School Board still studying superintendent raise

The La Conner School District Board of Directors met Monday for their usual bi-weekly study session, but only the schedule was normal. The meeting was held in the first floor board room instead of the District’s second floor meeting room. Director Susan Deyo called in from out of town by phone and Director Brad Smith was absent. And over 30 people, school staff, area residents and a few children attended in response to organizing by school unions’ members.

While the agenda was proscribed, with no public comment period, the audience clearly hoped board members would discuss among themselves Superintendent Whitney Meissner’s contract, the fourth item on the “Study/Discussion Items” section of the agenda. In June the Board was ready to approve a resolution extending the contract and providing a raise, but the 70 people attending asked many questions that afternoon and the Board tabled the item for study session discussion.

There was little talk among Board members over the contract. Director Lynette Cram inquired about getting advice from the District’s lawyer on a specific point. A person in the audience asked the board about approving a contract after the school unions June vote of no confidence in the superintendent. Meissner responded, indicating that the unions’ position was a separate issue from the contract resolution.

No mention was made of the unions’ asking for Meissner’s resignation when their leaders met with the Board June 25.

The Directors went into a 50 minute executive session “to evaluate complaints or charges brought against a public officer or employee,” as stated on the agenda, returning about 7:05 p.m. After coming into regular session, they announced the July 22 Board meeting and adjourned. The room had emptied out during the executive session.

Monday the Weekly News emailed both the unions and district directors, asking if a follow up meeting was scheduled this week, as the unions had requested at their June 25 meeting.

Board members had not responded by press time.

A Tuesday email update from Suzann Keith, unions’ communications lead, stated union leadership was invited to meet with two Board members Friday or Monday.

Keith wrote “The unions are disappointed in this response and feel that it is wholly inadequaet considering the seriousness of the grievances.”

The first half hour of the meeting consisted of a presentation by Business Manager Bonnie Haley on the 2019-2020 draft budget, which the state requires by August 1. Haley used PowerPoint slides to summarize its major points. She estimated enrollment at 585, higher than in past years because more conservative estimates have been regularly adjusted up, bringing budget changes of up to $200,000. Final 2018-2019 enrollment was 588 students.

Total revenues are projected at $12,920,000, almost $950,000 above last year’s. Total expenditures are estimated at $13,100,000, almost $1 million more than 2018-2019. The deficit is projected at some $180,000. The 2019-2020 ending fund balance is projected at $975,000.

There was very little discussion or questions from Board members.

Directors attending were Janie Beasley, chair; Lynette Cram, Kate Szurek, with Susan Deyo on the phone.