SJI School Board December 17, 2025

Superintendent Fred Woods, wearing a wonderful holiday tie, reported that he and Directors Heller and Kurtz along visited the Stuart Island one room school for a day, observing the two sisters who are third and fourth grade students, one teacher and a very supportive community. They had a Christmas performance that many Islanders showed up for.  Alex, the teacher, gets the wood burning stove going at 7am to warm the one room school building and start the generator.  The students are doing well, and the school is very appreciated by the parents and the community.

ASB Representative Vera Schoultz shared information about recent events at Friday Harbor High School, including field trips, club activities, band concerts, spirit week, and academic updates. Numerous students were recently recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in the arts, sciences, and academic achievement.

After an election of officers, with TJ Heller taking over as president and Melanie Hess as vice president reelected school board directors were sworn in.

Deputy SJI Library Director Anthony Morris brought the board up to date on progress toward a new library.  A library steering committee was formed in September followed by public meetings in October, November and December.  The focus of these meetings was to present and listen to the public about what they want in a new library, what size would be needed and clarify questions about the site on Spring Street.  At a February 12 meeting they will present architectural drawings of what the library might look like and get further public feedback.  The directors and staff were invited to attend.

Jose Domenich reported that student enrollment remains ahead of plan at 793 for all grades and spending is on track.

The board reviewed and approved a letter to the editor of the San Juan Islands Journal.  This letter provides notice of and information on a ballot measure that will be mailed to voters in mid-January requesting a renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy. This is not a new levy; it is a renewal of an existing levy. San Juan Island voters have expressed their support for public education by voting for the EP&O levy for more than 20 years.

*The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.