Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Carol Johnson at 7:30am. Dan G. led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Jack moved to accept August 20 meeting minutes, seconded by Steve B. Motion passed.

Guests:

Steve Hopf, Rick Dickerson from Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Bill Taylor, Mark Miller, Marty Brewer, Brendan Meyer

Dan Gase announced the airport’s newsletter starting September 1st.

Carol announced Paul Kolesnikoff as a new PABA member.

Program:  PASD School Board Candidates. Stacey Politika has withdrawn. Katy Marks and Arwyn Rice, Position 3; Jacob Wright, unopposed, Position 5; Sandy Long, unopposed, Position 4

Candidates gave opening remarks. Katy is the only candidate with kids in PA schools. She supports advocacy, accountability, achievement, a capital levy, and district-wide mental health training. Arwyn Rice was a PDN reporter for 5 years and is now a seasonal park ranger and writer. She supports a strong vocational program, college students, and may support a bond if acceptable to those paying taxes. Jacob grew up here, was on the Wellness Task Force in Sequim for the school board and wants to give back. He referenced the Healthy Youth Survey and the importance of students feeling safe. His main goal is the emotional & physical safety of kids. Sandy Long is the president of the Port Angeles School Board and has lived here for 16 years and said this is the most important board in the community.

Steve B. asked if the school has a role in climate change. Arwyn said it is happening, and about 95% is human caused. The school is a LEADS Silver School and kids need to learn science to figure it out themselves. Katy said climate change is happening and humans are a majority cause but doesn’t have a percentage. A board role would be to encourage curriculum including sustainability and recycling. Jacob said humans are having a harmful effect on the environment and we are responsible for doing something about it and students will be affected. Schools can foster an environment where these topics are discussed with students. Sandy stated it is a world-wide issue, they need to continue to introduce students to research skills and have new environmental issues in their curriculum. All are threatened by air and water contamination.

Discussion about Zillow’s national school rating. Katy would ask questions about where to improve. Arwyn said all are compared across the country with no regard to what each community looks like: free lunches, poverty, middle class. We have Yale and Harvard kids and also kids with no jackets. She would work with programs to help parents and educate the public in how to read the ratings. Katy agrees with social skills needed in school and the need to meet their basic needs. Teacher’s work needs to be reflected in rating. Jacob said as a realtor he doesn’t hear much about ratings, but instead hears about the condition of schools, class sizes,  and how a bond didn’t pass. He supports smaller class sizes. Sandy questioned who is doing the poll. The job of the board is to do the best they can for students, improve achievement and facilities. Kids deserve a good learning environment. Jacob added Zillow uses algorithms that can prove to be inaccurate.

Debby asked how they can address resiliency and teaching values to make better choices. Arwyn said you can step on parent’s toes in teaching values. School board control policy, they look at curriculum like personal responsibility and money. management. Katy said it means their needs aren’t being met and would address it in school counselors. Staff and teachers are role models for values. Jacob is not sure of the role of the board in legislation and curriculum, They are questions of culture. He would foster an environment where values are encouraged, be a voice of the community, and listen. Sandy said resilience is a personal trait which is influenced by. many factors. Values education has been talked bout for 70 years, effective teachers model truth, honesty and responsibility every day. It’s more difficult with social media and beings with babies and toddlers.

What is the role of the board in producing students ready for life citizenship? Katy said to be innovative, the job market will be changing in the next 10 years. Continual improvement processes are needed to keep up with changes. Arwyn said state standards have lost sight of this; it’s all about getting to college. Making sure kids have what they need in life is her personal goal. Jacob would improve the numbers in the Healthy Youth Survey for a safer and emotionally happier youth, with purpose. They need a strategic plan, powerful teaching and learning, family engagement, and facilities improvement. Sandy said on the national, state and local level there is a lot of work. Students should be lifelong learners and have outstanding CTE programs preparing students for trade.

Arwyn said failing communication issues caused past levies and bonds to fail, like conceptual drawings, and timing with the recession. She has the PR skills to help the next one to pass. Katy said it was cost and communication with the public. Jacob said it was value satisfaction. There are people not invested in schools and we need to take the time for those people to explain and education. Sandy said the current board will bring forward a plan with data and lessons learned. The last one. only failed by 40 votes. Their job is to employ a superintendent.

Candidates made closing statements.

Next Week: Forum for Clallam Fire District 2 candidates

Meeting adjourned at 8:47am.