REGULAR BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

DATE: January 26, 2026

TIME: 6:00 PM

LOCATION: Hybrid Meeting (in-person at District Learning Center and online)

PRESENT: Brad Wilson, Kim Thorpe, Stephanie Fuller, Barb Polley, Christy Nielsen, Jennifer Puckett, Cynthia Bertomeu, Madelyn Wallace, Holden Pollard, Amy Andrews, Erin Morin, Jon Higgins, Tiffany Viall, Jamie Pancho, Marc Alteio, and Georgia Mashayekh

AGENDA ITEMS / PUBLIC COMMENTS

• Call to order

Kim Thorpe called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.

• Public Comments or Request on Non-agenda Items

There were no public comments.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Approval of Agenda
• Approval of Minutes – January 12, 2026
• Payables and Payroll
• Personnel
• Highly Capable Program Handbook

Barb moved and Christy seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda

PRESENTATIONS

• CMS/CHS Drama Clubs

Madelyn Wallace and Holden Pollard shared a presentation about the CMS/CHS drama club demographics, next scheduled production, some past dramas, the club mission, recent events, upcoming events, and what the club means to them individually.

They answered questions from the board.

• CHS College & Career Coordinator – Amy Andrews

Amy shared a presentation with information about what her focus is this year, expanded opportunities for students at WVC, “On the Spot Admissions” events at CHS, FAFSA completion numbers, increasing student reach to all grades at CMS & CHS, meeting with CSI/CDA students, expansion of the College and Career tab in the district website, weekly FAFSA updates, Senior Adventure Kickoff, college & career fair, and streamlining the “acceptance to attendance” process for students.

Here is the link for the district webpage for all updated scholarships by deadline or by category, financial aid, and plenty more information about applying for post-secondary schools or training.

UPDATES

• MOE – Erin Morin
• Erin shared information about assessments that are going on in January and February.
• 5^th graders are looking at alternative options for their annual snow fieldtrip since there is no snow in Echo Valley. They may go to the Town Toyota Center Ice Rink.
• Attendance campaigns are being used to keep students in school daily. Attendance was at 92% for the 3 weeks prior to winter break. There will be another campaign prior to the spring break.
• SRO Bushy will be giving an internet safety course for parents next week. Informative letters have gone home to families to inform them about what internet issues are going on with MOE students and the dangers of this activity. MOE Parent Online Safety Night will be at 5:30pm on 2/5 at the PAC.

• Legislative – Stephanie Fuller
• The 2026 legislative session will be January 12^th through March 12^th. Stephanie went over the governor’s focus during this session, and what bills would help fund school districts.
• There have been many increases in utility and insurance costs for school districts, requiring more spending on these necessities without extra funding from the state. Insurance has gone up over 40% each year for the past two years.
• School districts are required to follow mandates in education, curriculum, testing, facility requirements, administrative and operational protocols. These mandates often exceed state and federal funding.
• Small school funding grants for modernization are usually for districts with 1000 students or less, making them out of reach for Lake Chelan SD.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

• Enrollment & Financial

Brad shared the enrollment and financial reports and talked about the number of current students over the past 5 years. He and Fabi are looking at enrollment numbers to plan for next year.

SUPERINTENDENT

• Celebrations

Thank you to the bus drivers and transportation department for safely moving students to and from school, athletics, field trips, and club/program events.  Even without snow on the ground this winter, the drivers have been ready for any weather.

• Disneyland Trip Update

The CHS Band department is finalizing details for their trip to Disneyland in April. There are 47 students, 4 adults, and one guide all set to go in April.  The last payments are being made.

• Family and Community Engagement

Brad reminded the board that several focus groups met with Gene Sementi, Christy, and Stephanie last week to discuss the outcome and interests around the bond and future needs of the district.

Christy and Stephanie shared their perspectives on what they heard and learned from the community.

It was interesting that every group had a different focus.

Brad shared a presentation with the district Strategic Plan and “How to Stay in Touch”. This is the presentation that he shared at the Chelan State of the City event last week.

BOARD POLICIES / ACTION ITEMS

• BP 2108 – Learning Assistance Program – 2nd Read

Stephanie moved and Christy seconded a motion to approve BP 2108 as presented; motion carried.

• BP 5010 & Procedure – Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action – 1st Read
• BP 5011 & Procedure – Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited – 1st Read

These policies and procedures will be taken to the next meeting for a 2^nd reading.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

• To consider the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of decreased price. However, final action on selling or leasing public property shall be taken in a meeting open to the public. RCW42.30.110

Kim moved the board to executive session at 7:08 pm for approximately 15 minutes with no action to be taken.

ADJOURNMENT

Kim Thorpe reconvened the board to regular session and adjourned the meeting at 7:21 pm.

_____________________________                              ______________________________________

Kim Thorpe, Board Chair                                                                  Brad Wilson, Superintendent