Showing posts with label school board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school board. Show all posts

School board study session Tuesday focuses on fall return to school plans

Saturday, August 14, 2021

The Shoreline School Board will hold a study session focused on fall return to school plans on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:00pm.

This study session will be held in person in the Shoreline Room at the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE, and also available online via Zoom. 

See the details and links below to attend via Zoom. 

Please note that due to updated guidance from the Department of Health, we will implement 6-foot distancing between those in attendance and all attendees must wear masks.

Attending the August 17 School Board Study Session Online:

Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89905155727...
Passcode: 404046
Webinar ID: 899 0515 5727

Dial-In Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833



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School board meeting Monday June 21, 2021 in person and on zoom

Sunday, June 20, 2021


A School Board Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 21 at 7:00 pm in the Shoreline Center Board Room. The meeting will be held in person with limited capacity and also available online via Zoom.

The board will hear detailed finance reports from April 2021 and enrollment figures for May / June 2021.

The full meeting agenda is available here

Provide written public comments on this online form by 12:00pm on Monday, June 21 and it will be provided to the Board. There will also be a live public comment period during the in-person meeting.

Attend the June 21 Regular Meeting Online:

Time: 7:00 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84411944600?pwd=S0FHbmRWU3p6VGxCaTV3cWtuVytVUT09

Passcode: 279468
Call-in numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 844 1194 4600

15 people can attend the June 21 Regular Meeting in person:

Registration using the link below is required to attend this meeting in person. To adhere to in-person meeting guidance, capacity will be limited to 15 attendees. You must register for the meeting using the link below by 10:00am on June 21. Registered attendees will receive an email the morning of the meeting confirming their registration and instructions for attending.

Register to attend the June 21 Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm

The Board Room is off the main lobby at 18560 1st Ave NE in the Shoreline Center.


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Shoreline School Board announces three finalist candidates for the next Superintendent of Shoreline Schools

Friday, April 16, 2021

After a nationwide search, the Shoreline School Board has announced three finalist candidates for the next Superintendent of Shoreline Schools.

School Board President Meghan Jernigan said, 
“We are incredibly excited to bring forward three outstanding candidates for Shoreline Superintendent, each of whom are student-centered leaders committed to equity and academic excellence. 
"We look forward to the upcoming candidate forums, and want to thank the community for participating in this process.”

The three finalists are:

Dr. Kristina Bellamy
Director of K-12 Teaching and Learning
Anchorage School District
Anchorage, AK

Dr. Concie Pedroza
Chief of Support Services
Seattle Public Schools
Seattle, WA

Dr. Susana Reyes
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Pasco School District
Pasco, WA

Dr. Kristina Bellamy
Since 2018, Dr. Kristina Bellamy has served as Director of K-12 Teaching and Learning in the Anchorage School District in Alaska. As Alaska's largest school system, it serves 48,000 students. 

Over the last 20+ years, Dr. Bellamy has served public school systems in several capacities to include: substitute, classified staff member, teacher, principal and district administrator. She holds two Masters degrees (Elementary Education and Educational Leadership), and a Doctorate of Education Leadership and Policy Studies, from the University of Washington.

Widely regarded as a tenacious advocate for students, and a culturally responsive leader who motivates and inspires others to action, Dr. Bellamy has been actively engaged in helping to shape policy, practice and culture through her various roles. As a systems-thinker, she is committed to her charge of expanding adult capacity to handle adaptive challenges, while driving equity-focused inquiry and action. Kristina is the proud mommy of a 5-year-old son. They reside in Anchorage, Alaska.


Dr. Concie Pedroza
Dr. Concie Pedroza began her career as a classroom teacher over 25 years ago and later served as an elementary, K-8, and high school principal. She currently serves as the Chief of Student Support Services in Seattle Public Schools, the largest district in Washington State, leading the departments of Advanced Learning, Admissions, Enrollment Planning, Athletics, Special Education and 504. A commitment to racial equity and educational excellence for all students center her leadership and instructional approach. Under her leadership, Orca K-8 in Seattle Public Schools earned three consecutive School of Distinction awards for student growth and performance. Dr. Pedroza was later selected as the first principal of Seattle World School supporting immigrant and refugee students representing over 35 languages. During her principal tenure, the school celebrated its first graduating class, high school accreditation, and she was recognized for her work with families and community partners. Dr. Pedroza is a former Principal Leadership Coach, supporting the professional growth of school leaders and served as the Director of the Department of Racial Equity Advancement overseeing professional development for culturally responsive practices and anti-racism at all levels of the system, including the school board to school-based racial equity teams. 

