Kennewick School District 17

The agenda for the September 25, 2024 meeting included several key sections. The consent items involved reports on Human Resources personnel actions and the Kennewick Association of Education Support Professionals Collective Bargaining Agreement, as well as interagency contracts for Special Education Services with various organizations. Unfinished business centered on the Family Navigator Program and Communities in Schools. Reports and Discussions covered Family/Parent Involvement and Engagement Efforts and the 2024-25 Plan for "Get to Know KSD." New Business included a Lobbyist Discussion. The meeting concluded with a scheduled Executive Session to discuss a Legal Issue and Personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with special recognitions, including introducing the new Student Representative-elect, Solei Rogers, acknowledging fall sports and activities successes (including a State Champion swimmer and Coach of the Year), and reading proclamations for National School Counseling Week, National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, and School Board Recognition Month. Public communication focused heavily on resident concerns regarding the safety implications of a proposed Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) housing for sex predators near student walking routes, with multiple residents requesting busing or traffic studies for affected areas. Board Member reports included updates on legislative activities, community safety groups, and operational visits. Consent items approved included minutes from previous meetings, personnel actions, foreign exchange coordinators, the Highly Capable District Plan, instructional material recommendations, and new course approvals for the 2026-2027 school year. New Business included the approval of Resolution No. 6, 2025 - 2026 concerning Board Member Compensation. Discussion topics included a detailed report from the Community Safety Workgroup focusing on physical and emotional safety protocols; the Annual Nutrition Services Report; the Annual Staff Safety Report covering training and claims; and an Enrollment Report with trend data. The Superintendent's report noted the cancellation of the next meeting, provided a levy update, and highlighted Kamiakin High School's AP School Honor Roll recognition.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a special recognition ceremony for Dr. Rama Devagupta, Science Teacher at Southridge High School, acknowledging her numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The board administered the oath of office to returning members and conducted the election of officers, confirming Gabe Galbraith as President, Micah Valentine as Vice President, and Brittany Gledhill as Legislative Representative. Key discussions included input from parents regarding the need for a backstop at Fuerza Elementary School. Board and Student Representative reports covered activities such as the WSSDA Conference and levy presentations. Under new business, the board appointed members to the "Pro" and "Con" committees for Proposition No. 1 (Replacement of Educational Programs and Operations Levy) and Proposition No. 2 (Replacement Levy for Safety, Security, and Instructional Technology Improvements). Reports and discussions covered Choice School Programs and the 2024-2025 financial closeout, including year-end financial information, revenues, expenditures, and budget updates for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent reported on upcoming events, lobbyist search status, contract negotiation timelines, and the status of the Community Safety Workgroup.

The purpose of this semi-annual retreat was for the superintendent and School Board to review district operations and plan for continued quality education. Key discussions centered on the 2025 - 2026 Cabinet Objectives. Future business meeting items scheduled include the Annual Nutrition Services Report, Annual Staff Safety Report, and an Enrollment Update. The Board also convened in an executive session to conduct the Superintendent/Cabinet Performance Review, with no formal action taken.

The meeting commenced with special recognitions for Veteran's Day and Native American Heritage Month, followed by the introduction of foreign exchange students and their host families. Reports were provided by the Student Representative and Board Members regarding various activities and concerns, including nutrition services. Key actions taken included the approval of consent items such as personnel actions, a School Resource Officer Agreement, and surplus property sale resolution. New business focused on the presentation and subsequent approval of two replacement levies: Resolution No. 2 for the Educational Programs and Operations Levy, and Resolution No. 3 for improvements related to safety, security, and instructional technology. The Superintendent reported on upcoming events and the formation of a Work Safety Group, while the Assistant Superintendent reported on graduation rates.