The public comment procedures were read aloud. No public comments were offered.

R. Johnson expressed appreciation for the ongoing reports shared by the Executive Director and recognized the progress reflected in them.

Crystal shared upcoming student fundraising and events, including a movie night, another bake sale, and continued partnership exploration. Major spring events include the Old Hollywood spring formal, a culture night, and an end-of-year award show.

Crystal shared photos from the end-of-MAP-testing celebration at Round 1, which included the whole school.

Crystal reported she is co-leading a presentation with Dr. J on School Links, the state-provided High School and Beyond Plan platform, targeting 11th graders to strengthen career-planning participation. Board members discussed the value of leading career exploration with financial literacy (budgeting, rent, utilities, taxes) and offered to serve as guest speakers.

Jamila reported that student FTE stands at 62.8 with 67 students currently enrolled. Lower-than-expected SPED numbers continue to impact public revenue. Private revenue is at 73% (vs. 50% target) and expenses are at 48%, with positive cash on hand. Staff continue to keep spending tight and maximize grant use to preserve private revenue.

26-27 Recruitment: ~195 leads in the pipeline, with SchoolOps supporting enrollment during Angie's family leave. 35 applications have been submitted; 23 students have applied against an initial goal of 45 and a budget target of 110. Leads are being actively tracked.

Budget outlook: A projected ~$165,000 revenue shortfall will require staffing adjustments. The school is unlikely to be able to hire a separate school leader for 26-27; an alternative hybrid teacher-leader (TOSA) model is being explored. CTE pathway expansion (supported by Josh Jones and Margaret Rice) could increase CTE access and revenue as pathways are approved by OSPI CTE. Submission deadline is April 15, 2026.

N. Chen requested that field-trip opportunities and student transportation (including possible charter-bus service or pickups) be prioritized at the board retreat, based on feedback from students and community members.

The board received first reads on several policies, including an updated field trip / outdoor education policy (12:1 adult-to-student ratio, background-checked chaperones via ESD 112). Policies will return for approval at the April board meeting.

A. Davis presented the draft ED evaluation framework developed by the Governance Committee. Proposed cycle: evaluation period July 1 – June 30; all board members complete the evaluation in July using the BoardOnTrack tool; August board review of results and next steps; December mid-year check-in. The draft will be formatted and circulated, presented as a first read at the April 18 retreat, and brought to the April board meeting for a formal vote.

2026–27 School Year Calendar (First Read)

Jamila presented the draft 26-27 calendar: 184 school days, Wednesday early release, first day August 26, last day June 16. Two snow makeup days are scheduled (March 19 and June 17). Student-facing events are added to the calendar, including college night (September), Rooted and Beyond family nights (Sept, Nov, Jan, March), FAFSA night, a career fair, ACT testing, and graduation on June 11.

PTO Policy (First Read)

Jamila presented proposed revisions to the staff PTO policy to address language inconsistencies between the handbook and Gusto, equity gaps between classified and certificated staff, and excessive PTO accrual red flags. Proposed changes include an accrual cap, no payout upon separation, and alignment with Gusto. After board discussion raised concerns about process and the importance of giving staff advance notice, the board agreed to keep this as a first read. Staff will be notified of the proposed change so they can provide input, and the policy will return for a vote at the April board meeting.

Due to scheduling conflicts the April 18 retreat will be shortened to 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the school (in person preferred). Priority topics: budget and staffing decisions, a brief governance block (ED evaluation framework first read, board member job descriptions), and a short CTE opportunity report update.

The board recessed into executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110 to discuss potential litigation and receive legal advice. The executive session was announced to last approximately 10 minutes, with no final action to be taken during executive session. The board extended into a second executive session and reconvened in open session at 7:27 PM.

F-1 Personal Financial Affairs Statements are due April 15, 2026. The board chair requested all directors complete their F-1 filings by the following Friday. Next convening: Board Retreat, Saturday April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.