White River School District

Minutes

Regular Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday April 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Location

District Board/Conference Room

Directors Present

Cassie Pearson, James Johnson, Karen Bunker, Matt Scheer

Directors Absent

Denise Vogel

Guests Present

Maiden Greene, Scott Harrison

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

Matt Scheer called a meeting of the board of directors of White River School District to order on Wednesday Apr 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Peldge of Allegiance was conducted.

C.

Record Attendance/Roll Call

Under roll call, Director Vogel was absent; all other directors were present.

D.

Approve Agenda

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

E.

Approve the Minutes of the March 11, 2026, Regular Board Meeting

James Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Meeting on 03-11-26.
Karen Bunker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

F.

Approve the minutes from the March 25, 2026 Board Study Session

James Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes from Study Session Meeting on 03-25-26.
Karen Bunker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

G.

Approve the minutes from the March 31, 2026 Special Session Meeting

James Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Session Meeting on 03-31-26.
Karen Bunker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Announcements and Recognition

A.

Board and Superintendent Highlights

Superintendent Harrison shared that there were a lot of things happening in our schools- spring sports, AP, State & 90% Data testing, state competitions (FFA & SkillsUSA), amongst other things, and that there were a lot of things to look forward to.  

B.

Next Board Executive Session Meeting April 22, 2026, 5:30 p.m. at DDC Board Conference Room

C.

Next Regular Meeting May 13, 2026, 5:30 p.m. at DDC Board Conference Room

D.

Retirement Celebration- May 28, 2026 3:30 pm District Board Conference Room

E.

Board and Superintendent's Star Award Presentations

Students were honored as follows:  Glacier Middle- Henry Allread; Mountain Meadow- Nayley Miller; Foothills- Beckett Rasmussen; White River High- Lillian Anderson Araujo; Elk Ridge- Rylee Soler; Wilkeson- Edyn Buckley; Early Learning Center- Alvin Ellis.

III. Highlight

A.

Foothills Elementary Leadership Report

Foothills Elementary Leadership students introduced themselves, shared a land acknowledgment and expressed their appreciation to their teacher, principal and families. They shared monthly events, special events they have been a part of so far to include a food drive

and a sneaker drive. They have been a part of numerous additional activities, such as the

Homecoming Parade, creating posters for food and sneaker drives, a field trip to GoodRoots NW, and Earth Day Campus Clean-up.  

B.

Elk Ridge Elementary Leadership Report

Elk Ridge Elementary Leadership students introduced themselves and shared that leadership is a choice and a commitment.   They went over the application process, and being in leadership means committing to leading by example, being kind, and staying positive.  They shared what they were proud to be a part of, including the WRHS Homecoming parade, the annual Veterans' Day assembly, and the Kiwanis Food Bank drive.  They also went over how they serve their school, what they volunteer for and upcoming projects.  Favorite lessons from leadership were shared, as well as how leadership helps with communication and relationship building.  

C.

WRHS ASB Activities Report

White River High School leadership students presented information about activities that have
been occurring-the Glow in the Dark Assembly (Survival of the Fittest), Spring sports, ASB elections, events occurring for clubs, Choir/Band update, the Daffodil Parade, and Prom.  Upcoming events include:

 

  • Senior Decision Day (23rd)
  • Leadership Field Trip (23rd) SERVUS
  • Prom Positivity Spirit Week (20th-24th)
  • Prom (25th)
  • Science testing (Juniors-Friday)
  • ELA SBA (21st, 22nd)
  • Math SBA (29th, 30th) 
  • Meisenbach Award Assembly April 27th
     

IV. Public Hearing

A.

Proposed Limited General Obligations Bonds Delegation

Director Scheer opened the hearing for public comment. There were no comments.
The hearing was closed.
 

V. Public Comment

A.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

VI. Break

A.

Break

Director Scheer called for a 5-minute break.  

VII. Consent Agenda

A.

Approve Actual Vouchers Issued March, 2026

B.

Approve Payroll Issued February 31, 2026

C.

Approve Personnel Report

D.

Approve Items for Surplus

E.

Approve Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families Regional Education Agreement

F.

Approve DSHS Rainier School MOU

G.

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.

VIII. Business Services

A.

Financial Report for February 2026

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
Year-to-date revenue collections in apportionment and local taxes are stable and predictable based on current enrollment and trend data, respectively. The decrease in investment earnings is driven by lower interest rates year over year (4.424% last February compared to 3.739% this year), which has reduced overall returns despite stable cash balances.


In FY24/25, we had collected just over $200,000 in E-Rate funding through February 2025. We have not received any E-Rate funding in FY25/26. The decrease is timing related. E-Rate funding is tied to project completion and reimbursement cycles, so revenue can vary significantly between years depending on when projects are executed.


The increase in District-wide support is primarily driven by higher insurance premiums and the 
timing of those payments, along with modest growth in technology-related costs. Additional 
variances reflect one-time or cyclical items, including election expenses, and targeted 
communication support through Strategies 360 for the successful February 2026 levy effort. Outside of these areas, central administrative costs remain stable.

 

CAPITAL PROJECTS
Revenue in February consisted of property taxes, investment earnings, an insurance recovery, impact fees, and proceeds from the tree farm harvest.

