Personnel Action addendum

Rylee Russell led us in the flag salute.

There was a quorum present.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve the May 2026 consent agenda, as presented.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

High School Principal, Jeff Smith, nominated our band and drumline for the FSD Above and Beyond Award in recognition of their unwavering commitment to Freeman High School and the greater school community.

These students consistently demonstrate what it means to go above and beyond. They show up when others choose not to. Whether supporting classmates at state send-offs, participating in pep band performances, marching in the SE County Fair or Lilac parades, or volunteering beyond required expectations, they continually answer the call. Even though only four pep band events are required throughout the season, these students regularly exceed that expectation because their commitment extends far beyond obligation.

What makes their contributions especially meaningful is that their involvement is not driven by requirements or recognition—it is driven by genuine care. They step up whenever needed, not because they have to, but because they care deeply about Freeman, its students, and the community they represent.

Their dedication, school spirit, and willingness to serve embody the very essence of the FSD Above and Beyond Award. Through their actions, they strengthen school culture, elevate school pride, and model selflessness and commitment for their peers. Freeman is a better place because of their consistent support.

Dr. Russell presented this award at the Spring Concert on 5/26 so all students and families would be present for the recognition.  

Displaying integrity in spite of obstacles and challenges.  

Dr. Russell welcomed the FHS Softball coaches and players as we recognized their recent 2026 WIAA State Softball Championship!  Head Coach Tom Sefton spoke about the incredible softball season they had and how this team is all about selflessness.  Parents/grandparents/family members were all recognized for the amazing support they provided the girls, and the respectful way they handled themselves both as fans and as role models for our kids.  The trophies were proudly displayed to the board.  

• Certificated School Employees Appreciation Week was celebrated May 4-8, 2026 - this includes our teachers, nurses and counselors.  Annie Keebler read the WA State Governor's Proclamation.  

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

• Math is Cool- The 4th grade team placed 3rd at State!  The 5th grade had a solid showing but did not place this year in the higher division.  
• The Freeman Float brought home the Queen's Award at the Torchlight Parade.  The kids and parents put a lot of time and energy into it, and it showed!
• SBAC testing grades 3-5 are underway and will wrap up at the end of the month.
• Class placements and staffing decisions are in the works.  This continues to be a puzzle as enrollment numbers change.  It's critical that we stay in compliance for grades K-3 for class sizes to protect our state funding.  Choice student evaluations are currently under review.  

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 Results - President = Lily Lagreid; VP = Jackie Horlacher; Secretary = Tempe Durrant; Treasurer = Darren Grow; Parliamentarian = Charley Shaw; Sgt-at-Arms = Kaylyn Ketel

>Mr. Jydstrup and the Intermediate Band represented Freeman at the Junior Lilac Parade: forty-seven 7th & 8th graders marched

>Planning for the 2026-27 School Year

            Master Schedule         Student Schedules      Events

>STEM Superstar Competition Results - there were 300 participants and we had several top finishers

>FMS Academic Awards- Friday, May 29th 8:20 am (invitations have been sent)

>FMS Science Fair- Monday, June 8th 1:00 pm FMS Gym

>8th Grade Promotion- Tuesday, June 9th 6:00 pm FHS Blue Gym

>The student-produced K-8 yearbook came in today and it looks amazing - gratitude for the Hagan Foundation for the grant money that purchased new cameras for our first ever student-led yearbook

Enrollment

            6th- 57 (+1)                  7th- 72              8th- 64              Total- 193 (+1)

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

• End of Year Evaluations are complete
• SBA and AP Testing complete (AP = 88 tests/48 students)
• ASB Officers for next year:  President - Emma Dryer; VP - Nevaeh Eigenhuis; Secretary - Ella Karnitz; Historian - Lillian Curtis; Sr. Treasurer - Briley Snyder; Jr. Treasurer - Kelsey Hollen; Spirit Commissioners - Brady Bowen and Logan Nelson. 
• ASB Spring Spirit Week - FHS and FMS students raised $873.93 for Spokane Children’s Hospital - thank you to Nevaeh Eigenhuis and Emma Dryer for leading this drive
• Senior Awards Night - June 2 at 6:30 pm
• Graduation - June 6 at 1 pm

Enrollment

9th = 67,  10th = 54,  11th = 72 (-1),  12th = 77   Total: 270 (271)

