Gena Hawk led us in the flag salute.

There is a quorum present.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the April 2026 consent agenda, as presented.  Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The board recognized the 2025-2026 Washington State FFA Trap Shooting Champions! Several students, their parents and coaches were in attendance.  Coach Greg Vail spoke about the kids' success and the goals of the program in not just becoming better skilled shooters, but safety, respect and becoming good humans.  Their program trains the younger students as well, and the future is bright!  Dr. Russell read this incredible article (link provided), that provides a better understanding of the unique community culture that this program thrives in.  Congratulations, and thanks for making Freeman proud!  

https://www.myavista.com/connect/Articles/2026/04/small-town-big-aim

The five Freeman Trap Team coaches (Greg Vail, Emily Vail, Clint Stevenson, Justus Snyder and Dennis Mackleit) were presented with Above and Beyond awards for the work they have done to build an incredibly successful program.  Most are volunteers and they dedicate a tremendous amount of time supporting our Freeman students.  Thank you all!

Inspiring complete reliability and confidence in his/her truthfulness, integrity and discretion.  

Cory Plager from D.A. Davidson is a partner to Freeman and an expert when it comes to school levy information.  He encouraged the board to start thinking strategically, and reviewed a lot of new data regarding property values and other useful information as the board analyzes next steps.  We looked historically at our EP&O, Capital Projects and School Bonds over the years, as well as that of other schools regionally.  We are in an "industry poor" area, which unfortunately puts more tax burden on our residents.  

The bottom line is that state funding for education does not come close to covering the actual expenses school districts have to educate children, so the levy and bond tax support from our communities are critical. The board will review the data presented, and will invite Cory to come back in August or September.  

Overview
For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman Elementary School will continue to strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff, and community members.
 

Areas of Focus

• End-of-year observations/evaluations
• TTK/K round-up is scheduled for April 23rd. We received twenty slots for the 2026-27 school year.
• K-5 Math Adoption- Laryssa Kann is currently piloting and previewing various curricula. She presented it to the K-5 staff on Tuesday, April 22nd.
• Math is Cool- The 4th and 5th grade will compete at state in mid-May.
• Building staffing adjustment discussions are happening now based on what we know for current enrollment.   

Enrollment
TK = 41 and P3 = 6 K = 65 1st = 49 2nd = 63
3rd = 56 4th = 72 5th = 57= 409

Overview

For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman Middle School will continue to strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff, and community members.

Areas of Focus

>Tk-8 ASB Elections- Assembly & voting on Thursday, April 30th - 43 candidates will speak

>FMS Musical- High School Musical Jr. - really incredible performances - set was professional

>Student Led Conferences on April 2nd & 3rd. - 185 kids out of 192 gave presentations 

>STEM Superstar Competition- 27 7th & 8th graders 

            CO2 Cars- 5    Coding w/ Minecraft- 9          Graphic Design- 3       

            Health Sciences- 2      Photography- 8

> Professional Development Day- Monday, April 27th - several staff presented from the MS and overall it went very well and was quite informative

> 6th grade Math is Cool competed at state last weekend - didn't make top 4, but waiting on overall results

> Last week took 12 of the kids to Shriners to present them a check from our Heartgram fundraiser

Enrollment - one left Freeman to homeschool and one moved out of state; new 7th grader starting tomorrow

            6th- 56 (-1)                   7th- 72 (-1)                   8th- 64              Total- 192 (-2)

Overview

For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman High School will continue to strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff, and community members. 

Areas of Focus

• ASB elections are scheduled for April 30 
• Advanced Band and Choir earned Superior ratings at Northwest Music Festival - these are tough to get and we are so proud of them - professors from Gonzaga and Whitworth came out for a visit as they were so impressed with our kids
• Congratulations to FFA Trap - 2026 State Champions!!
• SAT at FHS - 16 completed the exam
• Congratulations to Greta Van Gemert - selected for a NEWASA Student Leadership Award
• SBA and AP testing is scheduled - some begin as early as tomorrow
• Master Schedule for 2026-27 is set - this usually doesn't happen until early or mid-May
• New Courses at FHS:  AP Psychology; AP Statistics; Stories in Media