 

Similarly, expenditures were for small projects, and the costs related to the tree farm harvest.


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

 

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

 

IX. Action and Reports

A.

Approve Resolution 26-05 Limited General Obligation Bonds Delegation

Karen Bunker made a motion to approve Resolution 26-05 Limited General Obligation Bonds Delegation.
James Johnson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Approve Out of Endorsement Assignment for Heather Krist

Karen Bunker made a motion to approve the Out of Endorsement Assignment for Heather Krist.
James Johnson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Approve Out of State Travel for the White River High School girls basketball team to compete in the San Diego Classic tournament on June 24-June 28, 2026.

Karen Bunker made a motion to approve Out of State Travel for the White River High School girls basketball team to compete in the San Diego Classic tournament on June 24-June 28, 2026.
Cassie Pearson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Out of State Travel for the White River High School Jazz Band to participate in the Music in the Parks Festival in Portland, Oregon, May 8-9, 2026.

James Johnson made a motion to approve Out of State Travel for the White River High School Jazz Band to participate in the Music in the Parks Festival in Portland, Oregon, May 8-9, 2026.
Karen Bunker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

E.

Elementary Math Unit Data

Elementary TOSA's Heidi Lee and Wendy Ward gave an update on elementary Math.
For grades 2, 3 and 5, unit 5 data was shared and for grades K, 1 and 4, unit 6 data was
shared. They showed previous years' data comparisons, insights, next steps, strengths, and challenges. Data on work on the 90% goal was also shared.  They also went through observations on Number Corner Grid and Collector work and how these twols help students.  Mr. Brauer, Principal of Wilkeson Elementary, was brought out to demonstrate an Engagement Strategy being used in Geometry at Wilkeson that involved using bands to create shapes. Final thoughts on the district strengths, instructional practices driving success, and district next steps were shared.  
 

X. Board Policy Considerations

A.

First Reading of the following Board Policies:

Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Heather McMullen presented information on the policies.

 

  • Policy 3425- Accommodating Students with Adrenal Insufficiency
    • New Policy per WSSDA Policy and Legal News that is required by state or federal law
      • Language regarding the requirement of a “Designation of Parent Designated Adult” form
      • Changed “school nurse” to “district registered nurse” and “school health professional”
      • Reflects the passage of Substitute House Bill 1709 Addressing the care of students with adrenal insufficiency
      • Includes language about role and training responsibilities of parent-designated adults as outlined in RCW 28A.210.358
      • Additional Documentation- Designation of Parent Designated Adult” Adrenal Insufficiency WRSD Form
  • Policy 3411- Accommodating Students with Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy
    • Updates were prompted by new Policy 3425
      • Added language regarding the requirement of a “Designation of Parent Designated Adult” form
      • Changed “school nurse” to “district registered nurse” and “school health professional”
      • Includes language about role and training responsibilities of parent-designated adults as outlined in RCW 28A.210.358
      • Additional Documentation- Designation of Parent Designated Adult” Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy WRSD Form
  • Policy 3415- Accommodating Students with Diabetes
    • Updates were prompted by new Policy 345
      • Added language regarding the requirement of a “Designation of Parent Designated Adult” form
      • Changed “school nurse” to “district registered nurse” and “school health professional”
      • Includes language about role and training responsibilities of parent-designated adults as outlined in RCW 28A.210.358
      • Additional Documentation- Designation of Parent Designated Adult” Diabetes WRSD Form
  • Policy 3143- Notification and Dissemination of Information about Student Offenses and Notification of Threats of Violence or Harm
    • Revision to WSSDA Model Policy and policy is required by state or federal law and changes were prompted by the passage of HB 1296. 
      • Passage of HB 1296 - Promoting a safe and supportive public education system
      • Sets clear priorities and expands requirements for school districts: Policies and procedures adopted by school districts, must prioritize student privacy to the fullest extent possible, as written in the bill, “except as required by state or federal.
  • Policy 6630- Driver Training and Responsibility
    • Policy last updated 2011; “Key out” compliance needs
      • Added an exception to the “key out of ignition” rule when using wheelchair lift or in the case of an emergency
        • During active loading/unloading with a wheelchair lift, the driver may keep the key in the ignition and bus powered while remaining in direct supervision of the student, ensuring safety without being considered “unattended.”

All policies will go up for second reading and approval at the next regular board meeting. 

XI. Board and Superintendent Comments

A.

Board and Superintendent Comments

Superintendent Harrison shared the the Tacoma Career Fair was held that morning and ask Executive Director of Special Education, Molly Lutz, who attended and was part of the White River School District booth how it went.  She shared that it was a good turnout, there wa a lot of people in line to visit the WRSD booth and that they have heard a lot about WRSD.  Assistant Superintendent, Heather McMullen who also attended the fair, shared that people had heard about WRSD from the award and loved our statement.  Director Scheer shared the he loved the physical engagement in the lessons for math.  Superintendent Harris shared that Executive Director of Learning, Instruction and Technology, Lori Curtis attended the AP Research student presentations at the high school.  She shared that it was very interesting, with presentations on biodiesel, aerodynamics and more.   

XII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

It was moved by Director Johnson and seconded by Director Bunker to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 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 6:58 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Maiden Greene