Lori Buijten

The meeting commenced with a closed session for a quasi-judicial hearing. Agenda changes were discussed, specifically a proposal to add an item on making board meetings friendlier for viewers, which was not approved. Key discussions included a School Connections report from Kingston High School, public comments regarding student thriving in education, and board comments focusing on upcoming community levy presentations. Board reports covered the Poulsbo City Council agenda, including the bidding process for the Poulsbo Recreation Center, and preparations for the upcoming legislative short session. The Superintendent reported on recent levy presentations and reminded members to utilize microphones properly. The consent agenda, covering previous meeting minutes from December 11, 2025, fiscal recommendations, personnel recommendations, and donations, was approved. Following adjournment, correspondence was included in the record concerning a public inquiry regarding WIAA handbook amendments and subsequent detailed communications submitted by a community member regarding student thriving, creativity in education, the depth of play, and the role of culture in schooling.

The North Kitsap School District proposes a Capital Projects Levy to fund the replacement of Hilder Pearson Elementary School. The current 1951-built facility is at the end of its useful life and does not meet modern standards for safety, energy efficiency, flexibility, or STEAM instruction. The levy aims to provide a student-centered instructional environment with updated systems. Collection for this proposed levy is set to begin in 2027.

The meeting focused on the approval of Resolution 11-02-25 concerning the Capital Project Levy 2. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. and adjourned at 4:48 p.m.

This document outlines the proposed Capital Projects Levy for the North Kitsap School District, aimed at funding major facility improvements, safety and security upgrades, and operational system enhancements. Key projects include the full replacement of Hilder Pearson Elementary and general repairs across schools. The levy seeks to ensure long-term building maintenance, with tax collection spanning from 2027 to 2032.

The meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office for newly elected board members, Debra Strawhun and Miranda Smallwood. Key organizational actions involved the election of Mike Desmond as Board President and Beverly Godfrey as Vice President. Board liaisons were appointed to various entities, including the WIAA, Port Gamble S'Klallam & Suquamish Tribal Councils, the City of Poulsbo, and the Kingston Community. Public comments addressed the Vinland Dual Language Program and the video of a previous board meeting. Board and Superintendent reports covered topics such as WSSDA conference attendance, unfunded mandates, tribal government relationships, and progress on filling student representative chair positions. Action items included the reaffirmation of Policy 2192 (Native American Education Program), approval of the Projectmates Capital Projects Management System, approval for a North Kitsap High School Baseball Team Fieldtrip, the cancellation of stale warrants via Resolution 12-01-25, and the appointment of committee members for EPO and Capital Levy Measures. The board also approved minutes from the November 13, 2025, Regular Board Meeting and the November 25, 2025, Special Board Meeting.