White River School District

Minutes

Regular Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday September 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

District Board/Conference Room 

310 River Avenue North, Buckley, WA 98321

or via Zoom (to request access via Zoom, call 360 829-3814)

Directors Present

Cassie Pearson, Denise Vogel, James Johnson, Karen Bunker

Directors Absent

Matt Scheer

Guests Present

Maiden Greene, Scott Harrison

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

Denise Vogel called a meeting of the board of directors of White River School District to order on Wednesday Sep 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

C.

Record Attendance/Roll Call

Under Roll Call, Director Scheer was absent; all other directors were present.  

D.

Approve Agenda

Karen Bunker made a motion to approve the agenda.
Cassie Pearson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

E.

Approve the Minutes of the August 20, 2025 Regular Board Meeting

James Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting on 08-20-25.
Cassie Pearson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Announcements and Recognition

A.

Next Study Session Meeting September 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. at DDC Board Conference Room

B.

Introduction of new Native American Education Facilitator

Executive Director of Equity and Achievement, Jer Argo, introduced the new Native American Education Facilitator for the district, Aryanna Sherman, to the board.  He shared that Ayranna comes with a lot of experience, and that we are excited to have her join the White River family.  

C.

Board and Superintendent Highlights

Superintendent Harrison shared that all kids are back in school and its good to have buildings filled again.  He wanted to give a huge shout out to the maintenance and custodial teams for all their hard work completing summer projects and getting our schools ready for the new school year.  Fall athletics looks good, over 800 participants and enrollment looks good.

 

Director Vogel asked about any impacts from the closure of the White River Bridge.  Superintendent Harrison shared that Executive Director of Human Resources is doing a good job communicating with staff and seeing if there are any needs.  An Interdistrict Agreement with Enumclaw SD regarding transportation of athletes is up on the agenda for approval this evening. The Governor presented this morning at the bridge and the hope is for a November reopening.  

III. Highlight

A.

WRHS ASB Activities Report

White River High School leadership students presented information on things that have
been occurring at the high school. First, they introduced their Word of the Year, which was culture, as they want to build a culture at the high school.  The new Vice President was introduced to the board.  They shared information regarding the ASB Retreat that they had over the summer, Senior Sunrise, Leadership Prep Day, Freshman First Day and Homecoming Spirit Week.  A fall sports update was given and upcoming events were shared. 

B.

Glacier Middle School Leadership- Camp Columbia

Glacier Middle School Leadership teacher Becky LaMont gave a brief overview of the theme
for Camp this year. Students introduced themselves and shared their experiences at camp
to include highlights, things they learned, and things they'll bring back to school.  Mrs. LaMont shared her highlights of the experience and how proud she was of the students; she sees the confidence they get and the impact they have.  She thanked the WREF for their support. This is the fourth year that students have been able to participate, and she sees the effects ripple through the school.  

IV. Public Comment

A.

Public Comment

Director Vogel opended the floor for public comment.  There was no Public Comment.

V. Break

A.

Break

Director Vogel called for a quick 5-minute break.  

VI. Consent Agenda

A.

Approve Actual Vouchers Issued August, 2025

B.

Approve Payroll Issued August 31, 2025

C.

Approve Personnel Report

D.

Approve Interdistrict Agreement White River SD and Carbonado SD SPED Services 2025-26

E.

Acceptance of Final Completion

F.

Washington State Board of Education Minimum Basic Education Compliance

G.

Approve Instructional Materials Committee Members 2025-2026

H.

Vote on Consent Agenda Items

James Johnson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda items.
Karen Bunker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VII. Business Services

A.

Financial Report for the Month of July, 2025

Under Business Services, Donna Morey provided the information for the monthly financial report in the board members’ agenda packets. There were no questions. Items of note were:

 

GENERAL FUND
We have now collected 99.8% of our budgeted local property tax. We typically budget slightly under 100% of the total collectable amount to compensate for delinquent payments.

 

Investment earnings total just over $878,000 through July.

 

CAPITAL PROJECTS
Expenditures in July were for the WRHS building improvements, the GMS bleachers (covered by insurance) and various small projects.

 

Revenue received in July consisted of tax collections, investment earnings and impact fees.

 

DEBT SERVICE FUND
There was no significant activity in the Debt Service Fund in July.

 

TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE FUND
There was no significant activity in the Transportation Vehicle Fund in July.
 

VIII. Action and Reports

A.

Approve Overnight Travel for FFA members to attend FFA Leadership camp at Camp CISPUS in Randle, WA October 3-4, 2025

Karen Bunker made a motion to Approve Overnight Travel for FFA members to attend FFA Leadership camp at Camp CISPUS in Randle, WA, October 3-4, 2025.
Cassie Pearson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Approve Interlocal Agreement between White River School District and Enumclaw School District Regarding the Transportation of Student Athletes and Coaches.

James Johnson made a motion to approve Interlocal Agreement between White River School District and Enumclaw School District Regarding the Transportation of Student Athletes and Coaches.
Karen Bunker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Approve overnight travel for the WRHS Treble Choir to attend the Treble Choir Retreat at Lakeview Retreat Center in Auburn, WA, October 5-October 6, 2025

Cassie Pearson made a motion to approve overnight travel for the WRHS Treble Choir to attend the Treble Choir Retreat at Lakeview Retreat Center in Auburn, WA, October 5-October 6, 2025.
Karen Bunker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Approve overnight travel for the WRHS Chamber Choir to attend the Chamber Choir Retreat at Lakeview Retreat Center in Auburn, WA, November 9-11 2025

Karen Bunker made a motion to approve overnight travel for the WRHS Chamber Choir to attend the Chamber Choir Retreat at Lakeview Retreat Center in Auburn, WA, November 9-11, 2025.
Cassie Pearson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

IX. Closing Items

A.

Board/Superintendent Comments

Director Bunker expressed that she was excited to hear that the new Choir teacher is continuing to do the choir retreats.  Director Vogel added that she has heard great things about him.  Superintendent Harrison shared that a lot of work goes into the hiring and onboarding process and thanked Executive Director of Human Resources, Sunday Ferris, and her team for their support.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:06 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Maiden Greene

It was moved by Director Johnson and seconded by Director Bunker to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m. Motion carried.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded
and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:06 PM.