Dr. Pedroza is a state expert on all issues of PreK-12 education. She has served on OPSI’s Bilingual ESSA workgroup, Student Day Taskforce, Reopening Schools Washington Operations Taskforce and most recently as the Chair of the Bilingual Education Advisory Committee to Superintendent Reykdal. Her commitment to anti-racist actions with attention to centering family and student experiences are central to her work in schools and in every position that she has served. Dr. Pedroza earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Washington.

Dr. Susana Reyes
Dr. Susana Reyes is the Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Pasco School District. Previously, Dr. Reyes served as Assistant Superintendent of Special Services for the Mead School District and before that, was the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the Pullman School District. Dr. Reyes’ experience in education includes principal, assistant principal, and bilingual elementary teacher for the Wapato School District. Dr. Reyes serves on the Washington State Board of Education. She is also a member of the board of the Washington Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and a member of the Board of Trustees of College Spark Washington. Dr. Reyes was born in Mexico City and is a first-generation college graduate. She attended Wapato Public Schools and graduated from Wapato High School. Dr. Reyes earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Washington State University as well as her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in education administration. She holds the Principal Certificate and Superintendent Credential also from WSU.

The three finalists will be interviewed by the School Board on April 27-28. Each finalist will also hold an open community forum via Zoom webinar. 

You can submit questions for the finalists’ community forums here. Questions must be submitted by Monday, April 26 at 5:00pm.

The open community forums are limited to 500 attendees each and will be recorded and posted to the school district website the day following each forum. 

Below is the schedule of open community forum webinars, log in information and a link to submit questions.

Dr. Kristina Bellamy
Tuesday, April 27 – 8:00-9:00 pm

Zoom link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84209497964?pwd=dzdrZUVOUzVpWWRUU0MyWG1KL2VPdz09

Webinar ID: 842 0949 7964
Passcode: 348357

Dr. Susana Reyes
Wednesday, April 28 – 5:45-6:45 pm

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82630697118?pwd=RU5scTBHTUpXSU56N2xrb09xN09tdz09

Webinar ID: 826 3069 7118
Passcode: 780241

Dr. Concie Pedroza
Wednesday, April 28 – 6:45-7:45 pm

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87959753654?pwd=TWhpTllHZURvbVRKcjM2SEhhT1J4Zz09

Webinar ID: 879 5975 3654
Passcode: 447667

You can find information on the superintendent search process here.



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Update: Search for new Shoreline Schools superintendent moves into next phase

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Shoreline school board, student reps, and Superintendent Miner

The deadline recently passed for interested candidates to submit their applications and materials to be the next superintendent of Shoreline Schools. 

On Wednesday, April 7 from 10:00am – 6:00pm, the School Board and superintendent search consultant GRRecruiting will meet in executive session to review applications and select candidates to be interviewed.

The School Board will conduct the first round of interviews in executive session on April 12 from 2:00 – 6:00pm and April 13 from 12:00–6:00pm. 

The School Board will then identify its top three candidates to be invited for the final round of interviews on April 26-27. The final round of interviews will be conducted in a hybrid format with in-person and remote opportunities for community participation. Additional details regarding times and processes for participating in the final round of interviews will be shared in the coming weeks.

Current superintendent Rebecca Miner informed the Board in December that she will be leaving on June 30, 2021. See previous article



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Attend school board meeting virtually

Sunday, February 7, 2021


School Board Regular Meeting and Study Session scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2021.

The study session will begin at 5:00pm to review and discuss school district budgets. 

The regular meeting will follow at 7:00pm. Topics on the meeting’s agenda include District priorities progress reports, 2021-2022 enrollment projections, legislative update and a policy revision.

You can view the posted agenda for these meetings on the website calendar. If you would like to listen to the meeting, you can do so by using the links or call-in phone numbers below. 

If you would like to provide written public comment for this meeting, you can do so by filling out this online form by Monday, February 8 and it will be provided to the Board.

School Board Study Session at 5:00 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86548734168?pwd=VTJiNkMySXlzNXp2RGVRd2xIUlJvQT09

Passcode: 383343

Call-in numbers:  1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 865 4873 4168

School Board Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82123042381?pwd=ZEJpTjVlMWFnMG12bWhQbkhjaFliZz09

Passcode: 402118
Call-in numbers:  1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 821 2304 2381



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Special school board meeting January 5 to choose search consultant for new superintendent

Thursday, December 31, 2020

2021 Shoreline School Board
  • Top row: District #1/Board President Meghan Jernigan, District #2 Emily Williams, District #3 Sarah Cohen, District #4 Rebeca Rivera.
  • Bottom row: District #5 Sara Betnel, Shorecrest Rep Mareshet Pulliam, Shorewood Rep Raphael Berhane, Superintendent Rebecca Miner.


