Kennewick School Board Meeting September 14, 2011 5:30 PM Southgate Elementary School
Board members present: Dawn Adams, Lynn Fielding, Kathy White, Brian Brooks, Maricarmen Garcia
Absent: Heather Kintzley
Business:
- Many students participated in a silent protest of district student club policy. See Jacques Von Lunen’s article in the Tri-City Herald for details:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/09/15/1641609/kennewick-school-board-to-revisit.html
- The board voted unanimously to waive Policy 1430 which does not allow the board to vote twice on the same issue in a calendar year. This enables the board to reconsider its vote limiting student clubs’ access to district facilities. Reconsideration will be September 28.
- School board candidate Uby Creek presented information to the board about some school board candidates electioneering on school campuses during school open houses. This is in violation of Public Disclosure Commission guidelines. The board took no action.
- The first reading of Policy 2153 Instruction: Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was passed unanimously with minor revisions to comply with federal regulations.
- The first reading of Policy 3413 Students: Student Immunizations and Life Threatening Health Conditions, was passed unanimously with revisions including one that parents must consult with a health care provider to obtain a waiver.
- Superintendent Dave Bond asked the board to clarify their request that he write a letter to the Tri-City Herald defending the board’s decision to limit student clubs’ access to district facilities. See details below.
- Bond presented information from court opinions in other states that the National Honor Society is considered to be a curriculum related club. The board decided to restore access to district facilities to the National Honor Society.
- Business Manager Vic Roberts reported enrollment figures showing slight growth in the number of students attending Kennewick Schools. The numbers support the projected budget for the 2011/12 school year. Bond stated October’s numbers are typically more stable so the district will monitor those closely.
- Architect Doug Mitchell reported on the remodel of Southgate Elementary. See details below.
- Vickiy Van Beek, Southgate Principal, spoke about their year at Fruitland and the move into Southgate for this school year. See details below.
- Bond presented the dedication plaque for the remodeled school and commented how much he appreciates the Kennewick community for supporting schools. The $68 million bond issue passed in 2009 has enabled the remodel of several district buildings.
- The meeting was adjourned and visitors were invited to tour the school.
Letter to the Tri-City Herald
Board president Dawn Adams expressed her concern that her motives for voting in opposition to granting equal access to school district facilities for all student clubs had been misrepresented by the local media. Board member Kathy White stated she did not support writing a letter because she believes that will prolong contention over the issue.
Board members Adams, Fielding and Brooks directed Bond to draft a letter which they will review and approve before sending it to the media.
Southgate remodel
Mitchell commended district Facilities Manager Doug Carl for his engagement in the design and construction process. Carl’s diligence has paid off in the satisfactory completion of the project. Mitchell noted that Southgate is a “green” school incorporating numerous energy saving innovations. Teachers will be very satisfied with the efficient use of classroom space to provide maximum storage, exterior lighting and amplified sound systems.
Vickiy Van Beek
For me it was a great experience and privilege to work with Vickiy when she was Assistant Principal at Horse Heaven Hills Middle School. She is the only administrator ever to receive a standing ovation from the 8th grade teachers for her diligence and support assisting staff to be successful with students.
I have long admired Vickiy for her professionalism, competence and humanity working with students and staff. Her caring and positive outlook bring out the best in those fortunate enough to be under her supervision. She is exceptional.
The Kennewick district and Southgate families in particular are truly fortunate to have Vickiy on board. Southgate staff I spoke with said they love her. Understandably so.
Let me get this straight. The Board asked Superintendent Bond to draft a letter to the Herald explaining THEIR decision on club access to school facilities. Isn’t that the job of the Board President? Is she trying to hide her culpability
by having the Supe sign the letter?
I don’t know the protocol for this business but it seems it would be awkward for Bond to explain Adams’ motivation when she has voted consistently in opposition to his and the building principals’ recommendations on this issue. When I heard the board discussion my thought was the board should write its own letter and sign it themselves. The controversy has nothing to do with Bond or the administration. This is entirely the creation of Dawn Adams and Lynn Fielding with occasional support from Heather Kintzley.