Rick noted that Bethany was on vacation but might join the meeting virtually.

Rick welcomed prospective board member Nate McClennen and requested that he provide an overview of his background and interest in serving on the board.

Mr. McClennen introduced himself and presented his professional experience and reasons for seeking board involvement.

Rick provided an overview of the consent agenda materials.

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 $147,294.66 are also approved. 

General Fund 

Accounts Payable 

Total electronic payments totaling $192,444.83 and 

Check number N/A through N/A totaling $0 

Non-AP Cash Disbursements 

Total electronic payments totaling $1,225.77 and 

Check number 3017 totaling $600.00 

Payroll 

Total electronic payments totaling $147,294.66 and 

Payroll check numbers N/A totaling $0 

No request for public comment was made.

Jordan Wendzel, newly hired Assistant Principal for Pinnacles Prep, introduced herself to the board and provided an overview of her professional background and experience, noting prior work in elementary, middle, and high schools in urban, rural, and tribal communities.

Jill asked Ms. Wendzel what she was most excited about at Pinnacles Prep and where she saw the greatest opportunity for growth.

Ms. Wendzel stated that she was pleased to be in her new role and expressed that systematic improvements could help streamline operations and enhance outcomes for students.

Jill and Sara presented the School Leadership Performance Goals for the upcoming year. Last year’s school vision focused on 100% proficiency; this year’s focus will be on 100% growth. Because the school uses MAP Growth RIT three times per year, this goal is both tangible and reportable.

The vision statement was presented as: All scholars will make at least one year of growth in math and reading; those below grade level will make more than one year’s growth.

Jill provided an overview of the proposed Non-Negotiable Mission Critical Components. Principal Gary Keeler has solicited staff feedback, and the board will consider a final draft in the coming months.

Organizational Non-Negotiable Mission Critical Components

• Design a 12-month student recruitment and retention plan.
• Implement the student recruitment and retention plan.
• Launch an enrollment taskforce composed of board, staff, parents, and community members.
• Design a development plan to build sustainable and diversified revenue streams.
• Execute a 12-month development plan.
• Monitor implementation of the Strategic Plan.

School-Specific Goals

Academic Goals

• Middle School Goal: At least 50% of students meet their growth goal on the NWEA MAP assessment in both reading and math from fall to spring each year they attend the school.

• High School Goal: At least 50% of students meet their growth goal on the NWEA MAP assessment in both reading and math from fall to spring each year they attend the school.

Organizational Goal

• At least 80% of students report experiencing safety, belonging, and a growth mindset in the school’s diverse environment, as measured by the Kelvin SEL Survey.
• Jill noted that the Kelvin SEL Survey omitted the question on safety. She asked whether this indicator should remain in the report given the lack of data. The board unanimously affirmed that school safety must remain a top priority; however, members agreed to remove this question from official reporting due to its omission from the survey instrument.

Sara provided an update on current enrollment figures and ongoing recruitment strategies.

Jill requested board approval of a Conditional Certification to hire Nikolai Kostka as a half-time FTE to teach 6th grade science. Mr. Kostka is currently enrolled in a one-year master’s program and is in the process of completing his teaching certification in general science.

Prior to the budget adoption discussion, Rick asked Sara to provide an overview of Pinnacles Prep’s Classified Salary Schedule for the 2025–26 school year. Sara explained how the schedule was developed, including comparisons to other regional school districts, and noted that Pinnacles Prep’s goal is to remain comparable with area districts.

The board will review proposed salary schedules for teaching and administrative staff at the next meeting and consider all schedules for approval.

Matt highlighted changes to the proposed 2025–26 budget that had been reviewed at the previous board meeting.

Due to a delayed levy equalization payment from the State of Washington, the school will not meet the 60-day cash-on-hand requirement. The Charter School Commission has been informed of this issue. Budget reductions since the draft was first presented include the removal of one middle school teacher, the music teacher, and the enrollment specialist position.

Rick expressed concern about eliminating the enrollment specialist role given the school’s recruitment and enrollment goals. Jill responded that administration considers the position important and noted that the board could either approve a budget falling below the 60-day cash threshold to fund the position, or move forward with the current proposal and consider a budget amendment after enrollment numbers are finalized.

The board agreed to adopt the budget without the enrollment specialist position, with the understanding that a budget amendment to reinstate the position will be considered in September.

Rick reported that Pinnacles Prep is seeking strong public participation in support of the school’s charter reauthorization with the state.

Plans are underway to coordinate transportation, including a bus and carpools for students, faculty, parents, and other supporters, to attend the Charter School Commission’s reauthorization meeting in Spokane on September 18.

Josh 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: Red 
  • (expected to end materially below 60 days due to levy equalization payment delay; can hold AP as much as possible)

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

Rick proposed extending the October 15 board meeting by a couple of hours to accommodate the annual board retreat. The board agreed to this proposal.