On May 29, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation (view it here) regarding the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act. The proclamation prohibits us from conducting board meetings in-person, and requires us to provide, at a minimum, telephonic access to meetings. This proclamation has been extended and expires on January 19, 2021.

There is a Special School Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 5 at 6:30pm to review, discuss and select a superintendent search consultant.

You can view the posted agenda for this meeting on our website calendar and can listen to the meeting by using the links or call-in phone numbers below. 

If you would like to provide written public comment for the January 5 meeting, you can do so by filling out this online form by 12:00pm on Tuesday, January 5 and it will be provided to the Board.

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85295558954?pwd=ZWVhZWdhS0dYVVRjZTFxQTZZd08vdz09
Password: 376893
Call-in numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799




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Emily Williams and Sarah Cohen join the Shoreline School Board

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The Shoreline School Board is once again a board of five members after two new members were sworn in this past week.


Emily Williams, Shoreline School Board member District #2

Emily Williams, who was appointed to the District 2 position on November 2, 2020, was sworn in at the Board’s regular meeting on December 7, 2020. The Board then held a special board meeting on December 10, 2020 to appoint and swear in Sarah Cohen to the District 3 position.

The Board had previously voted on November 2, 2020 to appoint Lama Chikh to the District 3 position, but it was later determined that she did not meet the citizenship eligibility required by state law to serve in that position.

Sarah Cohen, Shoreline School Board member District #3

“We were very fortunate to have had a large slate of qualified candidates apply for the position,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner. “So, when we found out Lama would not be able to serve in the position, the Board was able to review and discuss the remaining finalists to make a selection.”

“We are excited to welcome Emily and Sarah to the Shoreline School Board and we are grateful for their willingness to serve our schools and community in this time of transition,” said School Board President Meghan Jernigan.

“The knowledge, skills and perspectives both newly appointed directors will bring with them will be invaluable to our work supporting our students, staff and families.”

Photos courtesy Shoreline Schools.



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New school board members appointed

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Board President Meghan Jernigan
At their board meeting on Monday, November 2, the Shoreline School Board voted unanimously to appoint Emily Williams and Lama Chikh to the open District 2 and District 3 positions respectively. 

Both will be sworn in at the regular board meeting on December 7, 2020.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank all of the candidates who applied or interviewed for our open positions,” said Board President Meghan Jernigan. 
"It was truly inspiring to see the number of people who are interested in serving our community’s children and our district. We are thrilled to welcome Emily and Lama to the Shoreline School Board and know that they will bring critical lived experience and insight to our team."

Superintendent Rebecca Miner also expressed her enthusiasm to work with the new board members. “I am tremendously excited to have the opportunity to work with these two new board members as we strive for constant improvement in our school district and support for our students and families,” said Miner.



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Shoreline School Board to hold candidate interviews on Oct. 26, 28 and 29

Friday, October 23, 2020


As part of the selection process for the vacant District #2 and District #3 school board positions, previously held by David Wilson and Heather Fralick, the Shoreline School Board has selected applicants to be interviewed in the next phase of the application process.
The candidates’ names, interview schedule and attendee meeting information to observe the interviews are below.

Monday, October 26
  • 6:00pm Josh Krawczyk, District #2
  • 7:00pm Lama Chikh, District #3

October 26, 2020 Public Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86797977054?pwd=QTVFOFNxNTNzQlp1N0NydHpOZGlGUT09
Passcode: 258741
Call-in Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 867 9797 7054


Wednesday, October 28
  • 6:00pm Jill Brady, District #2
  • 7:00pm Sarah Cohen, District #3

October 28, 2020 Public Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87425167124?pwd=MG9JUzByU3VSeHdCK1RjTVUzY3YrUT09
Passcode: 623168
Call-in Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 874 2516 7124


Thursday, October 29
  • 6:00pm Scott Tuttle, District #3
  • 7:00pm Emily Williams, District #2

October 29, 2020 Public Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88567215513?pwd=Z1FZTWJJNG9qczhOQjNiZDR4VXlXZz09
Passcode: 438807
Call-in Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 885 6721 5513



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Shoreline School Board seeks applicants for open Board positions

Monday, September 14, 2020

District 2 (green) and District 3 (orange) have vacancies.
Directors must live within the boundaries of the district they are elected from


The Shoreline School Board of Directors is welcoming interested community members to apply to be appointed to serve as school board directors in Director Districts 2 and 3

Directors for these two positions will be appointed through a selection process to include an application, an interview and a vote by current school board directors. 

