Mead School District 354

The board discussed 35 proposed 2026/2027 WIAA amendments and made support/oppose determinations for each, alongside reviewing the potential benefits of joining a more competitive middle school sports league. A new plan to increase elementary Chromebook availability was proposed to address device allocation and aging hardware. The board reviewed plans for the CAT Tracks Transitions Academy, a new program for students aged 18-22. Additionally, the meeting covered safety and security protocols, a mid-year student growth update including a pilot assessment tool, a policy revision regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and the status of the CHAS health clinic at Shiloh Hills Elementary. Superintendent updates included information on staff expression policies, childcare shortages, and the rollout of a new parent communication tool.

Key discussions during the meeting included the first reading and subsequent unanimous approval of Procedure 2153 concerning Non-Curriculum Related Student Groups, which is a new procedure for the district. The Board also unanimously approved the revision of Policy and Procedure 3210 regarding Nondiscrimination. New Business featured the unanimous approval of the Consent Agenda, which included personnel hirings, the acceptance of various donations, approval of unpaid leave requests, acceptance of retirements/resignations, and approval of vouchers totaling over $14 million across several funds. Additionally, the Board unanimously approved student travel requests for both Mt. Spokane High School Yearbook and Mead High School Yearbook to attend a convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A significant action was the unanimous approval to enter into a 10-year contract/partnership with Axon Fusus for Real Time Crime Center technology, which involved waiving typical bid requirements due to the single-source nature of the provider. Reports included a financial overview for January 2026 highlighting enrollment figures, particularly lower kindergarten numbers, and updates from the Superintendent on WIAA amendments, IMC parent representatives, and a partnership opportunity with Spokane County for crosswalk improvements near Mead High School.

The work session covered several key reports and discussions. The Special Education Report included updates on enrollment (1,903 students), staffing levels, and plans for piloting a Transitions Program for older students (18-22 years). Isolation/restraint data for the previous five school years was also presented, noting an increase attributable to two students in the 2024/25 school year. The board discussed draft revisions to Policy/Procedure 3207 regarding Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying, focusing on student-to-student incidents, with a first reading scheduled for the subsequent regular meeting. Nurse Staffing challenges were reviewed, stemming from vacancies and leaves, leading to increased reliance on costly outside contracts; the board rejected a proposal to designate 'medically fragile' schools. The Instructional Materials Committee membership proposal was reviewed, with the board recommending an increase in parent representation from three to six. A legislative update noted the start of the legislative session. The Superintendent's update covered plans for bi-weekly financial information sharing with staff, the conclusion of work by several committees (Calendar, Safety & Security, Tech), the need to convene a Facilities & Planning Committee, and ongoing efforts regarding escalating computer costs and a union demand to bargain the impacts of a Staff Expression Policy. The session concluded with an Executive Session to review the performance of a public employee.

The Board of Directors held a regular meeting to discuss various topics. High school reports were presented, and special recognition was given to Director Chad Burchard for his service. The board approved revisions to Policy and Procedure 2020 regarding course design and instructional materials, as well as Policy 1111 concerning the Oath of Office. The consent agenda, which included hiring personnel, AP vouchers, co-curricular contracts, donations, suspension of a policy, and requests for leave and resignations, was approved. Resolution 25-10, the Study and Survey Report, was adopted after discussion. The 25/26 CTE Program Plan was approved, and the first reading of Policy and Procedure 5254 regarding staff expression was presented. Reports included the 2024/25 Year End Financial Report, the Financial Report for September 2025, a Transportation Ridership Update, and the Superintendent's Report, which covered new radios and security cameras, a meeting with Spokane County officials, and a professional development series on AI for teachers.

The budget includes financial summaries, enrollment and staffing details, revenue sources, and expenditure breakdowns by program and object. It covers various funds including the General Fund, Associated Student Body Fund, Debt Service Fund, Capital Projects Fund, and Transportation Vehicle Fund. Key components involve local taxes, state and federal funding, special education, vocational instruction, and support services.