SJI School Board March 2025

The SJISD Career and Technical Education Director, Liz Varvaro was awarded the Washington Industrial Technology Education Association's Administrator of the Year.   In the School Showcase, Principal Rod Turnbull presented Middle School Happenings.  Seventh grade had a field trip to the Klondike Museum in Seattle doing part of the trip on Amtrak. The eighth grade has been working on poems and two students read their poems to the board.  Ther Homeroom Academics program is in its trial phase where students focus on math and English in two homeroom periods per week.  Initial results are positive.

Fire Chief Noel Monin presented revised site locations for a fire station on Stuart Island.  The Board agreed to move forward on a long-term lease agreement. Superintendent Woods and board chair Barbara Bevens attended a WSSDA small school assembly where they discussed what they provide for students with other small school districts.  The SJI district stood out in what is offered to students.

The Student Body representative reported that local scholarships are open for seniors to apply by April 23.  Last year 42 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors.  The student-teacher basketball game raised $18,000 and the seniors won.   A surge dance was held featuring casual dress and a western theme.  Key Club took part in cleaning the Food Bank and committed to do this once a month.   

Aileen Howe presented an update on the Highly Capable Student Program which includes universal screenings of second and fifth grade students.  The Board approved the annual plan for the program. The district has received the bids for the levy funded capital project of re-siding Friday Harbor Middle and High School and the Board will meet on April 1 to review and approve the successful bid.

Under a district policy on Workforce Secondary Traumatic Stress, a district-wide workforce mental health committee has been created and will report to the board annually.  The board will review the report next month. Jose Domenech presented enrollment and budget numbers to date. Total school district enrollment is 787 and the budget is on target. The board continued to review and update board policies.

TJ Heller gave a legislative update. Senate bill 5263 on more funding for special education may be boosted funds and House bill 5992 may add funding for materials, supplies and operating costs.  The budget is still some way from being final.  The legislative session could be extended.

The April board meeting has been moved to Tuesday, April 29. 

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