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.

The agenda was adopted as presented.

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

There were no recognitions for August. 

The Board of Directors recognized First Creek Middle School student Evanz Sula for his quick thinking and actions in support of his peer in a potentially life-threatening event.

Superintendent Garcia shared several updates, including first day of school bell times for the different grades and programs, start date for Wednesday late starts; information on how to purchase District Calendars; reminders to parents about updating their contact information in Parent Vue; where to find students' school supply list; and information on TPS-provided breakfasts and lunches.

There were no spoken public comments.

• Jarrett Austin wrote the Board regarding cell phone and device usage. 

Committee Reports:

• Director Keating shared updates on the Federal Relations team meetings that are continuing as they do interim work in preparation for the next legislative session and the continued issues we face regarding public education funding.
• Director Bonbright gave updates from the most recent Joint Municipal Action Committee (JMAC) meeting, mentioning that all agencies are being hit hard by the federal and state spending cuts. The uplifting thing is that they all have each other's backs and work to leverage the work they all do.  

Community Events:

• The Asian Pacific Cultural Center will be hosting a grand opening for their new building on August 29. 
• Director Bonbright shared that the Teen Summer Late Nights program just ended, now that school is starting. There is continued growth in this program each year, and she thanked all the funding partners for their help to keep kids safe during summers. 

Updates/Comments: 

• Directors Strozier, McElroy, Keating, and Bonbright attended and participated in the annual Admin. Institute held in early August for district administrator. They all gave mini-TED talks about what community means to us and what it means to be united as "One City."  
• Director Keating attended a Maritime Skills Academy site visit with one of Senator Murray's Washington D.C. staffers, as well as one of Congresswoman Randall's staffers. It's exciting to see the progress happening. 
• Directors Strozier and Keating met with two of our new student representatives who will be starting at the next Board meeting and shared how much the Board appreciates hearing from our student representatives. 
• Director Bonbright and Strozier shared that the Board held their fall retreat meeting at the newly renovated Oakland/TOL, which is a great space and a great value-add for that community. 
• Directors Keating and Bonbright attended the Tacoma Education Dream (TED) Fund luncheon with other TED Fund board members and community leaders. TED Fund is a foundation dedicated to supporting students, staff, and families in Tacoma Public Schools. 
• Director Leon reminded families whose students haven't gotten their sports physicals, that Mt. Tahoma and Lincoln has spots available. 
• Director McElroy shared the purpose of Board comments. She tries to speak in generalities for community needs and elevate voices that are not present in the room for those members of the public who may feel that sharing at a board meeting is inaccessible or unsafe. As an elected, she strives to speak for ALL children. She also reminded people that TPS is not the only place to have your voice heard: the City Council, Library, Tacoma Parks, Neighborhood Councils, etc.

Superintendent Comments:

• Superintendent Garcia shared that we are introducing a ticketless athletic and activities event system called GoFan. It was part of the North Puget Sound League last year. It's a cashless ticket to athletic events, which will be district-wide, both for home and away events. There are several reasons for this, including safety and security, cost-saving measures. Be sure to plan ahead! There are Apple and Android apps for GoFan. 

September 11, 2025, 6:00PM: Business Meeting

September 18, 2025: CANCELLED

September 25, 2025, 6:00PM: Business Meeting

Board President Strozier adjourned the meeting at 6:58PM