Board President Strozier called the meeting to order.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Board President Strozier read a statement to honor and acknowledge that we are on the traditional ancestral and historical lands of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Each month the Board recognizes State and Federal civic observances that are both legislatively recognized and which align with the District's strategic Plan. 

June recognitions were:

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and Juneteenth (June 19). 

Addison Kelly was recognized as the 2025 WIAA Track & Field 3A Girls Triple Jump champion. 

Student athletes honored in Item II. D-G were unable to attend the Board Meeting to receive their recognition as they were attending the Tacoma Athletic Commission 2025 Spring Athlete of the Year" dinner, where they were also recognized for their accomplishments.

Deputy Superintendent Nolan shared 2025 graduation updates.

Director of Strategic Financial Operations Campen presented the financial update.

Director of HR Operations Deaderick presented the Human Resources update.

There were no student representatives in attendance as they're not required to be in attendance for the June Board meetings.

The following members of the public addressed the Board of directors regarding: 

• The district's budget issues and resulting staff displacements, especially in our Montessori schools: Katie Franklin, Etta Franklin (student), Conner Griswold, Caitlin Birkenbuel, Jenn Barfield, Christin Reyes (who also submitted a petition), Matthew Minkema, Serenity Hess-Marks, Liz Walle, Kathy Unruh, Michele Austin (who also submitted a stack of letters from parents and students), Becky Renzi, Sarena VanHorn, Heather McLean, Kristina Coleman, Angela Walle, Kimberly Chalker-Quintana, Kathy Ceballos and De'Lani Mitchel, Ansel Stein, Keith Stein, Serina Spain, Max (Geiger student), Eleanor Churchill, Virginia Churchill, Zelda Tauscher, Holly Freeman, Jennifer Arnold, Catie Edwards, Jennifer Boutell, Tori Laird, Poppy Ohman, Alicia Rodenbach, and Kristina Johnson. 
• Frustration on clarity of the budget and program cuts: Christina Reyes (who also submitted a petition.
• Support of a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools: Paul Birkey, Jacob Elstein, Harbir Juj, Michele Austin, Christie Jett, and Jennifer Arnold. 
• Support of the Beyond the Bell/Club Beyond program benefits with Parks Tacoma: Sariyah Ali.
• Support for keeping Assistant Principal Mensah at Blix Elementary: Kat Russell

The following members of the public provided written comments regarding:

• The district's budget issues and resulting staff displacements, especially in our Montessori schools: Jennie Archibeque, Vera Clark, and Elizabeth Tasick
• Support of a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools: Harbir Juj

Director Bonbright moved that the Board of Directors approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Director Keating seconded the motion. A voice vote was called, and the chair declared the motion carried with a vote of 4 yeas.

As this was a first reading, no action was taken. 

As this was a first reading, no action was taken. 

As this was a first reading, no action was taken. 

As this was a first reading, no action was taken. 

Committee Reports:

• Director Bonbright attended the Tacoma Education Dream Fund CEO Luncheon, which includes a group of CEOs around Tacoma, to learn where we have funding gaps so they can help raise awareness and resources.

Community Events:

• Director Bonbright attended a dinner event held for the mayor of Tacoma's Sister City in Biot, France. She sat with a Mason Middle School French teacher who shared that they have a sister classroom in France where the students write to each other several times per year, making it a great learning experience about different cultures. 

Updates/Comments:

• Director McElroy apologized for arriving late, as she was speaking at the Miss Juneteenth pageant and stayed late to ensure a student's safety while she was waiting for a ride. -♦- She acknowledged that there are a lot of uncertainties and concerns right now in our community. Our community needs to come together to define next steps, what are our safe spaces, and what are safe activities. Besides the Summer Late Nights program, there are programs through Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, Peace Community Center, Parks Tacoma, etc. -♦- She encourages people to be someone's safety plan and for  parents/guardians to be involved, to manage and teach expectations within the home. We all need to continue to show up for each other and our community. -♦- She officiated at the Willie Stewart Academy graduation, which was very touching. 
• Most Board Directors attended the TPS retirement event, followed by the TPS Night at the Rainiers game. Director Bonbright congratulated all those who retired and thanked them for their many years of service. She shared that the First Creek Drumline did a great job. 
• Director Leon emphasized to staff that the Board and all levels of Administration do not see our employees as just numbers, but there are many things happening in our country and world that are beyond our control. He acknowledged the impact that TPS staff and teachers make for our students and families with their hard work and dedication. The Board influences and shares our voice and opinion and principles in the best way we can. -♦- He talked about recent violence in our community and spoke about the recent American Lake shooting and encouraged community to do what they can to help keep our students safe. -♦- He shared excitement for graduations. -♦- He thanked district staff for their help in helping reunite families in response to recent immigration actions. -♦- He thanked all the public commenters, and he spoke about those advocating on behalf of the cell phone bans. It is not a problem for only school districts to solve, but he hopes we can help. -♦- He attended the Stadium Awards ceremony and thanked staff, families and community partners for all they do on behalf of our students throughout the district. 
• Director Keating shared her joy at receiving a lot of graduation announcements from students she has taught enrichment training to over the years, some beginning kindergarten. -♦- She addressed comments made regarding cell phones in school and the perception that there is nothing being done. She affirmed that most of our schools already have cell phone policies, so a Board policy would be on top of what is already being done. She feels that families also have to take some of the responsibility in how their children are using their phones. As a parent, her daughter had consequences if she wasn't using it appropriately. It's important to note that it's complicated, as every school has their own unique make-up and needs. -♦- Speaking about June being Pride Month, she shared that this date is the 9th anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre shooting. Recently there was escalation of police brutality against queer counter-protesters in Seattle's Cal Anderson Park, where they were targeted. LGBTQIA+ people are experiencing a lot of violent rhetoric and harassment against them. This includes a trans student from eastern Washington who was treated horrifically. This movement started 50+ years ago, but they are still facing similar levels of hatred and persecution. She encouraged people who would be participating in Pride events to be sure they have a safety plan in place.

June 26, 2025: 6:00PM - Business Meeting

July 10, 2025: 6:00PM - Business Meeting

August 28, 2025: 6:00PM - Business Meeting

Board President Strozier adjourned the meeting at 8:13PM.