Sara Crowston

The study session included an overnight travel request approval for Selah High School DECA students and teachers to attend the DECA State event in Bellevue, WA. A key discussion involved a Student Voice Panel facilitated by the Executive Director of Student Learning, covering topics such as learning, college preparation, relationship culture, student support, and student voice in decision making. The panel emphasized the benefit of increased advisory time. Feedback was also provided on a potential Standardized Grading Scale and the Cell Phone Policy, with concerns noted regarding research limitations on Chromebooks under the no cell phones in the classroom rule. Two agenda items, Acceptance of Late Assignments and the Middle School and High School Grading Scale discussion, were postponed to the February 26 Board Business Meeting.

This document is a student calendar for the Selah School District, outlining key dates for the academic year 2026-2027. It details staff professional development days, class start and end dates, holidays such as Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, and Memorial Day. The calendar also specifies dates for parent conferences and the provision for additional snow make-up days at the end of the academic year.

The study session primarily focused on two main areas: approving an overnight travel request for the student wind ensemble to perform at the Washington Music Educators Association conference, involving 42 students and nine adults. The second major topic involved a detailed presentation on student performance metrics, emphasizing the district's high rates of dual credit attainment (70% two years prior) and post-secondary perseverance (85% persevering past the first year, compared to the state average of 78%). Discussions also covered the perceived decreasing relevance of state standardized testing for high school graduation and the benefits of dual enrollment, including students earning the Chemistry 101 college credit. Furthermore, data on Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) earned by students was presented, with an expectation of nearly 900 earned this year, highlighting achievements in fields like first aid and IT certifications.

The meeting began with recognition for the Board during School Board Recognition Month. Key discussion items during public comment included band funding needs, specifically percussion instrument replacement, and a coach's resignation. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included the Human Resources Action Sheet detailing expenses for vehicle repairs and the payroll, goods, and services for the meeting date. First readings were held for several policy updates, with discussions centering on policies related to learning assistance programs and non-discrimination. The Board approved donations, including significant contributions toward scholarships and student group trips. A decision was made to approve the Draft 2026-27 School Calendar. Administration provided updates on the Draft Budget Timeline, enrollment figures, and the financial status for December 2026, noting ongoing budget challenges due to enrollment decline. The Superintendent delivered his mid-year report, highlighting work in student behavior improvement and budget alignment. Student board representatives provided updates on school visits and discussions regarding cell phone policies. The Board concluded with an executive session for the Superintendent Evaluation.

The study session covered the approval of an overnight travel request for the Selah High School Wind Ensemble to attend the WMEA Conference Group retreat at Camp Dudley in January 2026. A presentation was given on Selah High School Student Data and Focus Areas, highlighting student commitment to experience, success in academics and WIAA Scholastic Cup Results, and college partnerships. Areas identified for improvement included state testing performance, with discussions around incentivizing assessment completion among 10th-grade students. A potential motion regarding policy was deferred to the subsequent board business meeting.