Board met quorum for this meeting.

Voters:

Adrienne Mason    -    Present Remote

Denise Grant         -    Present Remote

Nathan Webster    -    Present In-Person

Sheila Davis          -    Present In-Person

Taina Knox            -    Present Remote

Toby Martin           -    Present Remote

Yesenia Martinez    -    Present In-Person

Others:

Frank Ingargiola     -    Present Remote

Jonathan Johnson  -   Absent

Sandra Yokley        -    Present Remote

Steven Carney        -    Present In-Person

We humbly acknowledge that Rooted School Vancouver stands on the ancestral lands

of the Indigenous peoples of this region. We recognize and honor the historic and

continued presence of the Cowlitz, Chinook, Klickitat, Yakama, Grand Ronde, Wasco,

and Wishram peoples.

We acknowledge the trauma and injustice inflicted upon Indigenous communities

through centuries of colonization, displacement, and assimilation efforts. As we seek

to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, we commit to

learning from and partnering with Indigenous communities to promote healing and

equity.

We also recognize the invaluable contributions and knowledge of Indigenous peoples

to our shared history, culture, and identity. We are committed to integrating Indigenous

perspectives and knowledge into our curriculum and ensuring that the voices and

experiences of Indigenous students are heard and valued in our school community.

There were no additional community members present for this meeting.

Our Public Comment period is for members of the public to address the board. Each

member of the public may sign up to comment at the meeting and will be allotted three - five minutes. 

The board will listen, but may not directly respond to any comments.

Please do not use specific student, teacher or administrator names in your comments

as our meetings are open to the public and public record, and we must adhere to

FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. As such, if your comment is

about a private matter, please contact the board via email, or speak to the board chair

privately.

*There was no public comment for this meeting.

Sandra and Steven presented the pre-opening report and all things appeared to be progressing in a timely manner.

Sandra presented some of the challenges she has been facing, but provided a positive outlook for the future of RSV opening on time.

• Sandra and Steven gave an update on staff recruitment and hiring.
• Hiring/recruitment platforms are in place and will be updated as needed.

Fund Development Committee Report March 2023.pdf

Rooted School Foundation Report (March 2023).pdf

Background:

The Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

of 1973 policy aims to provide appropriate educational services to students with

disabilities as defined by Section 504.

This policy and procedures are rooted in the belief that all students, regardless of their

disabilities, have the right to access education that meets their individual needs. The

policy emphasizes the responsibility of the Executive Director or designee to establish

procedures for identifying and evaluating students who may be eligible for Section 504

services, providing appropriate accommodations and modifications, and ensuring that

they have access to the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

This policy is supported by legal references and is cross-referenced with other policies

related to special education, nondiscrimination, and the use of restraint and isolation.

These procedures serve as a guide for Rooted School Vancouver to ensure that

students with disabilities have access to educational programs and activities that are

equal to those provided to non-disabled students. The procedures cover key aspects

such as identification, evaluation, placement, procedural safeguards, and monitoring progress, and emphasize the importance of collaboration between parents, teacher, and other school personnel.

2162 Policy Education with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.pdf

2162P Procedure Education with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.pdf

Background: 

Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

of 1973 policy aims to provide appropriate educational services to students with

disabilities as defined by Section 504.

This policy and procedures are rooted in the belief that all students, regardless of their

disabilities, have the right to access education that meets their individual needs. The

policy emphasizes the responsibility of the Executive Director or designee to establish

procedures for identifying and evaluating students who may be eligible for Section 504

services, providing appropriate accommodations and modifications, and ensuring that

they have access to the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

This policy is supported by legal references and is cross-referenced with other policies

related to special education, nondiscrimination, and the use of restraint and isolation.

These procedures serve as a guide for Rooted School Vancouver to ensure that

students with disabilities have access to educational programs and activities that are

equal to those provided to non-disabled students. The procedures cover key aspects

such as identification, evaluation, placement, procedural safeguards, and monitoring progress, and emphasize the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers,

and other school personnel.

