From the meeting on May 27, 2015

Next meeting is June 10, 2015

Board in Brief

News and Highlights from the Latest School Board Meeting

Board Honors "Employees of the Year"

"Employees of the Year" celebrating their awards with board members, and Dr. Apostle.

The Kent School District Board of Directors honored the "Employees of the Year" at an award ceremony and reception preceding the regular board meeting. Selected from each employee group, the winners provide unique and valuable contributions to the KSD community. Their nominations were based on characteristics related to all of the Kent School District strategic goals.

Brett Allen, Head Football Coach/Teacher, Kent Association of Coaches and Extra-Curricular Employees/WEA

Kimberly J. Baird, Bus Driver, Teamsters Association

Lyndy A. Baron, School Nurse, Kent Education Association - Non-Classroom Certificated Staff (KEA)

Regina L. Bentley, Elementary Cook/Manager, Kent School Food Service Association (KSFSA)

Stephanie Bolinger, Elementary Teacher, Teacher of the Year, Kent Education Association (KEA)

Carol A. Chandler, ELL Paraeducator, Kent Association of Paraeducators WEA/NEA (KAP)

Brenda L. Louie, Human Resources Assistant, Central Office Administration Support (Non-Rep)

Ginger Ott, HVAC Technician, American Federation of Teachers Union of Washington (AFT)

Rona L. Popp, Director of Categorical Programs, Central Office Administrators (Non-Rep)

Tammy J. Unruh, Principal, Kent Principals Association (KPA)

Michaela "Mickey" Anderson

Michaela "Mickey" Anderson, Athletics and Activities Administrative Assistant, Kent Association of Educational of Office Professionals (KAEOP), awarded posthumously to her family

Student Advisory Members Share Experience

Representatives from the Superintendent's Student Advisory, Cindy Chen, Katie Berger, and Ryan Meredith shared information about their learning experiences on the advisory, the leadership and speaking skills they gained, and their visit to Olympia as part of the Legislative Assembly on March 2, 2015. The advisory was initiated by Dr. Vargas to gain input and perspective on the best ways to effectively serve student needs and improve the educational experience for students in KSD. The advisory has been meeting monthly since March 2011. The students reported a strong desire to continue the program and to expand the scope in coming years.

Alternative Learning Experience Program Report

The Kent School District believes in providing educational programs that meet the unique needs, abilities, and learning styles of all students and has established optional or choice programs providing individualized courses of study for students. Chief Academics & Innovation Officer Louanne Decker and School Improvement Officer Brad Brown reported to the Board on current programs and information being submitted to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

This year, 409 students were enrolled in alternative learning programs offered at Kent Phoenix Academy (KPA), Kent Mountain View Academy (KMVA), Kent Regional Justice Center, and in Career & Technical Education (CTE). Principals Stephanie Knipp (KMVA) and Tammy Unruh (Mattson Middle School), Assistant Principal Josh Eidson (KPA), and CTE Coordinator Lori Paxton all shared information on their programs and students with the Board.

Career & Technical Education 2015 Districtwide Plan

The Board approved the Career & Technical Education (CTE) 2015 Districtwide Plan. The approved plan meets the CTE program standards established by the Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and provides documentation and information in program delivery, accountability, course equivalencies, career counseling, and advisory committees.

Memorandums of Agreement with Local Colleges

The Board approved memorandums of understanding between the District and Western Washington University, Green River College, Highline College, and Renton Technical College.

Western Washington University provides a master's degree in educational administration, residency principal certification (master's or post-master's degree), teacher leader program, and initial superintendent certificate for KSD, and endeavors to make the curriculum in these programs congruent with district goals and initiatives. In return, Kent School District provides rental of spaces for classes, access to Internet and appropriate technology, and dissemination of program-related materials and publications to potential candidates in the District. In addition, the District provides recommendations for qualified adjuncts who may be asked to teach in the above-mentioned programs.

Kent School District is a member of the Puget Sound Dual Credit Career Consortium (Tech Prep) and thus, students are able to receive college credit at Green River College, Highline College, and Renton Technical College for Career & Technical Education courses that are aligned with college courses and are included on an approved articulation agreement. The overarching agreements for all three schools provide approval for Kent School District students to receive college credit for their high school Career & Technical Education courses.

Superintendent's Report

Kent Area PTA Council Senior Scholarships. Dr. Apostle attended the Kent Area PTA Council Senior Scholarship reception, speaking to the accomplishments of the recipients and providing a superintendent report during the business portion of the meeting.
Senior Oral Presentations at Kentridge. Dr. Apostle attended senior presentations at Kentridge High School and reported he was impressed with how the students presented themselves, the delivery of their messages, and how powerful the experience was.
Washington Achievement and School of Distinction Awards. Dr. Apostle has been visiting individual schools, along with other cabinet members, to celebrate the Washington Achievement and School of Distinction Awards.
American Sign Language Music Program. The American Sign Language Music Program is taking place at Kentlake High School this week. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. May 28-30.