Overview

Spring Sports

• Softball – 20-3 on the season, league and district champs and #1 seed in the state bracket this weekend in Yakima - ended as STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS!
• Baseball – Finished the year 8-12. Very young team and only losing 2 seniors. 
• Track – Districts were this past Thursday and Saturday.  Great weekend and won Districts!  This Thursday-Saturday state in Yakima for those that qualified.
• Tennis – Avery Boswell finished 4th in state this past weekend in Yakima after finishing 2nd at districts. Jett Cobb finished 3rd and Maris Vernon 4th at districts.  Only top 2 qualify for state.
• Golf – Girls won a state championship again this year, back to back.  Lily Knight finished 3rd overall.  Capri LaPoint 9th, Grace Duncan and Kassie Broers tied for 16th, Anna Marie McNally 19th, and Emerson Conklin 25th. Dawson Burk finished 13th overall. 

Areas of Focus 

• Spokane Regional Sports Commission on Tuesday June 9th at 6:00 pm at the fox theatre.  We have 2 teams and a coach and athlete up for team/coach/athlete of the year. 

1. Boys cross country is up for boys team of the year
2. Girls soccer is up for girls team of the year
3. Mallory McDonald is up for coach of the year
4. Rylee Russell is up for female athlete of the year

• Spring sports post season/state tournaments
• Spring sports coaches evaluations
• Need to hire C volleyball coach and head girls soccer coach

Overview

Work to improve programs and support our student athletes.

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

Areas of Focus

Track All-League Places - 18 students placing top 3 in their respective events

Spokane County Sports League Meeting June 4th, finalize 27-28 Leagues

Continuing to work on the transition to the 26-27 school year

Enrollment

• FMS Baseball – 37, wrapping up the season tomorrow; Red Team = 3-4; Blue Team = 3-4; Combo Team = 1-5-1
• FMS Track – 32, 26 competed at All-league
• Adding the 6th graders to athletics has really been successful and is building our programs for High School success

2026-2027 Proposed Meal Price Increase

Four Years at-a-glance                  

                                 2022-23 SY         2023-24 SY         2024-25 SY         2025-26 SY         2026-27 SY

Elementary                         Free                       $3.05                     $3.50                     $3.60                     $3.90

Middle School                    Free                       $3.25                     $3.80                     $3.90                     $4.20

High School                        Free                       $3.40                     $3.80                     $3.90                     $4.20

Adult Meal                          $4.75                     $4.75                     $5.00                     $5.00                     $5.00

1. The Paid Meal Equity weighted average for the 2025-2026 school year is $4.08.  Our current weigthed average price for 2025-26 is $3.75. At this point, I am recommending a $0.30 lunch price increase across the board, for Grades K12.
2. Listed below are historical lunch prices and the recommended price for next year.  NOTE: With the exception of Covid waiver years, FSD Nutrition Services has run in the red for the last 5 years.

                                            Elementary                        Middle School                   High School                 Adult

2022-2023                            $3.05                                     $3.25                                     $3.40                     $4.85

2023-2024                            $3.15                                     $3.35                                     $3.50                     $4.95

2024-2025                            $3.50                                     $3.80                                     $3.80                     $5.00

2025-2026                            $3.60                                     $3.90                                     $3.90                     $5.00

2026-2027                            $3.90                                     $4.20                                     $4.20                     $5.00

   3. Breakfast Pricing Recommendation:

                                                 FES                                    FMS/FHS

2025-26                                $2.20                                     $2.50

2026-27                                $2.35                                     $2.50

   4. Summary: A $0.30 lunch price increase for 2026-27 will align Freeman lunch pricing with the national weighted average.

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

• We just sold our bus #20 through GovDeals.com for $7,250.  We have sold 6 buses for a total of over $42,000 in the last few years.  We will be posting one more bus to be sold on GovDeals.  This will be the last one we will be able to sell for a couple years now that the depreciation years from the state have increased.  After this sale we will have 18 buses until the new one arrives in August or September.
• Our three new gates are installed, and we have worked out the timing issues. 
• We are currently testing whether we should switch our radio systems to digital or stay with analog. More to come on this. 