2162P Procedure Education with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.pdf

2162P Procedure Education with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.pdf

Background:

The "Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students" policy of Rooted

School Vancouver aims to provide special education and related services to students

whose disabilities adversely impact their educational performance. The policy ensures

compliance with federal and state requirements and provides a continuum of

placement options. Eligibility for special education services is determined on an

individual basis, and accommodations, modifications, and related aids and services

are provided in accordance with the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The

policy also includes provisions for mediation or resolution agreements and

commencement exercises. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and

maintaining special education procedures to implement this policy, which is available

to the public. Legal references and cross-references are included.

The "Special Education and Related Services" procedure of Rooted School Vancouver

provides a detailed framework for implementing the "Special Education and Related

Services" policy. The procedure outlines the processes for identifying students in need

of special education, developing individualized education programs (IEPs), and

providing appropriate services, accommodations, and modifications to meet their

needs. The procedure also covers the roles and responsibilities of school staff,

including the Executive Director, in implementing the policy. By following this

procedure, the school can ensure compliance with federal and state requirements

governing special education and provide eligible students with the necessary support

to improve their educational performance.

2161P Procedure Special Education and Related Services.pdf

2161 Policy Special Education and Related Services.pdf

Background:

This policy outlines the Rooted School Vancouver's commitment to implementing a

learning assistance program aimed at providing additional support to high school

students who do not meet state English language arts or mathematics standards. The

LEA will use multiple measures of performance to identify eligible students, including

state assessments or other performance measurement tools. The program will also

coordinate with other federal, state, and local programs to serve the maximum number

of eligible students. The LEA will use best practices in providing program services, and

an annual report will be submitted to the superintendent of public instruction to detail

the academic growth gained by participating students and the number of students who

exit the program due to meeting academic standards.

2108 Policy Learning Assistance Program.pdf

Background:

This policy outlines the school's commitment to ensuring equal access to education for

homeless students and their families. The school will work with these students to

remove educational barriers to their academic success and provide them with the

same free and appropriate education offered to other students. The policy defines

homeless students as those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence

and lists several examples of homeless situations. The school will provide school

services for which homeless students are eligible, including Title I, state programs,

special education, and vocational and technical education programs. The policy

designates a liaison to coordinate with social service agencies and review and

recommend amendments to school policies that may act as barriers to enrollment of

homeless students. The school will also facilitate on-time grade level progression for

homeless students and provide opportunities for them to accrue credit. The policy

includes legal references and cross-references to related school policies.

The procedure outlines the school district's responsibilities for identifying, enrolling,

and providing services to homeless students in accordance with the McKinney-Vento

Homeless Education Act. The Act requires school districts to ensure that homeless

students have access to the same educational opportunities and services as their

housed peers. This procedure establishes guidelines for school personnel to identify

homeless students, make school placement decisions, provide transportation, and

facilitate access to support services. By implementing this procedure, Rooted School

Vancouver is fulfilling its legal and moral obligation to support the academic success of

all students, including those experiencing homelessness.

3115 Policy Homeless Students_ Enrollment Rights and Services.pdf

3115P Procedure Homeless Students_ Enrollment Rights and Services.pdf

Background:

The purpose of this policy is to create a more inclusive and equitable educational

environment for students who exhibit exceptional academic capabilities. By addressing

the shortcomings of traditional highly capable programs, the policy aims to ensure that

all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to intellectual nurturing

and support to reach their full potential. This policy promotes the fair identification and

response to students with unique academic needs, fostering a more diverse and

inclusive learning experience.

Rooted School Vancouver is committed to fostering the academic and social growth of

all students, including those with exceptional intellectual abilities. We recognize the

need for equitable identification and support for highly capable students, who may not

have been traditionally identified due to systemic barriers. Procedure 2190 establishes

a comprehensive approach to identify, assess, and support highly capable students

through multiple objective criteria and a diverse assessment process that prioritizes

equitable access. This procedure ensures that every student has the opportunity to

thrive, with tailored support services and a transparent appeals process. RSV's

dedication to equity and inclusion in our Highly Capable Programs reflects our

commitment to nurturing the unique potential of each student in our community.

2190P Procedure Highly Capable Programs.pdf

2190 Policy Highly Capable Programs.pdf