Rick provided an overview of the materials included in the consent agenda. He also noted that Sean was absent and would not be presenting to the Board.

The following payments as audited and certified by the auditing officer, as required by RCW 42.24.080, and those expense reimbursements claims certified, as required by RCW 42.24.090, are approved for payment. 

In addition, payroll payments in the amount of $145,944.86 are also approved. General Fund Accounts Payable Total electronic payments totaling $192,223.33 and Check number N/A through N/A totaling $0 Non-

AP Cash Disbursements Total electronic payments totaling $2,249.11 and Check number N/A totaling $0 Payroll Total electronic payments totaling $145,9444.86 and Payroll check numbers N/A totaling $0 

No request for public comment.

Lara Hays joined the Board to share her work as part of the “Know Our People, Know Our Programs” agenda item. She spoke about her background in science education and highlighted several projects she’s led this year.

Lara has guided scholars through aerospace engineering activities, including model airplane builds and rocket design, noting the joy of learning alongside students in a field outside her expertise. She has also taught autonomous robotics and leads a variety of lifestyle sports activities, such as walking excursions, climbing gym visits, racquetball, badminton, and basketball. Winter posed some challenges, but improved weather has allowed for more outdoor exploration.

In addition, Lara teaches health and fitness, which combines physical education with health science topics like wellness, nutrition, sexual education, first aid, CPR, and substance use and abuse. She also organizes long-distance educational trips, including this year’s visits to Washington, D.C., and New York City.

Sara provided an update on upcoming canvassing efforts to support enrollment. She and Jill met with the School Ops team earlier in the day to discuss the current enrollment recruitment strategy, including the canvassing plan. The team expressed confidence in meeting enrollment targets in the coming months.

Rick noted that Diana has been generating a weekly enrollment report, which is available to any Board members who are interested.

Jill provided an update on the strategic planning process. Attuned is currently supporting staff in assigning leads to each goal outlined in the plan.

She noted that the agreement with Attuned has not yet been signed due to ongoing budget considerations but expects to continue discussions and present a contract for Board approval by the end of June.

Jill reported that there are no new updates from the Charter School Commission regarding the charter contract renewal application. The Commission was expected to share a draft renewal report following their recent school visit, but it appears to be overdue. Jill noted it may be on a 14-business-day timeline and plans to follow up with the Commission if the report is not received soon.

She also reminded the Board that September 8 is the deadline for the Commission’s final recommendation report and the close of the public comment period.

Rick noted a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming that charter schools cannot be religious-based, which helps maintain their status as public schools.

Organizational Structure and CEO/COO Job Descriptions
 

Jill briefed the Board on Pinnacles’ proposed leadership structure, which includes the creation of CEO and COO positions functioning in lateral, complementary roles.

The Board reviewed the packet outlining the distinctions between the two roles. Rick expressed general support for the proposed responsibilities but recommended clearer delineation between areas of support versus leadership. He also suggested adding a CEO responsibility related to Board development and recruitment.

Under the proposed structure, Sara would continue to lead grant writing as COO, while Jill would take on external affairs and fundraising as CEO. Sara noted that due to anticipated state funding reductions for outdoor education, next year’s place-based learning may look different. She looks forward to discussing creative budgeting solutions with the Board to preserve this important program.

Jill expressed gratitude to the Board for supporting this new structure as a means to strengthen operations. Rick added that the Board could play a more active role in shaping leadership job descriptions and compensation packages.

The goal is to finalize and approve the CEO and COO job descriptions and appointments in June.

Principal Search Update

Jill updated the Board on the ongoing search for a new principal. Two finalists have been identified and will be invited to informal conversations with teaching staff to allow for questions and relationship-building.

Jill clarified that, unlike in traditional school districts, the principal at Pinnacles will focus primarily on school culture and instructional leadership. Operational responsibilities such as staffing and facilities will fall under the CEO and COO. She added that the ideal candidate would also be capable of stepping into acting CEO or COO roles when necessary.

Sara provided a Finance Committee update, including a review of the current Financial Dashboard indicators: 

• Student Recruitment Count: Yellow
• Public Revenue Received (as a % of overall budget): Yellow 
• Private Revenue Received (as a % of overall budget): Green
• Expenditures to Date (as a % of overall budget): Green 
• Cash on Hand: Yellow 

The color-coded statuses reflect areas of strength and those requiring continued monitoring.

Rick noted that during the next meeting, Jill will provide a big picture vision of how we will plan to expend the increases approved by the state legislature for special education.

Rick noted that he will soon begin drafting a report for Jill’s performance review. In the coming months, the Board will establish performance goals for the upcoming year, informed by feedback from last year’s review process.

The Board entered executive session at 6:30 PM to discuss a matter involving a due process complaint, consistent with RCW 42.30.110. 

The Board exited executive session at 6:43 PM

Rick noted some important upcoming dates:

June 12: Community learning fair and BBQ in the evening.

June 13: Moving Up Ceremony from 11-12:30 PM.