoming school year, and expenditures related to running start programs.

The meeting featured community partnership recognitions, including the organization Treehouse. Presentations were provided by the Family Action Committee covering family engagement strategies, secondary redesign initiatives, and inclusion practices. The board also received an annual report on parent and family engagement and a monthly financial budget update. Additionally, several speakers addressed the board regarding leadership changes at North Hill Elementary and the role of speech-language pathologists in the district.