We are currently at:

• 11 Regular Ed Routes
• 1 SPED Route
• 1T/K /SPED Route 
• 1 McKinney-Vento Route

Areas of Focus:

1. Working with principals for the end of school needs/wants.
2. Also getting ready for graduation set up and promotion.  Thankful for the Principals for letting us keep the setup for the 8th grade promotion two days after HS graduation.  

Safety:

1. Todd and I attended a 3-hour workshop at the ESD 101 for safety roundtable. Eye opener from some of the larger schools as to what we should be looking out for.  

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

• Thank you to our anonymous donor for the $5,000 donation over 2 years. We are using the funds to purchase equipment and supplies for our transition-to-adulthood SPED program with Mrs. Warr at the High School.  Helps with vocational training.  
• Completed WA-AIM testing 
• Working toward completion of all SPED end-of-year reports with OSPI. 2 already completed thanks to Mrs. Warr and Mrs. Kazmi’s support!
• Excited to officially add Joanna Yearta to our team as school psychologist (pending approval)
• 120 Students 

Multilingual Learners (MLL)

• No update
• 3 students

McKinney Vento/ Foster Youth

• Alan and I attended a regional McKInney Vento finance meeting on 5-18. Consensus building around communication between districts. Very little will change for us. 
• End of Year letters are being prepared to let families know of status changes.
• 19 students/ 1 student

Title 1/ Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

• Title 1 allocation preliminary information shows a $6,000 drop in Title funding from $36,000 to $30,000, so needing to get creative
• AIMSWeb testing happening now to get finalized benchmarks for the year
• The MTSS team is excited to attend the summer WA MTS conference again this year! This helps support our students who need academic and behavioral intervention
• Summer Intervention for Title/ LAP students entering 1st-6th grade (anticipate around 40 students using these tools to stay updated this summer)
• 72 students (K-8)

Highly Capable

• No update
• 113 students 

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

Areas of Focus

• We have been test piloting the Verkada Guest visitor management system to strengthen campussafety, modernize visitor check-in procedures, as well as student sign in and sign out procedures. Thesystem provides features such as instant badge printing, photo ID verification, customizable alerts,and streamlines front office workflows as we continue evaluating long-term implementation options.
• Testing and assessments are currently being conducted district-wide and are progressing smoothlywith no major technology issues impacting the process.
• Engaging in comprehensive collaboration with principals to strategically plan and coordinate thescheduling of the student Chromebook check-in process for both FMS and FHS, ensuring a seamlessand efficient execution as well as preparing for the 2026 graduation.

Enrollment Update

• Trending about 14 FTE over budget, gained 2 FTE in K-12 and 1 FTE in TK and 2 headcount in SPED in May from April.  CTE enrollment this year is down from the previous year. 

Cash Flow - General Fund

• Payroll was up this month - PD Day and payout of lump sum spring coaching contracts.
• Half of the year we bring in more revenue than expenditures.
• Planning to end the year at a deficit - but still around 4%.  

Budget Extension - General Fund

• Still determining howmuch we need to do.  We did a conservative budget based off of 14 less FTE.  

Cash Flow - Capital Projects

• No real changes from prior months - same projects for this summer and the tech plan.  

Budget Extension - Capital Projects

• Looking at around $110,000 extension.  We increased the tech plan by $50,000 after last year's budget was adopted and have spent more of Facilities than planned.  

Budget for next year

• Have completed the Salary & Benefits part of the budget and the revenues.  Have MSOC's left and the 4 year budget.  HR budget is only increasing approximately $75,000 due to attrition.  

FSD 2027-2028 School Calendar Update (Draft/Information)

• Balanced Calendar Committee has been involved in the creation of this draft, with the biggest influence being the survey that went out to staff (response rate has dropped each year)
• Staff survey did not show interest in the full mid-winter break (week of President's Day) - instead the preference is to spread the dates out in the spring to have longer weekends
• Danielle asked if the 3-day and 4-day weeks have impact on learning for students as she has noticed as a mom of kids in all 3 schools that they tend to not have as much work those weeks and their schedules seem less rigorous; suggestion was made to emphasize this with teachers that expectations should remain the same regardless of the number of days in the school week - some teachers are better at this than others
• The board also asked the reasoning for not ending the school year on a Friday - it was explained that if the two snow days are used and we go over, it gives us room to add the days needed without having to push to a Monday to end the school year
• This 2027-2028 draft schedule aligns our spring break with area schools, unlike the 2026-2027 school year spring break
• Dave asked if a 4-day school week is on the table in the future; Mr. Straw thought there were  schools in the area piloting this, but it has not been discussed for Freeman

Lisa mentioned Kirk's update regarding safety.  