Enrollment - student moved to an alternative school in the valley

9th = 67,  10th = 54 (-1), 11th = 73,  12th = 77    Total: 271

Overview

Spring Sports

• Softball – Currently 11-3, ranked #7 in the RPI.  Senior Night on 5/1 @ 4 pm vs Asotin.  Playoffs start on May 8th at Merkel Field, then Tuesday May 12th at Merkel Field as well. Ten day break before state in Yakima.  
• Baseball – Currently 7-9, ranked #23 in the RPI.  Senior Night on 5/1 @ 4 pm vs Asotin.  Playoffs will start on May 7th, if they advance past the 7th they would play at WSU on 5/13. 
• Track – Lots of kids getting PR’s weekly and ranked in the state.  Had their senior night track meet on 4/15. NE2B league championships will be on 5/5 at 1 pm in Newport, Districts on 5/21 and 23 at Whitworth University. State the following week in Yakima.  
• Tennis – Girls team is undefeated so far in league as a team.  Senior Night will be on 4/29 @ 3 pm.  Districts start on May 2nd, then again on the 8th and 9th all at West Valley.
• Golf – Boys and girls teams are both doing really well.  Had their only home match on 4/20 at Latah Creek.  Sub districts for the boys starts on 4/27 at Deer Park, then districts at Latah Creek on 5/4 top 15 boys advance to state. Girls sub districts starts on 5/5 in Warden, then districts on 5/12 at Moses Pointe Golf Course, top 21 girls advance to state. 

Areas of Focus 

• Mallory McDonald was named 2B boys state coach of the year by the coaches association.
• Athletic fundraising and expenditures https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f2jLqVbtGW16l6l75-LPe8HffHWbvlAd/view?usp=sharing - net $51,211 from athletic auction
• Finishing up Winter sports schedules
• May 14th is senior signing day - 12 athletes moving on to collegiate level that we know of so far
• FSD Athletic & Activities Code proposed changes - looking for approval at May meeting; includes adding clubs to same standards; looking for the conclusion of the code to be the last day of the school year instead of a 365 day contract; includes having consequences of an infraction extend to the season they will next participate in.  These changes, if approved, would go into effect for the 2026-2027 school year.  
• Board didn't have any reservations, so we will add this for approval at the May board meeting.  

Enrollment

• Baseball – 24                                                  Softball - 14
• Boys Golf – 23/Girls Golf 17                         Boys Track – 31/Girls Track 17
• Boys Tennis – 4/Girls Tennis 10                    142 athletes out for spring sports

Overview

Work to improve programs and support our student athletes.

Participate in partnership with the Greater Spokane County League (GSCL).

Areas of Focus

• Great Spring Turnout
• Making initial plans for transition for FMS AD next fall.
• Spokane County Sports League Meeting was May 24th:  Mead, Spokane, Cheney, West Valley, CVSD and others are in conversations about changes for the 2027-2028 school year - competitive equity is a primary focus - discussions will continue.  

Enrollment

• FMS Baseball – 37 - running 3 teams due to numbers
• FMS Track - 32 

Dr. Russell presented on behalf of Kent Bevers.  

Overview

Freeman SD Nutrition Services supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and will provide wholesome and nutritious meals for our students.

Areas of Focus

• Sun Bucks food benefits families again this summer.
• Paid Lunch Equity Tool released soon – typically early spring.
  • This is the tool that helps us determine pricing for the following school year.
• Of the recent $30,000 anonymous donation to the district, $5,000.00 of that went to Brenda’s Helping Hand.
  • Brenda HH current balance as of April 20, 2026 is $8,001.01
  • Will be using Brenda HH funds to pay down negative balances for students/households who currently qualify for F/R priced meals.
• Kent is working with Principals and Secretaries on negative balances and negative balance letters.
  • THANK YOU, Principals & Secretaries.

Overview

• "The students of Freeman are the heart of our community and the reason we serve. The Freeman School District Transportation Department is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and respectful transportation for all TK–12 students. We are committed to connecting home, school, and community, ensuring every student arrives ready to learn and thrive."

Areas of Focus

• May 2nd we will be hosting the Regional School Bus Safety Competition (Roadeo) for Eastern Washington.  The top three winners for GenEd and SPED will go on to compete at state.  We have one contestant from Freeman competing - our newest sub driver!  
• The depreciation schedule has changed for bus replacement money.  It went from 8 years for small buses to 10 years and from 13 years for the large buses to 15 years.  This just means the money will be spread out longer and less money coming in each year. 
• We are surplusing a bus tonight.  2009 IC 72 passenger bus. 
• We are currently at:

11 Regular Ed Routes

1 SPED Route

1T/K / SPED Route 

1 McKinney-Vento Route

Areas of Focus:

1. Got walk off mats replaced at the FES MPR room.  Already failing, so they will be back to fix the transitions.  
2. Parking lots got swept over spring break.
3. Got tennis courts washed over spring break by FD8.
4. Solar project is underway in progress.
5. Applied weed/feed fertilizer to a couple of fields on the grounds over spring break.  Price has nearly doubled from last year, so testing new products.  

Safety:

1. Nothing to report at this time.

Overview

For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman Student Services Department will strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff, and community members.