The timeline for this process is as follows:
  • September 14: Applications available
  • October 14 at 5:00 pm: Applications deadline
  • October 24, 26, 28 and 29: Interviews with candidates selected for interviews
  • November 2: School Board votes on candidates
  • November 18-20: Selected candidates are encouraged to attend the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) Conference. November 18 is New Board Member Boot Camp. The conference will be virtual and costs will be covered by the school district
  • December 7: Selected board directors are sworn in.
  • A schedule of this year’s board meetings can be found here. Please note that additional meetings, study sessions, and hearings are scheduled as needed.

Being a school board director is an incredible way to serve the students, families, staff and community of the Shoreline School District.

It does require a significant time commitment outside of meeting time to stay engaged with issues and the community, read board packets in preparation for meetings and attend professional development opportunities. 

These are unpaid positions but each board member may receive compensation of fifty dollars ($50.00) per day or portion thereof for attending board meetings and for performing other services on behalf of the school district, not to exceed four thousand eight hundred dollars ($4,800.00) per year.

Apply Online to be a Shoreline School Board Director

Printable Shoreline School Board Director Application

View School Board Director District Maps and Legal Descriptions

Resources which you may find helpful include:

This information and links are also available on the school board website HERE



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Thanks and farewell to school board members David Wilson and Heather Fralick

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Ready for action - but pausing to pose for the photographer
David Wilson, Supt. Rebecca Miner, Heather Fralick


Photos by Wayne Pridemore

The community bid farewell to two school board members in a drive-thru celebration on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the Shoreline Center.

David Wilson is the longest-serving school board member


Community members were able to drive through to thank Wilson and Fralick for their years of leadership, support and advocacy for the community's students, staff and families.

Heather Fralick is the current school board president

Wilson has served on the school board since November 30, 2005 and Fralick has served on the board since December 4, 2017. 

David and Linda Wilson

They had the opportunity to speak to each person who came through.


Heather greets a well-wisher

Both will leave the Board effective Saturday September 12, 2020.



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Drive-Thru Farewell Celebration for School Board members David Wilson and Heather Fralick

Friday, September 4, 2020


Shoreline Public Schools invites the community to join them in thanking and bidding farewell to outgoing school board members David Wilson and Heather Fralick.

The school district will host a Drive-Thru Farewell Celebration for Directors Wilson and Fralick on Wednesday, September 9 from 4:30-5:30 pm in the main parking lot of the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE.

Community members are encouraged to drive through to wave and share their gratitude for Wilson and Fralick’s years of leadership, support and advocacy for the community's students, staff and families.

Card boxes will be available to drop off cards or notes of appreciation.

Wilson has served on the school board since November 30, 2005 and Fralick has served on the board since December 4, 2017. Both will leave the Board on September 12, 2020.



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Heather Fralick will leave the Shoreline School Board Sept 12

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Heather Fralick will leave the Shoreline
School Board Sept 12, 2020
Heather Fralick, School Board Director for Director District 2 and current President of the Board, announced that she is resigning her position, effective September 12, 2020. 

She provided a statement about this decision at the August 17 school board meeting which can be found below. Director Fralick was sworn onto the Board on December 4, 2017. 

“I want to thank Director Fralick for her service, support and leadership during her tenure on our school board,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner. 
“She has been a passionate advocate for our community’s children and I am grateful for her incredible commitment and service to our students, staff and families. We are a better organization because of her efforts.”

Shoreline Public Schools will begin to look for a replacement for Director Fralick, as well as Director David Wilson who previously announced his resignation, in the near future. Information about that process will be shared on the District’s website and through Shoreline Area News.

Text of Director Fralick’s Statement

I ran for office to make sure that the Shoreline School District remained one of the best districts in Washington State. We have an incredible and energetic Superintendent, a dedicated administrative team, and some of the best teachers and classified staff in the area. We also are very lucky to have a community that cares deeply about public education and tax ourselves to fund our schools.

It is an honor to serve our community as your Director and I appreciate the confidence my colleagues on the Board placed in me when they selected me as President.

Because of unanticipated circumstances, I must focus on taking care of my family. No one can take my place in my family, but there are many community members who are committed to public education and the best outcomes for our kids. After a lot of thought and consideration, I am resigning my position as President of the Board and Director Position 2, effective on September 12, 2020.