Freeman is hosting GSI's InSchools Dinner event on 5/28 at the PRTC from 5-7pm.  David Funk is presenting regarding Freeman's solar project, with the intention of a tour of our completed panels that will be going live soon.  We'll have two MS students there to speak about what they learned regarding solar, and then there will be a five student Q&A panel (MS and HS students).  

The InSchools Dinners are an opportunity for business leaders to engage directly with regional K-12 school superintendents. This unique gathering offers a space for open dialogue, where you can ask candid questions, gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within our education system, and explore ways to strengthen the connection between business and education.

Our TK enrollment is dropping to 20 spots for next year due to state funding decisions.  We also have a higher graduating class than our incoming Kindergarten class.  Overall we are projected to be down 50 FTE students, which will have a tremendous impact on our budget.  There is a TK meeting next week to find out if we can get additional slots based on other schools usage of their allotment.  This declining enrollment is a trend around our area in most every district, and several districts are going through layoffs.  

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy & Procedure No. 5010 - 2nd Reading - Discrimination-Free Workplace, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 6570 - 2nd Reading - Property and Data Management, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 6910 - 2nd Reading - Construction Financing, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

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

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the 2026-2027 Fines and Fees, as presented. Nate Talbott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the FSD Anticipated Certificated and Classified Staff 2026-2027, as presented. Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the Anticipated Co-curricular Staff 2026-2027, as presented. Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed 4-1.  Dave Teague opposed.  There was no discussion.  

Rachael Schwartz introduced herself as the Booster Club Membership Chair and mentioned the Booster Club's interest in changing their policy regarding advertisement.  Clayton Panzeri then introduced himself as the President of the Booster Club and said they have been gaining momentum with business memberships.  This is great news, but the Booster Club is wanting to be able to put names of sponsors around the facilities in signage.  

Dave asked about gym space and if it will be digital signage (concern is having space for it). Clayton said the football/baseball/softball/track fencing has been the interest level (nothing indoor).  He said their idea is for signage that can be moved seasonally to the different field fencing.  The board wanted to make sure space was saved for senior posters.  Overall the concern is real estate, how big would signs be, will there be designated areas, etc.  

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the FHS Booster Club Policy Change Proposal, as presented. Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the Cross Country Camping Trip Proposal, as presented. Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the 8th Grade Field Trip Proposal to Corbin Park, as presented. Nate Talbott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy and Procedure No. 6920 - 1st Reading - Construction Design, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 6955 - 1st Reading - Maintenance of Facilities Records, as presented.  Dave Teague seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve Board Policy and Procedure No. 5401 - 1st Reading - Sick Leave, as presented.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The next board meeting will be on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM.  Danielle will not be in attendance due to the Track banquet, and Nate Talbott is likely out as well due to a work obligation.  Bill Morphy is 90% yes.  We need three board members in attendance.  

The following meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (Budget Hearing at 5:00 PM and Board Meeting at 6:00 PM), and Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM.    

Certified:                     

• Joanna Yearta – School Psychologist – 1.0 FTE Continuing (starting the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year)
• Colton Orrino – Resignation – FHS CTE Ag-Science/FFA Teacher – 1.0 FTE Continuing (effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year)
• James Robinson – Substitute Teacher
• Linda Mega – Resignation – FMS Math-Science Teacher – 1.0 FTE Continuing (effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year)
• Leah Heideman – Resignation – Speech Language Pathologist (effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year)                             

Classified:                    

• Katelyn Bedolla – FMS Secretary/ASB Bookkeeper (starting 8/5/26)

Extracurricular:           

• Colton Orrino – Resignation – FHS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Josie Marro – Resignation – MS Girls 7th Grade Head Volleyball Coach
• Leah Heideman – Resignation – HS Assistant Cross Country Coach
• Leah Heideman – Resignation – MS Head Track Coach
• Dave Ellis – Resignation – HS Head Soccer Coach

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

Recording Secretary _______________________________________

Board Secretary ___________________________________________

Board Chair _______________________________________________