Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Matthew Rainwater led the flag salute.

Guests

River Sussman, Mark Jackson, Connor Heilman, Chuck Lisk, Brianne Barrett, David Delano, Carlene Benson, Steve Methner, Cindy Crumb, John Proust, etc.

Announcements

Matthew Rainwater, President of “Pennies for Quarters” introduced Board Members: Jerry Stewart, Stephanie Hyatt, Carlene Benson, John Proust and Sheriff Benedict.

Harry Bell mentioned several upcoming workshops.  More information will be available at the Governmental Affairs meeting today.

Committee Reports

PA Forward: Kaj Ahlburg said PA Forward is discussing top issues for the year.

NOLA:  Kaj also reported that NOLA is working on its Charter and membership fees. NOLA logo and PABA. There might be a conflict from time to time when the two do not agree on issues.

Program

Tina Smith O’Hara introduced Mark Jackson, Superintendent of Port Angeles Schools, Chuck Lisk, Brianne Barrett and Cindy Crumb.

** Jon Fager moved and Kaj Ahlburg seconded extending the meeting for 15 minutes if needed. Motion carried.  **

Mark Jackson explained that this year’s levy is a replacement one, not a new one. (The 9.1 million will be $3.30 per thousand or about $660 per year.) He bragged about a graduation rate of 84.8% as compared to the State at 78.1%. Students in sports and music maintain high grade points. Chuck Lisk said money is need to help fund: Running Start, Credit Recovery, After School Tutoring and Online classes. He noted that the All City String Concert featured 600 students ranging from the 4th to the 12th grades.  Career Tech Programs of wood, machinery, cyber security, business and computer science help students compete in programs and competitions. PAHS graduate Connor Heilman praised his education and training that is now helping him in the business world. Cindy Crumb, Skill Center, stressed the importance of advisory groups and career tech programs that help teach business and marketing skills.

State School funding, even if fully funded, would bring in about 10% of the budget but would help with class size, transporation, sports, music, extra curricular, special education, career tech programs, technology and maintenance.

Steve Methner of Port Angeles Citizens of Education encouraged all to help pass the levy.  “Every good economy needs great schools.”

Q & A

Rankings? Leadership plays a big role, as does community backing.  Scholarships help.

Plans for the future?  22 credit will change to 24 credits next year.  They will be looking at different classes, maybe class times and more vocational if they can fit them in.  They will look at reallocating funds to vocational from basic education.

CRTC Funding? Through 2017 only.

Pontoons? No practical for business use.

Power Boats and Sailboats? Marketing plans in the works now.

Nippon? There are two interested in it right now. Would like to see it continue as a mill.

K-Ply vs. Harbor Cleanup Time Frames? Costs, influences of community, especially for small business owners.

Minutes

Jack Glaubert and Matthew Rainwater seconded acceptance of PABA minutes from January 10, 2017. Motion carried.

Upcoming Meeting

January 24: Mike McCarty, SCORE, on Cyber Security.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.