We have an amazing group of employees working in our district in a number of visible and unseen positions. Our certificated staff and teachers, our incredible administrators, our classified staff, including para-educators and office staff, maintenance and custodial staff, kitchen workers, bus drivers, and before- and after- care providers all contribute to the continued success of our district.

I do want to especially thank the two individuals with whom I have worked most closely with as a board member - Kathie Schindler for her incredibly instrumental work supporting the Board. I also have deep respect for the unwavering leadership, dedication, and experience of our Superintendent. I know that Dr. Miner has had many sleepless nights to make sure that our children are safe and receive the best education possible. She, along with her administrative team, have bent over backwards to help me and the Board understand how the district works and are spending long hours responding to the challenges of providing education in the middle of a pandemic.

I am reminded, time and again, how important it is to believe the best in people and that our district is continually working to create better learning opportunities for each student. It is a reality that public education in our State, and our country, remains underfunded. I will continue to advocate for the full funding of public education, especially funding for special education.

I know our district has made progress over the past few years. We’ve made equity a goal and there is ongoing work to create an ethnic studies curriculum. One of my proudest moments was voting to name the Early Learning Center after Shoreline resident and Seattle NAACP President Edwin Pratt. We’ve also seen the emergence of some tremendous student leaders who are challenging our community to address the concerns of Shoreline youth.

Our Board and our district succeeds with the support and input of the community. I benefitted from the comments from the community, and I am confident that our community will continue to participate and engage with the Board.

Thank you to my colleagues on the Board for their time, patience, guidance and collegiality: Mike Jacobs, Dick Nicholson, Dick Potter, Sara Betnel, Meghan Jernigan, Rebeca Rivera, and David Wilson.




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David Wilson announces retirement from Shoreline School Board

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

David Wilson is retiring from
Shoreline School Board

David Wilson, School Board Director for Director District 3 and current Vice President of the Board, announced that he is resigning his position, effective September 12, 2020. 

He shared a speech at Monday night’s board meeting which can be found below. Director Wilson was sworn onto the Board on November 30, 2005. 

Superintendent Rebecca Miner said of Director Wilson, “I am honored to have served with David. 
"I have had the pleasure of service with many board members and David’s tireless attendance at events are a testament to his respect for the students and staff in Shoreline. 
"He had a heart for the students in this work and our District owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his countless hours of service over nearly 15 years.”

The District will begin to look for a replacement for Director Wilson in the near future. Information about that process will be shared on the District’s website and through Shoreline Area News.


Text of Director Wilson’s Speech

I begin this evening by saying thank you to an amazing woman, my wife Linda.

She is the rock that we have built our family on and there is no doubt that the success of our family would not have occurred without her guiding influence.

One of the very important lessons in life is knowing when it is time to move on. Do not overstay your welcome. Do the right thing.

It is now my turn to do the right thing and so this evening I am tendering my resignation effective September 12, 2020. By doing this 2 months ahead I am enabling this board to start a search for my replacement earlier. Superintendent Miner has the details.

Twenty-three years ago the Wilsons arrived having left scenic New Jersey for the west coast. My parents had recently passed away and it was time for a new adventure. My wife (Linda) had grown up in Kenmore and had been a teacher in the Shoreline school district. We began to venture forth to find a new home but not before Linda told us with great clarity “we could buy any house we wanted (within reason, of course) as long as it was in Shoreline.” This was where she was going to raise her family. We found a home in Shoreline.

My kids went to school and I set up shop in our basement. It did not take long for me to find new opportunity. One day Linda came home from a PTA board meeting and stated, “nobody was willing to be PTA President.” She also thought I would be good for the job. We decided I would do it (be careful what you wish for) and so I became the President of the Sunset PTA. This led to participating in a number of other committees, becoming part of the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation Board, ultimately Foundation Co-President and finally election to the School Board.

I would like to mention a few major board accomplishments that stand out to me during my tenure.

Early on in my first term, we discovered the financial health of the district was in trouble. Our board worked with support from the state to turn this situation around. The most difficult call at that time was the need to close two elementary schools, Sunset and North City. My children went to Sunset.

During this time on the board it was hard for me to buy a head of lettuce. This is what I call the “Got a minute “ time. Inevitably you forget a key item in the preparation of dinner. I would go to the store grab a head of lettuce and just as I turned for the cashier it happened, “Excuse me, do you have a minute.” There is no such thing as a singular minute. A 45 minute discussion of “Why Sunset / North City” followed. By the time I returned home the dinner dishes were being put in the washer and my dinner was warming in the oven. 

