Alicia Spencer

Ms. Spencer shared her experience as the parent of both a senior and an eighth-grade student, as well as a volunteer and part-time throwing coach for the track and field program. She described the challenges the team faced at the beginning of the season, including the lack of a practice facility and practicing in muddy conditions. Despite these obstacles, she praised the resilience and dedication of the student-athletes, noting the pride they developed while helping establish the program's legacy.

She shared that:

• This was the third season for the track program. 
• The team consisted of 15 student-athletes. 
• Two athletes qualified for the 1B State Championships. 
• Several seniors expressed interest in returning for an additional year. 
• Parents donated equipment and supplies to support the program. 
• Student-athletes participated in fundraising efforts throughout the year. 
• She expressed support for continuing both the Track & Field and Cross Country programs. 

Natalie McIchern

Ms. McIchern, a Running Start student at Spokane Falls Community College, shared that participating in track kept her connected to SIA during her senior year since she no longer attended classes on campus. She described her experience as very positive while noting concerns about limited equipment and encouraged additional support for the athletic program. She also shared that she plays basketball for Mead High School.

William Spencer

Mr. Spencer expressed concerns regarding communication about the track program. As a founding member of the robotics team, he stated that communication with families could be improved and noted that the Athletic Director was not present at track meets during the season.

At 4:53 p.m., the Board entered the annual Budget Hearing.

Budget Presentation

Sam Schweda, Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed 2026-2027 budget.

Key updates included:

• Enrollment projections increased by: 
  • 3 students in 6th grade 
  • 5 students in 9th grade 
• Projected Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment increased by 35.02. 
• The proposed budget reflects approximately $252,000 in additional revenue compared to the prior year. 
• Mr. Schweda discussed a potential, though low, risk to the school's bond rating. To proactively address this, the school has engaged a consultant, and bond rating performance will be monitored through the Finance Committee during the upcoming year. 

The Budget Hearing concluded at 5:17 p.m.

The Board received an enrollment update.

Highlights included:

• School offices will reopen on August 3, 2026. 
• Current projected enrollment is 941 students. 
• Kindergarten enrollment currently stands at 85 students, with a target of 96. 
• Administration indicated they are not concerned at this time, noting that kindergarten enrollment traditionally continues through the summer and that several other grade levels are currently over enrolled. 

Additional enrollment information is included in the Head of School Report.

There was no further discussion regarding the written July report.

Board members were reminded that the Head of School evaluation was scheduled to close at 11:59 p.m. on July 22.

Following completion of the evaluation:

• A summary report will be generated for Board review. 
• The Board will discuss the results. 
• A formal letter summarizing the evaluation will be prepared and sent to Head of School Morgen Flowers. 

The Board Retreat is scheduled for August 7, 2026, at Spokane International Academy.

Schedule

• 12:00-1:00 p.m.: Working lunch and August Board Meeting 
• 1:00-5:00 p.m.: Board Retreat 

Planned topics include:

• Board areas of focus 
• Committee structure and responsibilities 
• Roles and governance 
• Goals for the 2026-2027 school year 

The Board discussed recruitment efforts for new members.

Updates included:

• Several individuals have expressed interest in serving. 
• A candidate evaluation matrix has been created. 
• Board members were encouraged to identify and reach out to prospective candidates for future consideration. 

Loss of Quorum

During the meeting, quorum was lost.