Whatcom Intergenerational High School
Minutes
Whatcom Intergenerational High School Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday December 19, 2024 at 9:30 AM
Directors Present
A. Juarez Cordova (remote), J. Johnson, N. Mughal-Barrows (remote)
Directors Absent
D. Smiles, M. Hudson, P. Freeland
Ex Officio Members Present
D. Walker, W. Shreffler
Non Voting Members Present
D. Walker, W. Shreffler
Guests Present
A. Lindgren (remote), E. Zamora, K. Silberstein (remote), Scott Canfield (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
Agenda item to be added before executive session
B.
Record Attendance & Welcome
C.
Land Acknowledgement
D.
Mission & Vision
Choral reading of the mission and vision
E.
Approve Minutes
F.
Consent Agenda
II. Public Comment
A.
Public Comment
No guests for public comment at this meeting
III. School Updates
A.
School Team Updates
B.
WIHS Academic Overview
D. Walker and E.Zamora presented on attendance updates, assessment progress and strategies, and recent school wide celebrations.
K.Silberstein presented the financial dashboard and discussed when claims are filed, federal fund use, and sources of revenue. She talked about natural fluctuations in funding sources that can be expected over the course of the year.
K.Silberstein mentioned that the cost for SchoolOps would possibly drop the reserve cash amount below 60 days, but it was deemed a worthy investment to continue to grow student enrollment.
C.
Enrollment Update
A.Lindgren presented an enrollment update: WIHS has a waitlist and is filling in gaps to maintain a strong 9th grade class. Also, 6 new applications for 9th grade for next year.
Shared parent feedback on why they choose WIHS for enrollment:
- Appreciate the vibes in the school
- Like the supports available and caring atmosphere
- Lots of individualized SPED supports
Proposed contract for SchoolOps contract
- Anders able to get 45K matching funds from Gates Foundation
- Access to same marketing supports through Mariposa
- Use and training with the enrollment playbook- teaching people at school to take over this role independently
Nasreen expressed concern with not having time to review the contract yet, and some questions about included items that were also paid for in the last contract (training of staff to take over the process).
- Anders mentioned that the enrollment playbook was developed last year to establish clear processes, but that staff turnover made it difficult to provide training for the duties.
Board decided to have clarifying questions directly with J.Johnson, and put the official vote in January. It was clarified that the Board Chair and School Director can move forward without waiting for full board approval.
IV. Cultural Engagement Committee Update
A.
Cultural Engagement Committee Update
No CEC meeting held this month. With Patrick stepping down, the board will need another member to take on leading the committee.
V. Governance
A.
Board Calendar 2025
Nasreen expressed concern with moving time forward to 5pm. She would like to propose 5:30pm. The calendar was changed to reflect the new time prior to the board voting and approving it.
B.
CAP, Compliance, and Reporting Updates
D.Walker shared that WIHS is currently in compliance with the CAP, and that all items for December have been submitted. She stated that she would complete the January items due for the board.
VI. Executive Session
A.
Executive Session
Shari Clark attended the meeting, and J.Johnson discussed his meeting with her, introduced her to the board, and allowed Shari to introduce herself and what she will contribute as a member.
Shari shared that she owned a bookstore, with a back space for LGBTQ+ students to come and do their homework in a comforting environment. She talked about how she attends WIHS classes, is part of the Community Engagement Board, supports/attends many school events, and has been a member of many different community boards.
J.Johnson opened the floor for questions, and board had discussion about the benefits of Shari's involvement at the school.
VII. Board Goals
A.
Board Development and Empowerment
J.Johnson asked D.Walker to provide an email update on how the school is moving towards meeting the academic-specific goals set.
VIII. Other Business
A.
Announcements
None at this time
IX. Anti-Racism and Transformative Justice Work
A.
Announcements: Local anti-racist and transformative justice opportunities
D.Walker shared that WIHS will be applying to join the WWU Community Consortium for Cultural Recognitions group, as was recommended by Patrick and the Cultural Engagement Committee.
X. Closing Items
A.
Board Debrief and Evaluation
Board members valued success of the meeting and reviewed the debrief and evaluation of board goals.
A.Juarez read the land acknowledgement