It was noted that Director Tyson Gamblin notified the Board that he would be arriving late. 

Thunder Mountain Middle School (TMMS) Principal Steve Stoker introduced himself to the Board of Directors. He shared that the presentation would focus on the district's five commitments and how they are addressing them at TMMS.  Dr. Stoker shared that they are measuring student well-being with school based surveys and a belonging survey. The school will administer a community survey for the first time later in the school year. 

Dr. Stoker introduced ASB and leadership advisor, Jessie Eames, to the Board. Ms. Eames shared that she is teaching students in her leadership class project management skills as they prepare for assemblies, morning announcements, athletic events and activities.  Ms. Eames introduced ASB students to the Board and they presented on the topics of student engagement, hope, belonging, social emotional learning, and community. The student leaders shared how they market school events, welcome new students, plan for spirit days, promote kindness, encourage collaboration, show school pride, and embrace a growth mindset. They stated they celebrate student differences and lift each other up by welcoming new ideas and encourage all students to find something to be a part of whether it is school athletics, clubs, assemblies, or another activity.  

Dr. Stoker shared data relating to the commitment, Algebraic Reasoning by Grade 9. Grade level scores were shared for math passing rates along with standardized testing proficiency.  He shared that the staff reviewed the data and created action steps for ways to improve student learning such as implementing supplemental resources, comparing vocabulary in curriculum versus standardized tests along with assessments. Next steps are in place to continue to look at ways to modify and align units with assessments. Dr. Stoker thanked Teaching and Learning Director Lindsey Marquardt for partnering with them in their process and providing professional development opportunities for the TMMS math team. 

Assistant Principal Grace Holden informed the Board of Directors that the English Language Arts department is currently in pilot programs with two curriculums. She shared classroom components of student assignments and English Language Arts standardized testing data with the Board. 

Dr. Stoker spoke to the commitment, Graduation with a Plan and a Pathway, and how they are encouraging students with the theme of "getting in the game." At TMMS students are taking surveys to assist with academic, college and career planning. Assessments include a "would you rather" survey and a "find your pathway" survey. He stated that the majority of students have been enrolled in at least one CTE class and shared the list of classes being offered at TMMS. 

The Board of Directors asked clarifying questions of Dr. Stoker and the ASB leadership team. 

Pacifica Law Group Partner, Denise Stiffarm, introduced herself to the Board of Directors and stated that she was in attendance to provide an update on building an elementary school in the Ten Trails community.  In her presentation, Ms. Stiffarm provided historic agreement themes with the Board that included long-term infrastructure sustainability and security, neighborhood school locations, and flexibility for the future.  She shared an overview of the 2011 Comprehensive School Mitigation Agreement (CSMA), significant adjustments and amendments as they pertain to the district, developer, King County, and the City of Black Diamond through 2021.  In February 2025 the district and developer executed a nonbinding "agreed business points" as a basis for amending the A&R CSMA for the purpose of building an elementary school in Ten Trails. In May 2025 the Board of Directors were presented an overview of the agreed points.  

The proposed amendment would include the district releasing interest in a HS site/auxiliary school facility site (ASFS) to the developer in exchange for a replacement auxiliary school facility site and $40 million to be used toward the building of an elementary school in Ten Trails. In addition to the $40 million, the developer committed to financing up to $25 million toward the new elementary school construction. The district would not utilize these funds until the $40 million was spent. The $25 million loan would be repaid at 6% interest and the terms would continue through the term of the A&R CSMA. Mitigation fees will be the exclusive source of repayment (principal and interest). Additional terms will be memorialized in the Financing Agreement. 

Additional parts of the proposed amendment include the developer providing $3 million to fund an all-weather baseball field and an all-weather soccer field adjacent to the elementary school. These recreational facilities will provide a credit to the developer from the city toward the open space, park and/or recreational facilities requirement. This will require the City of Black Diamond and the ESD to enter a Joint Use Agreement that outlines the rights and obligations related to the use and maintenance of the playfields. Ms. Stiffarm shared that the district has flexibility with regard to the development and use of the southern school sites (45.28 acres) labeled as Ten Trails Middle School Site, Ten Trails Elementary School Site B, and relocated ASFS. 

Ms. Stiffarm reviewed next steps in the process with the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors asked clarifying questions concerning the timing and building permit process. They thanked Ms. Stiffarm for her presentation and time. There were no additional questions. 

Superintendent Dr. Carey thanked Ms. Stiffarm for briefing the Board of Directors on the Ten Trails project after several months. He stated they can anticipate more movement in the coming weeks and/or months.

A date change from October 20 to October 21 for the Board of Directors business meeting will be communicated from the district office tomorrow.  

Board Director Scott Mason reminded board members to submit votes in the WSSDA elections.