Always give the time necessary to explain a board decision.

During my tenure Shoreline offered Half-Day Kindergarten for all students who were of the proper age. However, if you had the resources and was willing to pay the extra amount your child could attend All-Day Kindergarten. Guess which demographic could not afford to send their student to All-Day Kindergarten? guess which students needed it the most? It did not take long to figure out how unfair this was. Our Board gathered the required resources through budgeting and voted to offer Free All-Day Kindergarten 2 years before the state offered it to Shoreline. I believe that if you asked the board members of that time, this would have been what they were most proud of.

I worked with different configurations of our boards to oversee the construction of 6 new schools during my 15 year tenure. Shorewood High School, Shorecrest High School, Parkwood Elementary, Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center, Kellogg Middle School and Einstein Middle School.

The most important thing about these 6 buildings is that they are your buildings, paid for with Levy dollars that you approved. Never forget that you live in a community that prides itself on P - 12 Education. Never lower the bar of expectation.

One of the new schools was the Early Learning Center. The naming of this school became the personal quest of an amazing young women Sara Haycox and we were smart enough to listen. Through her efforts the new pre-school was renamed the Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center. Pratt was a leading Civil Rights leader in his time who moved to Shoreline and was killed on his doorstep in 1969. His actions and leadership could easily be considered a precursor to what is happening in the streets of Seattle at this time.

One of the things I am very proud of is the establishment of the District’s Equity and Family Engagement Department. In 2014 the district began a deep examination of equity in our district leading to the establishment of the department. Dr. Tanisha Brandon-Felder was hired as our first Director of Equity and Family engagement in 2015 and hit the ground running. In 2017 the Shoreline School Board, with the guidance of Dr. Brandon-Felder introduced and passed a race and equity policy. The leadership that she has demonstrated throughout the Shoreline school district has been incredible. Rarely in my 15 years, have I seen an individual make such an impact in such a short space of time. Thank you Dr. Brandon-Felder.

I would like to end this evening by thanking those who served with me on the School board.

Dick Potter 
Dick Nicholson
Debi Ehrlichman 
Mike Jacobs
Sue Walker, Superintendent
Maren Norton
Heather Fralick
Meghan Jernigan
Rebeca Rivera
Sara Betnel
Rebecca Miner, Superintendent

I have enjoyed working with each of you and I hope that the feeling was mutual. I think we all can say that good boards take time to learn how to work together. Given that time great things can happen. 

This board focused on working with our community to build new educational facilities. This would not have happened without the dedication to detail that was constantly on display. 

We look forward to celebrating what the next Board will bring to the district. It is made up of individuals, like previous boards, that have a mission that wants to make the Shoreline School District better and we need to support them

My final thought as I leave this Board is one that has never been more important

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Get Involved. Please Vote!!!




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Public can listen to school board meetings Monday and Tuesday; school reopening planning update

Friday, June 26, 2020

School board, student members
and superintendent 2020
On May 29, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation (view it here) regarding the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act. 

This proclamation prohibits school districts from conducting board meetings in-person, and requires districts to provide, at a minimum, telephonic access to the meeting.

This proclamation expires on July 1, 2020.

The School Board Regular (Business Only) Meeting and School Board Study Session scheduled for Monday, June 29 and School Board Study Session scheduled for June 30 will all be held remotely with online and telephonic access.

The meetings will be available online or by calling in using the details below.
  • Monday’s Board Meeting will begin at 5:30pm and 
  • the Board Study Session will follow at approximately 5:40pm. 
  • Tuesday’s Board Study Session will begin at 4pm and end promptly at 5pm.

The Board agendas are online.

To provide written public comment for Monday’s Regular (Business Only) Meeting,fill out this online form by 12pm on Monday, June 29 and it will be provided to the Board.

To listen to the meetings, use the links or call-in phone numbers below. Attendees are required to enter the password provided below to enter the meeting.

Monday, June 29 School Board Regular (Business Only) Meeting and Study Session

Login:
https://zoom.us/j/96095037613?pwd=bHl5dGMyd2RKR0xvc3M5SUJxbml0Zz09
Password (required): 333474
Call-in numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 960 9503 7613

Tuesday, June 30 School Board Study Session

Login: https://zoom.us/j/98292937069?pwd=U0ZPZzdQMnVZSmc4NFFPbG1QTFp2dz09
Password: (Required) 576516
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Meeting ID: 982 9293 706

School Reopening Planning Update

The Reopening Instruction Planning Team has initiated their work as part of the district’s larger effort in planning for the 2020-2021 school year. The team members have been tasked with looking at the benefits and challenges of the variety of learning scenarios needed to meet physical distancing guidelines, in order to determine which models may be viable options for next school year.

