Education
While the evening began with a glowing school presentation and an award to the Communications Director, it rubbed against public commenters who criticized the lack of transparency on a variety of issues, such as depriving student athletes of opportunities, exorbitant administration salaries in light of the levy, and failing to notify parents about the explicit content of an egregious book.
Four members of the board were present at the October 15th, 2025 Highline School Board meeting. Director Holien was absent and Vice President Tidholm attended on zoom.
At the beginning of the meeting, Director Alvarez moved Action Items 8.1, Motion to approve acceptance of State Transitional Bilingual Program (STBP) Funds, and 8.4, Motion to approve Renewal of the OSPI Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) Grant, to the Consent Agenda. This was approved unanimously.
Acknowledgements and Appreciations
Superintendent Duran introduced the new Director of Transportation - John Kwesele, after which Director Alvarez issued a proclamation on Bus Safety Week.
Following this, representatives from Chinook Middle School gave their school presentation. They spoke about how they exemplify the district’s pledge, to know every student by name, strength, and need, as well as their focus on literacy development (goal is for students to read 9 books a year), bi-lingual & bilterate emphasis, and creating a “sense of belonging.”
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Duran began his report by recognizing Communications Director Tove Tupper for winning the verbosely titled Inaugural Washington School Public Relations Association’s School Communicator of the Year Award. He then discussed his visit to Sylvester Middle School last week.
Jeb Binns - Highline Association President
After some brief, lighthearted talk about the ill-fated Mariners game, Jeb challenged the board to hold to their end of the Collective Bargaining Contract. He exhorted the board to follow the timeline, submit their Act Plans, Equitable Substitute Coverage Plans, and School Conference Schedules, stating, “do it right, and not what’s convenient.”
He then thanked schools for coming to the October 6th Joint Base Building Labor Management meeting. After mentioning that he will be engaged in various upcoming Human and Civil Rights, he invited the board to join HEA for doorbelling for “Pro-Education,Pro-Labor, Pro-Levy, and Pro-Democracy Candidates” on October 25th.
Budget Update
Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan gave her budget update, where she primarily discussed enrollment and how their current enrollment numbers are above projections. She confirmed that this swing is on track to be very similar to previous years. There is a Budget Board Work Session on Wednesday, November 12th.
Director’s Reports
Director Espinoza commended Tyee Highschool for using science to help students increase their literacy skills, and played a video on the subject. After this, she talked about the recent Future Ready fest, the district’s annual college and career fair. Finally, she mentioned that she will be taking up Principal Jones of North Hill on her offer to follow a principal around for the day
Director Alvarez discussed the CFAC meeting (which she herself was unable to attend) where they worked on the bond package recommendation. She also spoke about attending the Brat Trot.
Vice President Tidholm thanked people for attending the grand openings of Evergreen and Tyee Highschool, and announced that Pacific Middle School will open in Fall 2027.
President Van spoke about attending the first Vietnamese Moon Festival hosted by White Center Heights elementary and Cascade Middle School. He also encouraged people to vote on November 4th.
Scheduled Communications
While only 5 public comments were made, minus one due to a procedural error, they all critiqued the performance of Highline in some way. Highline Highschool Drill Team coach and students lamented the fact that although they had qualified for Nationals, the District had not allowed them to go, the reason for which remains unknown to them. Another comment focused on issues with tardiness.
Two speakers lambasted the board for allowing The Book of Unknown Americans to be assigned as required reading for the 9th grade class of Evergreen Highschool. The book was reported to local media by an Evergreen father and contains graphic descriptions of sexual content, which was not included in the syllabus disclaimer for parents. Learn more about the controversy around this book here. (Highline Schools Defends Sexually Explicit Books & Stoking Fear in Migrant Students)
Additionally, another speaker criticized the district’s fiscal policies in light of the upcoming levy, pointing out that the Superintendent makes over 130K dollars more than the governor of Washington, and that district performance dismally fails to justify this.
Consent Agenda/Action Items
After the consent agenda was approved unanimously, the board voted on
Action Items:8.2, Motion to approve the Highly Capable Students Program State Formula Grant, and 8.3, Motion to approve Instructional Materials Committee Members (approve superintendent's three additional appointments.) Both items passed unanimously after brief clarifying questions.
Introduction and Action Items
These included 9.1, Motion to Adopt 2025-2026 Board Annual Goals. These instruct the board in their shared purpose, governance, school visits. This item was approved unanimously, without comment. Following this, Item 9.2, Motion to approve Revision and Renaming of Board Policy and Procedure 1105 – Director District Boundaries also passed unanimously without comment.
Finally, 9.3, Motion to approve Revisions to Board Procedure 1733 – Board Member Compensation, which primarily allows Board Members to be compensated for board meeting preparation, passed unanimously after Director Alvarez voiced her approval.
Introduction Items
There was only one introduction item, which was 10.1 Motion to approve Resolution 14-25 for Certification of 2026 Excess Property Taxes. Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan presented information on how voters may approve the property tax levy lid lift to fund the district. The vote for this is coming up on November 4th.
The meeting adjourned at 7:12PM.
Next Meetings
Wednesday, Nov. 12th- Special Meeting/Board Work Session on Budget 4:45 pm -5:45 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 12th - Regular Meeting -6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Members Discussion