Public Comments Questions and Answers
April 11, 2022 Meeting
Gender Inclusivity
Per the above policy:
The board believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex. To that end, the board recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.
Student Clubs
Board Policy 3220 and 3220P
Board Policy 3223
Enumclaw High School Activities and Clubs
Enumclaw Middle School Activities and Clubs
Thunder Mountain Middle School Activities and Clubs
Pride Clubs are student-led and student-organized school clubs that aim to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The clubs provide a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, have LGBTQ+ friends or family members, or include those that just care about LGBTQ+ issues. As with other student clubs, they are voluntary and open to all students.
The Equal Access Act
The Equal Access Act of 1984 ensures that non-curricular student groups are afforded the same access to public secondary school facilities as other, similarly situated student groups. Based on decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts interpreting the Act, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of the General Counsel provides the following guidance.
The Act applies to: (1) any public secondary school (2) that receives federal funds (3) and creates a limited open forum by allowing one or more non-curricular student groups to meet on its premises (4) during non-instructional time. Schools meeting these criteria are forbidden to prevent access or deny fair opportunity to students who wish to hold meetings on school grounds.
The Act does not mention specific types of student groups to which equal-access rights apply. It instead broadly provides that schools allowing at least one “non-curriculum related student group” may not deny comparable access to any other student group because of the “religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at [the group’s] meetings.” The Act, therefore, prohibits schools from banning student-led non-curricular groups because of the content of the speech at the groups’ meetings.
The Act identifies narrow exceptions; however, schools may not ban or suppress the speech of student groups based on a “desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint.”
Staff Positions Related to Clubs
Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix B (available on our website) The Enumclaw Education Association and the Enumclaw School District are committed to providing opportunities for students beyond the school day. Each year, positions will be created and reviewed for the purpose of addressing student and building needs. These positions are intended to address intramurals, clubs, activities and student learning opportunities. The development of these positions should reflect student interests and needs.
Science Standards and Evolution
How many grade levels is the theory of evolution taught? Is the story of creation taught?
Below is a link to current Next Generation Science Standards utilized by the Enumclaw School District. For more information please visit: https://www.nextgenscience.org/overview-topics
Middle School Standards
MS.Natural Selection and Adaptations
MS.Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms
MS.History of Earth
High School Standards
HS.Inheritance and Variation of Traits
HS.Natural Selection and Evolution
December 13, 2021
- Mike Lawson: What is the plan for COVID measures moving forward? Will they be in place forever?
- Mike Lawson: You have said what the board cannot do, but what can the board do?
- Kevin McCoy: Does the district receive funding from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe?
- Kevin McCoy: How much funding?
- Kevin McCoy: How long has the district been receiving this funding?
- Kevin McCoy: State more clearly the district's plans for vaccine mandates moving forward.
- Kevin McCoy: Will the board make a policy against the vaccine before it is mandated by the governor?
- Sean Davis: Will the board pass a nondiscrimination resolution related to vaccination status?
Mike Lawson: What is the plan for COVID measures moving forward? Will they be in place forever?
Mike Lawson: You have said what the board cannot do, but what can the board do?
Kevin McCoy: Does the district receive funding from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe?
Kevin McCoy: How much funding?
Kevin McCoy: How long has the district been receiving this funding?
The Enumclaw School District has written grants to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to directly support the academic and social success of Native students in our Cultural Program for over a decade.
Initially, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe had an Interlocal Agreement between the Enumclaw School District and the Muckleshoot Tribe in 2005/2006. As the Interlocal Agreement ended in 2009, it became a grant process from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to the Enumclaw School District in 2009 to present.
Kevin McCoy: State more clearly the district's plans for vaccine mandates moving forward.
Kevin McCoy: Will the board make a policy against the vaccine before it is mandated by the governor?
The board of directors has an adopted policy surrounding vaccines which is based on state law. You can view Policy and procedure 3413 for additional information.
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1600796396/enumclawwednetedu/ybaw8oakz2sx3pts1vlq/3413.pdf
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1593627869/enumclawwednetedu/zasvfrkzgjjpapc4nscx/3413P.pdf
At this time, there are no laws requiring COVID-19 vaccinations.
Sean Davis: Will the board pass a nondiscrimination resolution related to vaccination status?
The board has passed a nondiscrimination resolution in partnership with the City of Enumclaw. This was done in June of 2020 and specifically states: “the City of Enumclaw and the Enumclaw School District desires a community that accepts and appreciates each other, works collaboratively and speaks civilly with one another, knowing agreement on all topics is not possible.”
We believe this can be interpreted to include nondiscrimination based on differing opinions on vaccines.
Res 1090_ Enumclaw School District and City of Enumclaw Inclusion Resolution.docx (1).pdf
The board also adopted a policy from WSSDA which states the district will “provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.”
Board Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1575417785/enumclawwednetedu/ybzi9c5jdpgnyyvgdsqw/3210.pdf
November 22, 2021 Meeting
- Request for information of the origin of the land acknowledgement to start each meeting and whether or not it is required.
- Sex Education
- CRT (Critical Race Theory)
- SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
- History
- Healthy Youth Survey
- Optional Mask Program
- Can an appeal to an investigation be open to the public and not in executive session?
- Requiring registration to attend board meetings is against OPMA. Why is the district requiring this information?
- Can the district obtain a webinar license to prevent further Zoom interruptions?
