The Medical Lake school board was in high spirits at its Feb. 17 meeting after the district’s maintenance and operations renewal levy passed 1,433-768 (65.11 percent). The levy rate will be $2.20 per $1,000 assessed property valuation for the next three years and will bring in approximately $1.2 million to the district per year.
Superintendent Tim Ames said there were some stressful moments for the district and the Committee for Medical Lake Schools, however the support has been great.
“It’s just been a tremendous outpouring,” Ames said.
The board thanked voters for the passage of the levy, as well as the volunteers who worked on the campaign.
“It’s a relief to have funding for three more years, we really appreciate everyone’s hard work,” school board president Rod Von Lehe said.
While the levy has passed, Ames suggested that the district continue reaching out to the community for more than just funding requests.
“We need to start having conversations with the community where we say ‘thank you for supporting our schools right now,’” Ames said.
In action items, the board approved the first readings of updated policies P3231 “Student Records,” P2151 “Interscholastic Activities” and P2150 “Co-Curricular activities.”
Ames said the only change in P2151 is that the board must approve all coaching stipends exceeding $500.
In regards to P2150, Ames said that co-curricular activities must have the following criteria:
• The subject matter of the activity is actually taught or will soon be taught in a regularly offered course.
• The subject matter of the activity concerns the body of courses as a whole.
• Participation in the activity results in academic credit.
• The board directs the superintendent to develop appropriate procedures for proper planning, funding, approval and implementation of all activities offered within the above guidelines.
The board approved the first and second readings of P5010 “Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action.” They also approved the second readings of ordinances P3207 “Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying” and P3115 “Homeless Students Enrollment Rights and Services.”
High school students Ulu Jamieson and Brook Koenen gave a presentation that proposed a Mr. and Miss Medical Lake High School fundraiser on March 6 to help raise money for the junior class’ prom. The board approved the fundraiser.
The board gave the district permission to bid on a Cooperative Milk and Dairy Contract for 2015-16 with four, one-year options to extend the contract. Assistant Business Manager Chad Moss explained that Medical Lake wants to join other Spokane County districts through an interlocal agreement to get “the best possible deal.”
The board looked at two options on the 2015-16 school calendar for beginning and ending school. On both calendars, the first day of school would start Sept. 7, 2015 and end on June 14, 2016. The only difference between the two calendars is that option-A designates May 27 as a no school/snow makeup day while option B has April 1 for the same purpose.
In other business:
● Middle School Principal Sylvia Campbell received the Gold Star Award from Gov. Jay Inslee for having a high percentage of students enrolled in the College Bound Scholarship Program.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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