The Family and Community Engagement Team has been established. The goal of this team is to adapt the existing Family Engagement Program in a way that addresses the needs of our most impacted families once school returns.

The Operations Planning Team continued meeting with an emphasis on members identifying key stakeholders by topic. Sample classrooms were measured to determine layout and capacity options in alignment with guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and state and local health departments. The district will also be participating in a collaborative school district purchasing consortium to buy personal protective equipment and other safety equipment needed for the fall.

The overarching timeline for the reopening planning and approval process is below:
  • June 17 - July 10: Proposals prepared and plans for stakeholder (staff, students and families) input on those proposals
  • June 24: Initial stakeholder survey complete
  • June 29: Overview of processes to the Board in a study session (see link below)
  • July 2: Stakeholder survey results provided to the district
  • July 13 - July 17: Additional stakeholder input on plan options collected
  • July 20: Update to Board with proposal concepts included
  • July 24: Final recommendations from workgroups presented to the superintendent
  • July 31: Finalize proposals
  • August 14: Resolution to Board to include final reopening plan required by OSPI
  • August 17: Adoption of Resolution by Board

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal also provided a video update regarding questions about face masks, physical distancing, remote learning and more HERE.



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Shoreline Center closed - School Board meeting on Zoom

Tuesday, March 24, 2020


Beginning Tuesday, March 24, the Shoreline Center will be closed until further notice.

This does not apply to the Senior Center, which is a tenant of the school district

The closure is in response to Governor Inslee’s request for people to stay home and telecommute as much as possible to help lower the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

All Shoreline Center staff will be working remotely and checking emails and voicemails regularly. You can find the Shoreline Center staff directory HERE if you need contact information for a staff member. 

You can also email general questions to our Public Information Office HERE 

This does not impact meal service. Free meals for all children 18 and younger will continue to be available each weekday from 11:30-12:30. You can find a list of sites and additional food support information HERE.

School Playgrounds and Fields Closed

All school playgrounds and fields are closed until further notice in order to support statewide social distancing guidelines.

March 30 School Board Virtual Meeting

The regular School Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 30 at 7pm will be available for viewing online. You will be able to view the meeting HERE

Up to five members of the public will also be able to view the meeting in the Shoreline Room of the Shoreline Center. If you wish to view the meeting in person at the Shoreline Center, please email public.info@shorelineschools.org

Written public comment will be accepted online HERE until 12pm on Monday, March 30. Received written comments will be shared with the Board. No public comment will be taken at the meeting.



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Shoreline School Board - first vote count

Tuesday, November 5, 2019


By Diane Hettrick

With 23% of the ballots counted, challenger Meghan Jerrigan is leading incumbent School Board President Michael Jacobs by 751 votes or 54% to 46% of the vote.

Rebeca Rivera is running unopposed.

In the open seat Sara Betnel is far ahead of Joe Cunningham, 6100 to 3298.

The next returns will be released at 4pm on Wednesday.



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Cynthia Ruelas: My role as a student representative from Shorewood on the school board

Monday, October 14, 2019

Cynthia Ruelas is the Shorewood HS
representative to the Shoreline School Board
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
By Cynthia Ruelas

The role of a Student Representative to the Shoreline School District Board of Directors is crucial, for a student has the task to represent their peers’ interests to the Board.

This role is very important because the student provides insight on issues high school students face and also provides the School Board with a high school student perspective.

I became interested in this position because of the lack of representation I saw at Shorewood. The reality is the leadership is predominantly white, although the leadership is filled with exceptional students it does not truly model the student body.

My goal for this position is I wanted to make certain that the minority group knew that they had a voice. In addition I wanted to provide my perspective that I feel that is common in the minority group. 

I am a Latina who comes from a low income family. I am on free reduced lunch and I am also part of the AVID program, AVID stands for Advance Via Individual Determination and focuses on students who have an underprivileged background. This program helps students develop strategies in order to be successful in college.

I was also a part of ELL in elementary school which is for English Language Learners. In my three years at Shorewood I have noticed that there is a need for representation and there is still a problem of barriers between different groups of people.

My ultimate goal is to make Shorewood a diverse and unified community. Taking on this role has made me realize that every single student has a part in this role.



