D.Smiles volunteered to read the land acknowledgement

P.Freeland would like to hold a hybrid Cultural Engagement Committee meeting on November 7th to start the process of requesting permission for being on Indigenous lands, including a talking circle to connect and grow partnerships.  The meeting outcomes include crafting a letter to be sent to the Lummi Nation for approval.

P.Freeland made a motion, seconded by D.Smiles to hold a hybrid meeting on November 7th.

All board members approved- unanimous.

J.Johnson read the mission and vision

No guests present for public comment

J.Fochtman shared current enrollment updates, starting with a review of progress since February 2024.

WIHS has strong student retention so far this year, with just 3 students transitioning to online learning- all were 10th grade.

Celebrations- more students have enrolled since the beginning of the year, and there is still a waitlist for 9th grade.

The 25-26 enrollment application launched on Oct 19th. D.Walker and E.Zamora held an Open House on Saturday, Oct 19th- all interested families attended, and 4 students begin the enrollment process for the 25-26 school year.  

SchoolOps proposes a March 3, 2025 lottery date, which gives the enrollment team time to adjust their spring and summer strategy based on the number of incoming students for each grade level.  J.Johnson asked for a narrative on how SchoolOps is planning to train and transition duties to school personnel.

P.Freeland makes a motion to move forward with setting a march lottery date.  N.Mughal-Barrows stated that this was not included 24 hours ahead of time, and it would be better to add to the agenda for next month

Board agrees with the proposed lottery date, and will officially vote it into effect as part of the November Consent Agenda.

J.Johnson gave props to J.Fochtman and SchoolOps team

J.Johnson asked to shorted the school presentation and Academic Overview in order to regain some meeting time.

D.Walker shared that there was no school staff member present this month due to illness.

D.Walker presented information about the Hispanic Heritage Celebration held on 10/21, with traditional foods from a local business, musicians, dance instructors, games, and crafts.

D.Walker asked E.Zamora to present on current attendance updates.

E.Zamora shared updates about the ParentSquare rollout, MOU with truancy court, attendance letters, and progress with attendance tracker. 

D.Walker shared that WIHS had 80% attendance since the Sept Board Meeting, despite more student absences due to illness.  There have been no large attendance spikes like last year, and more student consistency.  D.Walker said that the school will have its first Circles Attendance Award on Nov 1st.

J.Johnson asked D.Walker to share other updates in an email to the board.  D.Walker agreed to provide the update by November 1st, including items related to the August Board Goals.

P.Freeland shared some of the CEC October updates earlier, and an upcoming meeting was set for November 7th.  Time TBD.

P.Freeland shared information from the Indigenous Peoples day event at LNS.  He has been working to get information on the C-3 community culture committee, which includes representatives from WWU, NWIC, and WCC.  There is a $1000 donation requirement to join the partnership, which funds community wide MLK, Juneteenth, and Indigenous Peoples day events.  

P.Freeland will run a proposal through the finance committee next month.  They will work to develop a plan for funding this partnership.

D.Walker shared that WIHS will be presenting on attendance to the Commission Oversight Committee on November 4th.  The Oversight Committee meetings now require WIHS attendance quarterly rather than monthly.

WIHS is currently 100% compliance with CAP and reporting.  

D.Walker shared that WIHS meets bi-weekly with Scott and Halma from the Commission around the CAP, upcoming targets, and other related items.

D.Walker stated that the upcoming compliance items around the board roster and asset inventory are the next items that are due.  

D.Walker reminded the board that to remain in compliance with the CAP they need to approve 2 new board members by December.  She asked for clarification on which board members would be taking the lead on vetting new members.  The board agreed that contact information for prospective members should be sent to N.Mughal-Barrows, J.Johnson, and P.Freeland.

J.Johnson said that the board would review applicants as they are available, they would be invited to attend the November board meeting, and the Board would vote in the new members at the December board meeting.

J.Johnson referenced the board goals developed in August, and asked that D.Walker email an update to the board for assessment goals to be included in the document.

D.Walker reminded the board to share any information on upcoming events for future meetings.  Also shared that WIHS will be holding an Indigenous Peoples Celebration in November, date TBD.  Information will be sent out to the board prior to the event.

J.Johnson provided notice that the board would be in executive session until 7:20 to discuss a matter concerning a previous employee and address a question around the school leader evaluation from 23-24.

J.Johnson returned at 7:20 stating additional time was needed and the general meeting would resume at 7:40.

Board returned from Executive session at 7:40pm.  J.Johnson shared that the board would provide 1 week for teachers to complete the Board on Track survey for the school leader evaluation.  Information would be discussed between the board and school leader, then used for growth. 

J.Johnson led board members in a brief review of board goals and evaluation.