LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes: SJI School Board, October 30, 2024

Superintendent Woods reported that they will begin to assess the cost of needed repairs for the two main school buildings. The recent legislative visit to Olympia addressed special education needs where the district has had a gap between funding and expenses for the last six years. He encouraged attendance at the planned January 11-12 lobbying event.

The Board approved the 2024-2025 School Improvement Plans (SIPs) for Friday Harbor Elementary School, Friday Harbor Middle School, Friday Harbor High School, and Griffin Bay School. SIPs include actions to improve student-to-student and student-to-adult connections, so that each student has someone to talk to.

Fred Woods presented for Griffin Bay School, Principal Andrea Hillman for the High School, Principal Holly Wehner for the Elementary School, and Principal Rod Turnbull for the Middle School. In the elementary school some children do not have the language skills or vocabulary to explain their feelings. In the high school. a survey revealed that most feel treated well by their peers. At Griffin Bay School (GBS) reading proficiency has improved somewhat. Some students attend GBS remotely 100% of the time and others attend school sporadically, making it more difficult to measure progress. Feedback from underperforming students said, “No one misses me if I am absent.” To encourage and create a positive environment, the teachers have started a postcard campaign to let students know they are missed when not in class.

The student body representative updated the board on High School student activities, including the Halloween trash pickup party, sports, the startup of twelve clubs, the No Backpacks Day, Homecoming, and the pending visit of representatives from 22 colleges and universities.

Total expected enrollment for the district is 780 versus 772 in 2023-2024, a slight increase over last year. Enrollment increases in October will help close the gap between budget and actual enrollment if the trend holds until year end.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.