Vice Chair Osterberg called for public comments from the audience. Hearing no public comments, the Board moved to the next agenda item.

The Board reviewed the tentative collective bargaining agreement reached with the Griffin Education Association (GEA), which was ratified by the GEA membership on August 25, 2026.

• Contract Highlights: One-year contract incorporating IPD + 1%.
• Recognition & Thanks: Appreciation was extended to Jennifer Tomlin (GEA Bargaining Lead), Elizabeth Collins (UniServ), Justin Poland, Johanna Dowler, and Allison Adair for organizing the contract structure and tracking tentative agreements during negotiations.

Community & Equity Engagement: The District received outreach from the Thurston County League of Women Voters and the Thurston County NAACP leadership to discuss equity initiatives and racial/ethnic gap reduction. Meeting options (September 14 or 28 or October 12, 19 or 26 at 3:30 PM) will be coordinated, with interested Board members, administrators, and teacher leaders attending. Directors Tesa, Julie, Blair and Emma are all available to meetings proposed.

Professional Development Days: Concluded Day 2 of staff professional development. Jenelle Hutnik and Erin Hagen led Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) verbal de-escalation training for certificated and classified staff to support classroom behavioral management.

Business Manager Kyler Mower presented the latest district budget report.

Financial Overview & Ending Fund Balance: Reviewed General Fund balance, revenues, and expenditures. Verified that payroll and accounts payable have been processed; the District will not require a budget extension this year and will expend less than authorized.

Fund Buckets: General Fund has 10% remaining apportionment expected in August. Capital Projects, Debt Service, and ASB are tracking as expected. Transportation Vehicle Fund depreciation is expected at the end of August.

Director Rose asked for clarification and examples of what typically falls under Program 70 & 80 (Other Instructional Programs & Community Services), noting that significant funds had been budgeted relative to actual spending.

Mr. Mower explained that he was still familiarizing himself with Griffin's specific instructional programs, but noted that a typical example of an "Other Instructional Program" would be an ROTC program—a distinct instructional offering provided by a district that relies on a separate funding source rather than general state funding. He noted that budget allocations for these programs in the upcoming 2026–2027 budget have been adjusted down to align with historical actuals.

Board members asked for an update on current enrollment figures and attendance numbers heading into the new school year.

Kyler Mower explained that projected enrollment is currently at 525 students (excluding TK), which is approximately 20 students above budget projections (504). Transfers are currently capped in 2nd and 3rd grades (where a split class is maintained) and nearing capacity in 6th grade.

Director Baker inquired how split classes are managed from both an instructional and financial perspective.

Superintendent Rue explained that the District carefully evaluates whether adding more students would necessitate hiring another teacher (e.g., adding separate full-time 2nd and 3rd-grade teachers). Because student numbers are currently in the middle range, a split class remains balanced and cost-effective.

The Board reviewed upcoming business, noting that the draft application for the upcoming conference presentation is currently being finalized prior to the September 8 deadline. Additionally, the selection and interview process for Student Board Representatives will run in the fall, with the goal of finalizing appointments by November.