Highline School Board Reviews Bond Refinancing, Sets Liaison Roles

Board Directors gathered for the first meeting of the new year on January 7, 2026, and spent time establishing board organization.  Only one member of the community shared a public testimony this week, which was unusual, but there were no Action items or Intro & Action items on the agenda, and the business portion was spent on bond re-financing, including a presentation.

January 7, 2026 Agenda

All members of the board participated, and three attended virtually. Vice President Alvarez chaired the meeting because President Van was on Zoom.

Early in the meeting, directors discussed and approved liaison assignments to key committees and organizations. All positions last one year, except for the Legislative Liaison, which is a two-year position.

Board Director Liaison Roles 

• Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) - President Joe Van 
• Capitol Oversight - Director Blaine Holien
• Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) - Director Holien
• Highline Schools Foundation - Director Stephanie Tidholm
• Highline Forum - Vice President Angelica Alvarez
• Legislative - Director Damarys Espinoza will shadow Director Tidholm until June 30th

Superintendent Report

Superintendent Duran gave a refresher on the Strategic Plan, and mentioned that feedback from the students, staff, and parents indicates that “Highline’s strategic direction is the right one.” Over the next few weeks, the community will have many opportunities to provide feedback to help refine this strategic plan.

Highline Schools Strategic Plan (HighlineSchools.org)

The superintendent then invited a staff member to give a presentation about their comprehensive emergency management plan.

Following her presentation, Superintendent Duran invited the President of the Highline Education Association, Jeb Binns, to give his comments. Binns began with a statement that was a little off task, by stating that Greenland is still under Dutch control. He then discussed spreading awareness during the 2026 legislative session about the need for a simple majority, especially to pass bonds. The district can’t pass this right now because, as he put it, they do not have the “game plan” to get it passed. He emphasized the importance of productivity, accountability, and self-care.

Director Reports

• President Van highlighted Glacier Middle School’s "open mic" during lunchtime on Fridays, giving students a chance to perform and share their talents. 
• Director Espinoza reminded families that the Schools of Choice applications close at the end of January, noting that schools are holding information events. 
• Director Tidholm announced that the Highline Schools Foundation awarded 40 Excel impact grants totaling over $83,000 dollars. 
• Director Holien reported that construction at  Pacific Middle School site is on time and on budget with a planned opening for September 2027.
• Vice President Alvarez said that Hazel Valley recently held multiple events centered around literacy and art.

Scheduled Communications

One community member spoke during scheduled communications, criticizing Board Policy 3211 regarding gender-related student issues. The speaker cited concerns about parental rights and the impact of gender transition policies.

Business Agenda

The board had no action items at the meeting, but received two bond-related introduction items:

• Resolution 01-26: A proposal to refinance approximately $33 million in remaining bond debt from 2015, contingent on favorable market conditions later this spring.
• Resolution 02-26: Authorization to issue the remaining $98 million from the 2022 bond measure to support construction of Pacific Middle School.

District Controller Andrew Burgess led a presentation from the bond financing team, joined by financial and legal representatives who introduced themselves and answered board directors' questions.

Next Regular Board Meeting

The next Highline School Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.