LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes: SJI School Board, September 25, 2024 New school board member Melanie Hess was sworn in.

A member of the public representing The Initiative for Boys and Men gave board members the group’s report on the status of boys and men in Washington state, which includes policy recommendations. He noted education was a key area of the report and recommendations focused on ways to improve school attendance and outcomes for boys.

Superintendent Fred Wood reported that the district’s request for state funding to support capital projects made the state list but ranked low in priority. Nonetheless getting on the list was an achievement. Noting recent public comment on the need to replace school siding, he said that after the levy passed there is a considerable lag before the tax is collected and transferred. They will begin the bidding process shortly and expect to complete the project next summer. They are still wrapping a few final repairs to Stuart School. All principals have reported a good start to the new school year.

The Student Body representative also reported a good start to the school year with a helpful freshman orientation and great participation and sign-ups during the recent Club Fair. Coming up on October 8 is College Fair Day and Homecoming on October 11.

The principals reviewed the updated mid-point results of their school improvement plans with most categories showing improved outcomes and in nearly all cases well exceeding state averages. In most cases they are now meeting or exceeding pre-Covid numbers and Woods noted that the 2024 graduating class was the last class to have spent any high school years doing remote learning. Woods did the report for Griffin Bay that managed to get notable improvements in attendance during the year.

The League observer departed the meeting before it concluded and was not present for final portions.

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.