Areas of Focus and Enrollment

Special Education

• Purchased new curriculum for complex need students - about 15 students in the district P-12 will benefit and 4 special education teachers. The curriculum is called The Autism Helper- Curriculum Access. Starts with the 2026-2027 school year, and it's a 5-year contract paid from the SPED funds.  
• Great PD Opportunities to discuss Universal Accommodations and hear from some of our Special Ed staff - Thank you Leah, Shawna, Olivia and Amanda for presenting this year.
• Hagan grant updates - We have purchased the Shoebox tasks and the Playground Communication Boards from the grant money we received. Thank you to the Hagan Foundation for supporting $7,000 in special education materials. 
• 120 Students 

Multilingual Learners (MLL)

• No updates
• 3 students

McKinney Vento / Foster Youth

• No updates
• 19 students/ 1 student

Title 1 / Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

• Great feedback from conferences! Parents were glad to hear about screenings and interventions. 
• AIMSWeb testing begins May 11 for K-5
• 72 students (K-8)

Highly Capable

• No updates
• 117 students 

TK/K Roundup

• 34 students screened - 24 for TK or SPED preschool, and 10 for Kindergarten

Overview 

Provide the highest quality technology-based services, in the most cost-effective manner, to help facilitate the FSD mission 

Areas of Focus 

• CRG mapping has been successfully completed, providing accurate and organized facility maps to support emergency response and operational planning. This strengthens campus preparedness by ensuring first responders and district personnel have access to critical location information when needed. 
• We have successfully configured two PurpleAir sensors to provide real-time air quality data for our district and community. One sensor is installed inside the middle school and one outside, allowing for comparison of indoor and outdoor air conditions, and both can be viewed on PurpleAir.com. These came from Spokane Regional Health.  
• Joe has been meeting with staff members and providing training on how to edit, update, and manage content on the district’s new website. These sessions are helping build internal capacity so departments can keep information accurate, current, and accessible for our community.

• Capital projects cash flow was reviewed with discussion about items we are investing in
• We were planning on receiving $147,000 LEA money, but found out recently we will no longer get it - this shifts us down to about 4% fund balance - the board suggested pushing back on the state to see if there is any wiggle room, and to find out where that money is going considering it was originally allocated to us
• AP was large this month, but we paid both colleges running start requirements
• Reviewed a document that shows enrollment trends

• Dr. Russell presented that we are on track with our safety, security and tech plan
• Our emergency procedures and updates are complete and we are easing our way into less notification time of upcoming drills, as well as strategic times of the day that help educate our students in unique situations should an actual emergency happen

• The PACE Student of the Year awards night is this Wednesday, 4/29
• Freeman will be hosting a chamber event on 5/28 at 5pm which will be a chance to showcase Freeman to our community - Annie will be in attendance, and Danielle is a maybe based on the state track schedule

Dave Teague recognized our technology team (Todd Reed and Joe Branon) for jumping on our purchases as the AI tech expense bubble is growing.  We are always making a guess for what we need, but costs are extraordinary in how they are increasing right now.  

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 2108 - 2nd Reading - Learning Assistance Program, as presented.  Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 2106 - 2nd Reading - Program Compliance, as presented.  Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 2140 - 2nd Reading - Comprehensive School Counseling Program, as presented.  Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 5011 - 2nd Reading - Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited, as presented.  Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 6220 - 2nd Reading - Bid or Request for Proposal Requirements, as presented.  Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 1111 - 2nd Reading - Oath of Office, as presented. Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve the Camp Lutherhaven 5th Grade Field Trip, as presented. Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve the Bus Surplus, as presented. Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve the Middle School Office Furniture Surplus, as presented. Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Daniella Santman moved the Board approve Board Policy & Procedure No. 5010 - 1st Reading - Discrimination-Free Workplace, as presented.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 6570 - 1st Reading - Property and Data Management, as presented.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 6910 - 1st Reading - Construction Financing, as presented.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The next board meeting will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM.  The following meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM, and Wednesday July 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Budget Hearing) and 6:00 PM (Board Meeting).  

Administration:          Randy Russell – retirement – Superintendent (effective 6/30/26)

Certified:                     Ava Zhan – Substitute Teacher

                                     Kirsten Schweiger – resignation – Elementary Teacher – 1.0 FTE Continuing                                         (effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year)

Classified:                   Jamie Goodlake – Substitute Paraeducator

                                      Jolita Truett – Special Education Bus Assistant (starting the beginning of the                                       2026-2027 school year)

Extracurricular:           Josh Robins – MS Overflow Track Coach

Dave Teague moved the Board approve the Personnel Action, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The board moved into executive session at 7:53 pm for the purpose set forth in RCW 42.30.110, specifically the following: Conferring with legal counsel representing the board regarding actual or potential litigation involving the school district when public knowledge of the discussion could result in adverse legal or financial consequence to the district. Such session is estimated to be approximately 30 minutes in length.  Annie Keebler stated there is no action anticipated after the session.  

The board returned to open session at 8:24 pm.  No action was taken.  

ADJOURNMENT:  The board meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm with no further action.  

Recording Secretary _______________________________________

Board Secretary ___________________________________________

Board Chair _______________________________________________