Paul Gannon

The school board meeting discussed and adopted the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussion points included the allocation of funds for various educational programs, support services, and administrative activities. The budget outlines the projected revenues from local taxes, state and federal sources, and other financing sources, as well as the planned expenditures for regular instruction, special education, vocational education, community services, and other support services.

The school board approved a change from the valedictorian system to Latin honors starting with the class of 2020 graduation. This system recognizes the top students at each high school using weighted grade point averages. An additional change was made to class rank; the class ranking system divides the senior class into sections and gives all students in the top 10% the same rank. This system supports our goal of encouraging students to take classes that interest them instead of just focusing on getting good grades.

The Spokane Public Schools are planning modernization projects as part of the 2024 Bond. These projects include addressing parking issues and modernizing classrooms, the library, and offices in the South Wing of North Central High School. The aim is to improve access to a secure entry point. Additionally, the auditorium, band and choir rooms, and visual arts classrooms will be updated and resized to accommodate the school's current student population.

The meeting centered around a proposal for a downtown stadium option presented by the Downtown Spokane Partnership. The proposal highlighted benefits such as a central location accessible to all five high schools, access to public transit, free parking for school events, and a partnership with a professional sports team. The discussion also covered the economic impact of a downtown stadium versus building a new stadium at Joe Albi. Additional topics included the equitable access for all students and their families, and the cost savings achieved by having the Public Facilities District run the maintenance and operation of the facility.

The special meeting of the Spokane Public Schools Board focused on providing an update on the process of phasing students back to in-person instruction. The discussion included the phasing of kindergarten students and ongoing conversations with the Spokane Regional Health District regarding the continuation of phasing students back into schools. The board also discussed the guidelines and regulations from public health officials, safety protocols, cleaning protocols, and how educational services will be delivered to students.