Spokane International Academy

Minutes

Monthly Board Meeting

May

Date and Time

Wednesday May 27, 2026 at 4:30 PM

Location

Spokane International Academy, Media Center

777 E Magnesium Rd. Spokane, WA 99208

Directors Present

Ashlee Lent (remote), Cassie Anderson, Guillermo Espinosa, Javier Medina (remote), Maureen Rosette (remote), Ron Poplawski

Directors Absent

Charina Carothers, David James, John Pell

Guests Present

Chris Backman (remote), Jonathan Houston, CSC (remote), Lis Kraus, ASB Advisor (remote), Morgen Flowers-Washington, Myra Keast, Sam Schweda

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Cassie Anderson called a meeting of the board of directors of Spokane International Academy to order on Wednesday May 27, 2026 at 4:35 PM.

II. Consent Agenda

A.

Approve April Meeting Minutes

Maureen Rosette made a motion to approve the minutes from April Board Meeting (Virtual) on 04-30-26.
Ron Poplawski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

April Financials

C.

Approve Consent Agenda

Maureen Rosette made a motion to Approve the Consent Agenda.
Ron Poplawski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

III. ASB Monthly Report

A.

ASB Report to Board

Lis Kraus, ASB Advisor reported.

 

ASB elections completed (26-27 school year)

  • President - Emahni Grant
  • Vice President - Alvin Smith

Students requested an electronic payment option.

 

Upcoming Club Rush event for new club proposals.

 

Yearbook: 312 copies sold.

 

Athletics: Two Track & Field students advancing to state.

 

Two students were selected to attend Leadership Camp at EWU.

 

IV. Public Comment

A.

Parent, Chris Backman

  • Advocated for increased IEP reading interventions, particularly around dyslexia.
  • Noted alignment with RCW structured literacy requirements and ongoing professional development efforts.
  • Requested continued support and attention from administration and the Board.
  • Agreed to provide contact information for follow-up.

V. Enrollment 26-27

A.

Enrollment Update

 

As reported by Morgen Flowers-Washington:

 

  • Total accepted students: 878
  • New students: 182
  • Enrollment reopened on May 18.
  • Additional 20 offers extended to returning students who missed deadlines.

Key Considerations:

  • Kindergarten: Budget supports 4 sections; currently enrolled for 3.
  • 1st Grade: Active waitlist; may consider adding a section based on summer demand.
  • Previous year kindergarten sections: 3

Enrollment Targets:

  • Maximum capacity: 950 students
  • Preferred target (“sweet spot”): 900 students

Outreach Efforts:

  • Engagement with childcare providers and community events.
  • Nationwide decline in early childhood enrollment noted.

Waitlist:

  • No current kindergarten waitlist; all applicants have been offered placement.


 

VI. MAP Data

A.

Growth Update

MAP Data Review reported by Morgen Flowers-Washington:

 

ELA Results

  • Goal: 50% of students in the bottom 40% meet growth targets.
  • Met goals: All grades except 8th grade ELA.

Math Results

  • Below target in 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades.

Key Insights

  • Strong focus on interventions for lower-performing students, with continued support for all students.
  • WIN (What I Need) time not currently available in middle school.

Areas for Growth

  • Middle and high school math identified as the primary area for improvement.

Discussion

  • Attendance improvements observed; tardiness remains an issue.
  • Current consequence (Friday detention) has limited effectiveness.


 

VII. Head of School Update

A.

Academic Performance Framework

There were no questions from the board.

 

Note: Event sign-up sheet to be distributed for June events; quorum requirements must be met for public meeting compliance.

VIII. Budget 26-27

A.

Current Budgeting Realities

FY 2026–27 Outlook

  • Anticipated 10% budget reduction due to lack of state enrichment funding.
  • Rising costs for Chromebooks (due to higher RAM needs).

Current Financial Position

  • Current year budget remains strong.
  • Financial challenges expected next year despite positive carryover.

Grants

  • Received $250,000 grant (no restrictions).
  • Exploring school expansion grant for secondary level: 
    • Estimated additional funding of $1,200–$2,000 per student.

Cost Management

  • Staff reductions through attrition (except for two positions).
  • Pausing or reducing building projects.

Next Steps

  • Finance Committee to review budget in detail this month.

B.

Certified Staff Resignations

  1. Arica Tremblay
  2. Christopher Wolf
  3. Matt Bean

No further discussion recorded.

 

 

 

C.

Staff Compensations 26-27

No further discussion recorded.

IX. Governance

A.

Head of School Evaluation Process

Evaluation process launched: 

  • Includes self-evaluation, Board input, and direct reports.
  • Deadline: End of June

B.

Board Retreat Dates

  • Date: Friday, August 7
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Calendar invitation to follow

C.

Board Recruitment

  • Upcoming elections for Board positions (3-year terms).
  • Members should confirm intent to remain or run for positions.
  • Elections to be held by June.
  • Interested candidates should contact Cassie Anderson.

Compliance & Training

  • Recent audit identified gaps in required trainings (CPE).
  • Additional focus on compliance training planned for Board retreat.

 

X. Other Business

A.

Upcoming Meeting Planning

  • Next meeting will include budget review.
  • Extended meeting time scheduled: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.


 

XI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:56 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Guillermo Espinosa
Documents used during the meeting
None