The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.

Superintendent Harrison shared that the transportation department was recognized for their outstanding school bus inspection results and wanted to give kudos to the team.  Director Pearson shared highlights on the White River High School powerlifting team and how well they did at States, even breaking a record!  Director Vogel shared that WSSDA highlighted the four districts that received State Superintendent awards in two categories, and White River was one of them! Director Scheer shared how much he enjoyed being part of the Future Chefs Competition and said that everyone involved did a great job!  The samples were delicious!  Director Johnson wanted to acknowledge and thank all the teachers and building administrators for attending meetings to celebrate students and share their work. He understands it's a long day, so he appreciates them.

Board and Superintendents' Star Award Presentation- Students were honored as follows: Glacier Middle- Landyn Medisch; Mountain Meadow- Henley Kilcup; Foothills- Dahlia Pridgeon; Elk Ridge- Preslie Wiebenga; Wilkeson- Hudson Hughes; Early Learning Center- Camden Nyland; White River High- Luke Elliott.

Wilkeson Elementary Leadership students introduced themselves and shared what they have been doing throughout the year, and that their team is ready to help anybody in need.  They spoke about their adventures and work with the Coke Ovens, the Harvest Festival and meeting the Mayor of Wilkeson. The school's Food Drive was a huge success; they exceeded their goal and were told by the Food Bank that they had collected the most in the district! They spoke about the jobs they have around the school to include- dropping off goff bags to assigned classrooms, folding the flag with Mrs. Kayce, helping in the library putting books away, bus flag holders so students know which bus to go to, and as hallway monitors recognizing students who follow the Wildcat Way.  They spoke of their work as grade buddies for 1st and 2nd grade, Homecoming, assemblies, and morning announcements.  They shared why leadership was important to them and expressed their thanks for having the opportunity to share all their work.    

Mountain Meadow Teacher Tara Kaelin introduced the team that would be presenting to the board. She shared that there was so much interest in Leadership this school year that they created a Semester 1 and Semester 2 group so that all students interested could be part of it.  The students introduced themselves and shared the acronym for the team- HOWL (Have safety, Own your actions, Work to show respect, Learn every day) and the characteristics of being part of the team. They shared information on various Spirit weeks and fundraisers, including the Food Drive and a Boosterthon Dance Party.  They work with younger students as reading/morning work helpers,  recess helpers and student store helpers. They spoke of the various assemblies they have had and other activities they assist with.  They express their thanks for the time and attention.
 

Glacier Middle School leadership students presented information about activities that have been occurring- a season 4 sports update, the symphonic Band earning the highest ratings at a Regional Festival, and the Choir singing at a Mariners game. They also gave updates on the work of the Spirit Committee, the Social Committee, the Assembly Committee, Student Management, Envolve and the Service Committee.  

White River High School students presented information on events that have been occurring at the high school. They gave an update on Spring sports, Unified Soccer, the Chess Club and Drama Club.  They spoke of the activities they had for Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, the Spring Fling event, Prom, and the Health Science Field Trip. Upcoming events include FFA to State, the Choir End of Year Festival, Powder Puff game, Hornet Film Festival, Brind the STing, Band Concert, the Hornet Way Awards, and the Move Up Assembly and Graduation.    This presentation would be the last report for three members, as they are seniors and are graduating this school year. They shared their future plans and what leadership has taught them with the board. New team members will be introduced at the next regular board meeting.

Community Activities Coordinator Jason Keliher shared information on the program.  The program is continuing to grow and they have had a lot of participation. He gave updates on youth sports programs, high school partnership programs, drama productions, Kids Club, Camp Rapid, and specialty programs. He expressed his appreciation to all the valuable volunteers they have had that help make these programs possible- this year, they have had over 100 volunteers!  New for the community activities program next year is the White River High School Daycare. They will continue to focus on enhancing program quality.  He also gave an update on the facility use and provided information on who is using our facilities. The board thanked him for all his work and said that the program is great for the community.

There was no public comment.

President Vogel called for a 5-minute break.

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
Revenue is modestly ahead of last year which represents stability over time. State Apportionment and local property tax are slightly up and are the highest drivers of total revenue. Investments earnings are down, which is expected given current interest rates.
Rental revenue is higher than last year, primarily due to the new lease agreement with East Pierce Fire, along with increased facility usage overall.
 

When looking at food service revenue, we are analyzing all local, state, and federal sources together. While individual lines can vary, the overall program is supported by a combination of these funding streams, and we are seeing shifts in how that revenue is distributed across sources.

Special Ed expenditures plus encumbrances represent 99% of the budgeted amount. This is expected, as we have some high cost students who may qualify for Safety Net funding. The Safety Net application is pending review by the Safety Net Committee. We should receive an update in June.

CAPITAL PROJECTS
Revenue in March consisted of property taxes, 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 March.

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

Amy Low, Assessment and Learning Director, provided information on the instructional materials update in the board members’ agenda packets.  Items of note were:

The instructional materials committee has been working on K-5 writing materials and 6-8 Social Emotional Learning Materials. For the 2026-2027, they plan to work on:

• Continue K-5 ELA Foundational review/Writing
• GMS 6-8 SEL Field Test
• Work with the High School on the following:
  • 9-12 ELA Audit
  • Geo & Alg. 2
  • Physics 
  • Biology 
  • AP U.S.
  • AP H.U.G. 
  • AP Gov. 
  • AP Biology

• 2108-  Academic Support Programs
  • Revisions were made to update the policy, allowing for the integration of academic support programs to maximize and enhance student services.
• 4130- Title I Parental Involvement and Family Engagement
  • Revisions to this policy were provided, and a new procedure (still in works) was provided to reflect the recently updated Title I, Part A law to better support disadvantaged students. These changes aim to enhance educational equity by providing additional resources and support to schools with high percentages of low-income students.
• 5401-  Sick Leave
  • Updated to accurately articulate sick leave. The update refers to the RCW rather than listing it, as laws and CBAs change. 
• 5404- Family and Medical Leave
  • Updated to accurately articulate Family and Medical Leave to align with FMLA and PFML.
• 4260- Use of School Facilities
  • Updated discrimination categories
  • Includes language for outside user advertising or flyers
  • Includes use of facilities and consideration of the impact on district resources

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

Director Pearson shared that the school year has gone by fast, but it has been a good year with a lot of great stuff.

It was moved by Director Johnson and seconded by Director Scheer to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 pm.