Agenda
President Jennifer Durney convened the regular meeting of the Aberdeen School District Board of Directors at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2022, in the Community Room at Aberdeen High School and via webinar following guidance for conducting remote meetings in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. In attendance were Directors Jessica Jurasin, Annica Mizin, Suzy Ritter and Jeremy Wright in person, Superintendent Jeffrey Thake, 20 patrons and staff in person, and six attending remotely.
The meeting began with the flag salute.
Minutes, Bills, Trips & Gifts
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included:
- The minutes from the regular meeting on September 20, 2022;
- September payroll vouchers totaling $4,415,205.07, and
- General Fund vouchers totaling $98,402.38.
Comments from the Board
The Board discussed at length the school closure on Monday, Oct. 3, that was prompted by a threat posted to Aberdeen High School’s social media account on Sunday, Oct. 2. In less than 24 hours, a suspect was taken into custody and school resumed Tuesday. Directors expressed appreciation at the level of cooperation between the superintendent, law enforcement, high school administration, staff, the community, and the TikTok platform, and also expressed appreciation at the debriefings that will be taking place to ensure smoother communications if there is a next time.
Director Jeremy Wright spoke highly about the positive events associated with homecoming week, the home football game and homecoming dance; thanked Lynn Green for quickly regrouping Outdoor School at Camp Bishop due to the school closure on Monday; thanked the Aberdeen Police Department and all staff for the quick response to the social media threat.
Director Jessica Jurasin commented on opportunities for improved communication during emergencies.
Public Comment and Presentations
AHS Cheer Coach Summer Powell and senior team members Makenna Parris and Alykzia Madison reported the team would like to participate in WIAA sponsored cheer competitions. Board members expressed support. The team will work with the athletic director on costs, availability of transportation, review WIAA requirements and if formal board approval is required, the request will be presented at the next meeting on October 18.
Old Business
The Board adopted changes to four policies, following recommendations from the Washington State School Directors’ Association:
- Policy 2000 Student Learning Goals as amended to fix a clerical error,
- Policy 2004 Accountability Goals,
- Policy 6000 Program Planning, Budget Preparation, Adoption and Implementation, and
- Policy 6020 System of Funds and Accounts
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Thake provided a report on the district’s response to the social media threat that resulted in a school closure on Monday, Oct. 3. He noted that Board Policy 3225 School Based Threat Assessment was employed to guide the district’s response. He reported that the district’s Leadership Team and Aberdeen Police Department met to debrief Monday morning and that additional debriefings with administrators and principals will take place this week. He praised the work of the police, school and district leadership and thanked employees, parents and community for their support.
Read the joint news release issued Oct. 3
Instructional Services
Stevens School Improvement Plan
Stevens Principal Jamie Stotler and members of her staff presented information about the school and the school’s improvement efforts. She commented that while preparing for the presentation, she came across an invitation to the school’s open house. It opened in September 1954.
Financial Services
Adult Meal Prices
The Board approved a $1 increase in the price of adult meals at school. Breakfast for adults will now cost $3.75 and lunch for adults will cost $5. Breakfast and lunch remain free for students.
Community Energy Labs Pilot
The Board approved the District’s participation in a pilot program at no cost to the district that will result in information that can be used to make school buildings more energy efficient.
New Business
Policy 3122 Excused and Unexcused Absences
The Board accepted for first reading an update to Policy 3122 Excused and Unexcused Absences, and accompanying procedures.
GHC BASTE Agreement
The Board approved an agreement with Grays Harbor College for the placement and mentoring of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education program.
Personnel Matters
Following an executive session, the Board approved the Personnel Report.
