Elizeth Abarca

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the approval of employment contracts for the 2025-2026 school year, the acceptance of staff resignations with gratitude, and the surplus of two aging school vans. The board approved the 2025-2026 Highly Capable District Plan and received reports regarding the Washington School Improvement Framework, the progress of the Turf Field project, and legislative updates. Additionally, the board approved payment for various fund vouchers, held an executive session for a performance evaluation, and authorized a contract extension for the Superintendent through the 2028-2029 school year.

The board meeting included communications regarding high school Capstone projects and the district Scholarship Foundation. The board approved multiple temporary leave requests and accepted several staff retirements. A presentation was delivered on the Nooksack Valley Middle School Improvement Plan, highlighting student growth, intervention support systems, and social-emotional learning curricula. Additionally, the board approved Resolution No. 11 for a General Fund Warrant, the 2026-2027 Whatcom County Detention Center Interlocal Agreement, and the payment of various vouchers and payroll.

The special board meeting included an Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue. The board formally accepted the resignation of Keith Klein, Custodial/Ground District Wide. A significant agenda item involved the review and approval of the turf field bid, where the contract was awarded to Tarkett/FieldTurf due to their bid being approximately $200,000 lower than the alternative. Additionally, the board reviewed mandatory changes to Policy 2020P with no formal action taken.

The meeting included approvals for employment actions for the 2025-2026 school year, including the hire of an Occupational Therapist and temporary hires for a Special Education Teacher and a Paraeducator II. The board also approved temporary leaves for several staff members and accepted the resignations of a teacher and a Paraeducator III. Key discussions involved the approval of the 2025-2026 Bilingual Learner Plan, which included highlights on staffing, funding, and assessments for the Multilingual program. The board waived the first read and approved updates to Policy 6220-Bid Requirements, increasing the competitive bid threshold from $250,000 to $350,000. A first read was conducted for Policy 2020-Course Design Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials. Two new policies, Policy 1111-Oath of Office and Policy 1315-Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Superintendent, were approved after second reads. The Superintendent provided updates on the turf field project timeline, calendar development, and current budget apportionment.

Key discussions during the meeting included a community member's inquiry regarding the policy on ICE agents entering schools, where the Superintendent confirmed procedures requiring a valid judicial warrant for any inquiries on school property. The board announced the upcoming Rally the Valley event and acknowledged positive feedback on the new cell phone policy. Employment actions included approving the hire of a Custodian, a Paraeducator III, and a Bus Driver for the 2025-2026 school year, as well as approving temporary hires for an Administrative Assistant I and a Spanish Teacher. The retirement of a Custodian, effective January 30, 2026, was approved with gratitude. The board also approved Resolution 6-ASB Fund Warrants. First reads were conducted for new policies 1111 (Oath of Office) and 1315 (Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Superintendent), with revisions planned before the November vote. The Superintendent's report covered settled enrollment numbers resulting in spending limited to essential items, an update on the turf field project where bids were solicited, and the process for approving the next school year calendar.