Education
The October 1st Highline School Board meeting was packed with a great number of parents and, notably, students who petitioned to keep a beloved teacher.
Special Meeting - Work Session: Literacy and Language Development Preceded Regular School Board Meeting.
All directors were present at the school board meeting. However, Director Tidholm joined later, and Director Holien attended virtually.
Acknowledgments and Recognitions
Highline’s 70 principals were honored for National Principals Month. Principal Kimberly Jones invited the school board members and cabinet to “Come spend a day with a principal... put on your tennis shoes... see the love and joy we see each day, and the struggles that we are facing.”
Superintendent Report
Duran said he appreciated the students who came to speak. His update primarily concerned literacy and the recent displacement of a teacher; both topics were prominently featured later during public comments. He spoke about the literacy strategic plan and said that literacy is one of the four main focuses of the Highline School District. As for the displacement of teachers, he explained that due to financial constraints, after students begin classes, teachers are sometimes reassigned to other schools because of varying enrollment numbers.
Union Update
Teacher’s Union President Jeb Binns spoke on several issues, such as the red shirts being worn to acknowledge the displacements of indigenous people, and he related it to the displacement of teachers. He emphasized how difficult it is for students to have a teacher relocated once they have grown to appreciate them. Apart from this, Binns promoted upcoming events hosted by the HEA, including the Brat Trot and doorbelling for school board candidates.
Director Reports
- Director Holien: Spoke about Midway Middle School and their partnership with Seattle Art Museum
- Director Alvarez: Discussed CFAC touring school buildings, both old facilities and the two new high schools
- Director Espinoza: Talked about the Classroom on the Water program sponsored by Washington State Ferries
- Vice President Tidholm: Announced that the Highline School District is joining the Washington Choose You campaign for healthy lifestyles and avoiding substance abuse
- President Van: Shared that the district recently received a clean audit, and promoted the Brat Trot
Scheduled Communication
Public comments were dominated by students from Mt Rainier High School who attended to complain about the displacement of a well-liked science teacher, Mr. Yap. Others came to criticize the district’s performance on literacy and transportation. Students shared anecdotes about building a great relationship with their teacher, and their disappointment that he will be leaving their school. They organized and gathered over 500 signatures in the hope of retaining Mr. Yap. Two students said the school staff discouraged them from speaking out. Ironically, the district often speaks about the importance of “student voice.”
The other commenters spoke about issues such as poor literacy standards and the failing transportation system that leaves kids waiting hours to get to and from school. A mom concerned with the transportation system shared an egregious answer given to her when she reached out to the school: “Middle School GPA doesn’t really count for anything anyway." One citizen criticized the district for staying silent on the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Several parents and students tried to persuade the district to support a water polo team at Mt Rainier High School. Finally, a particularly scathing testimony contrasted the administration's extravagant six-figure salaries with the poor performance of the district’s students.
After approving the consent agenda, the board went on to vote unanimously on all action items. The main item of note was 8.4, which approved the purchase of 11 replacement buses, with Director Holien recommending a transition towards electric buses.
Introduction items
- Motion to approve State Bi-lingual Program Funds
- Motion to approve Highly Capable Students Program
- Director Van: Pointed out that grants are for one year, and the challenge is sustaining programs
- Motion to approve Instructional Material Committee Members
- Director Espinoza: Noted that all three were Highline employees, and asked if there were any parents
- Bernard Koontz: Responded that yes, parents are on the Instructional Material Committee
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Next Meeting October 15th
Members Discussion