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Campaign kickoff Saturday for school board candidate Sara Betnel

Friday, June 28, 2019

Sara Betnel, candidate for School Board
Join Sara Betnel, community and schools advocate, this Saturday, June 29, 2019 at her campaign kickoff at Hamlin Park Picnic Shelter to hear from the candidate about, and discuss, issues that matter to you.

Sara, a longtime resident of Shoreline (and now Lake Forest Park) with two elementary age children, has been an active community advocate with District PTA, the School Board, and the State Legislature for many years; working to achieve full funding for the school district, lowering class sizes, increasing equity in district policies and practices, supporting diversity in the curriculum and staff to reflect the community being served, and leading efforts to help the most vulnerable students and families.

As a working mother and educator, Sara knows how being involved in our children’s education is one of the most important ways we help them be their best selves and achieve personal success.

As the Legislative Chair for PTA Council, which serves the entire district, Sara has seen and experienced how difficult it is for students and parents to be informed and participate in the decisions that impact their daily lives. 

Through her deep relationships across the District, she has witnessed where inequities persist for our lower income families, students with disabilities, and communities of color and has worked to address these with local leadership at all levels. 

And, in conversation with current students, she has learned how their lived experience in our schools is not matching up with the expectations set by District policies and goals.

“I love this community and Shoreline Schools deeply” Sara said. “As a board member I will be a voice for transparency, inclusion, and equity, ensuring the people we serve are the first we hear from and consider when making decisions.”

With a background in education and the arts, Sara has been a communications professional for over 20 years, working to advance the mission of national nonprofits, community foundations, and businesses doing good in the world, most recently as the sole proprietor of Reveal Communications. 

She has taught at the elementary and college level and is married to a life-long educator who teaches math and science at a local high school. 

In addition to her advocacy work, she has been involved in empowering youth through coaching a youth soccer team for the last three years, supporting youth advocacy by shepherding a group of elementary age children through the process of getting legislation in front of local council and state representatives, and facilitating community action by a group of students in response to a national issue.

“Shoreline Schools are some of the best in the state. Even so, we have places where students are underserved and under-supported, which it is time to address. I am ready to help our community be heard and work with the District to make the promise of its mission to serve all students a reality.”



To learn more and share about your experience with Shoreline Schools, visit sara4shorelineschools.com and meet Sara at her Kickoff Event.

WHEN: Saturday, June 29th - 10am-1pm

WHERE: Hamlin Park Picnic Shelter, 16006 15th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

INFO: The kickoff is a family friendly event where Shoreline Schools students, families, and concerned community are invited to come together to share our experiences, priorities, and hopes for our children and Shoreline Schools.

RSVP: sara@sara4shorelineschools.com or on Facebook



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Children's Advocate Joe Cunningham running for Shoreline School Board

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

20 year education and disability advocate
Joe Cunningham is running for school board

Local children’s advocate Joe Cunningham is running for an open seat on the Shoreline School Board, after years of successfully leading advocacy efforts passing legislation and serving as a statewide leader of Arc of King County, (a longtime national organization for intellectual and developmental disabilities) and holding many leadership positions with the Children’s Campaign Fund. 

Joe has filed for the open seat (Position 5) created by Dick Potter leaving the Board after his term ends this November.

“I’m a 20-year resident of the Briarcrest neighborhood in Shoreline, and my involvement in education and the community runs deep. My father was a School Superintendent, Coach, Special Education teacher, and Federal Teachers Union President and my Mom taught music in schools as I spent a fourth of my childhood being raised on Native American reservations and Central America. I am raising my two children in Shoreline, and they are and have all attended Shoreline Public Schools,” Joe said.

“As a parent of a child who experiences a developmental disability, I have professional and personal expertise in special education, which is especially important now as the Legislature has just passed a history-making $25.2 million to address our special education needs which have frustrated parents for such a long time,” Joe said. 

He’s networked with Dads across the state as a member of Washington State Fathers Network, as well as Member of Governor’s Committee on Employment and Disabilities. “

As a Shoreline School Director, Joe said he will work with school staff to make sure all students achieve at the highest levels. 

“I will work to steward voter passed resources for our schools – ensuring funds directed to ensuring recruiting and maintaining quality teachers, including hiring more teachers of color, and ensuring that maximum dollars raised for schools go toward educating students,” he said. 

With a background in equity and social justice policies, Joe will work to ensure Shoreline schools are using principles of equity in all policy decisions. He is committed to serve as a bridge with teachers, parents and administrators to work collaboratively to strengthen “our extraordinary Shoreline Public Schools.”



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