- When does the new board take office?
- How can Color and Winter Guard gain access to district facilities for practice?
Request for information of the origin of the land acknowledgement to start each meeting and whether or not it is required.
Sex Education
Below is a link to current topics utilized by the Enumclaw School District for sexual health education. Also included is a link to OSPI for further information.
Materials are available to view in advance. Parent(s)/guardian(s) have the option to opt out of the lessons at school.
CRT (Critical Race Theory)
SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
Our PK-5 schools address social emotional learning in several ways. Our counselors teach lessons using three primary resources: Kelso’s Choice, Second Step, and Conscious Discipline. Classroom teachers do not teach SEL as a separate subject or class, it is integrated throughout the day and often taught in the moment when incidents or opportunities arise. Our primary resource for addressing SEL needs is Conscious Discipline. Conscious Discipline is a trauma informed, brain researched program focused on safety, connection and problem solving.
History
It has been several years since the Enumclaw School District has adopted any history curriculum and materials. Below is a link to history courses and topics taught in grades 4 - 8 and grades 5 -12. If a patron would like to view curriculum resources related to these topics they can reach out to an individual school administrator to assist with the viewing of these materials as we do not have any housed in a central location.
Included is a link to OSPI Social Studies Standards, EHS Course Guide and Topics covered in grades 4-12.
The Washington State School Board of Education requires the following for graduation: Social Studies - 3 credits that align with state standards in civics, economic, geography, history and social studies skills, and may include additional content determined by the district. Mandatory courses, or the equivalent, include 1 credit in US History and Government, .5 credit of Contemporary World History, Geography and Problems, and .5 credits of civics. In addition, students need to successfully complete Washington State History and Government.
Healthy Youth Survey
This survey is something school districts in Washington State have been participating in for over 30 years. This survey is on a two year cycle. The survey is completely voluntary and all students have the ability to opt out. The information is used by schools, districts, and state agencies to determine what types of support services are most needed for our students. This is not intended to be used to determine specific individual student needs. The survey is entirely anonymous and used to get more comprehensive data about the largest needs in our community. Although it is optional to students, having heard concerns from parents and the community, the district will be reviewing this practice prior to implementing the next survey in 2023.
Optional Mask Program
Can an appeal to an investigation be open to the public and not in executive session?
No. Per OPMA, the public cannot attend executive sessions. Only those involved in the topic of discussion may be present.
There are eleven statutory reasons for an executive session, three do not apply to school boards. Of the eight remaining, one of the following must apply to the circumstances for a school board to exclude the public from it’s meeting:
- Matters affecting national security;
- The selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate if public knowledge of the matter might increase the price;
- The minimum selling price of real estate if public knowledge of the matter might depress the price, but final action selling or leasing real estate must be taken in a public meeting;
- Negotiations on the performance of a publicly bid contract if public knowledge might increase costs;
- Complaints or charges against an employee or board member, however the person complained against may open the meeting to the public;
- Qualifications of an applicant for public employment or review the performance of a public employee, but final actions must be taken in public and discussions affecting employees generally must be held in public;
- Qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office, but interviews and the final appointment must be held in public; and
- Discussion with legal counsel, of enforcement actions, litigation or potential litigation, if public discussion might result in an adverse legal or financial consequence. Amendments in 2001 provided a specific definition of potential litigation.
The board should follow its complaint process before hearing a complaint directly, and be sure some other forum is not more legally appropriate to resolve the matter.
Requiring registration to attend board meetings is against OPMA. Why is the district requiring this information?
Originally, when Governor Inslee adjusted his proclamation to allow the option of in-person meetings, it was a requirement for “miscellaneous venues” to obtain information for potential contact tracing. This has been a request at ESD board meetings, not a requirement, and remains optional. It is, however, helpful. For example, for our most recent board meeting when there was a last-minute change in venue and Miranda Newell, Executive Assistant to the Board, was able to personally call each attendee to ensure all who planned to attend made it to the correct location.
Can the district obtain a webinar license to prevent further Zoom interruptions?
Yes. Up until this point, the board has chosen to offer participation in public comment through both in-person and virtual formats. A webinar license would not be conducive to this format. Moving forward, however, the board and district will be making adjustments. Any community members wishing to address the board during public comment will need to be present in person. The district will either move forward with stricter Zoom settings, preventing the capability for viewers to “unmute,” or in a Webinar format for virtual viewing.
When does the new board take office?
How can Color and Winter Guard gain access to district facilities for practice?
The Color Guard and Winter Guard coach has been contacted by administration at EHS. Due to her schedule, evening practices are best. With other events conflicting in the spaces at EHS, Color and Winter Guard have used TMMS in the past. Practice space is available at TMMS. The coach was advised to contact Mr. Stoker at TMMS to determine which times and space is best for practice. Ms. Riche was contacted to inform her of the district’s follow-up to her comment and she will also be connecting with the coach to plan practices at TMMS.
Following the board meeting the District received additional questions via email. Please see the answers to these additional questions, located below.
We are requesting that you respond to these questions via email by Friday, December 3rd, 2021. These questions have been compiled from multiple families throughout the district. Questions 1 -9 and 29 are pertaining to the number of kids that will unenroll from ESD if the shot is enforced to attend School.
- 1. How many students need to un-enroll from ESD for you to re-evaluate your approach (there is a dollar amount for everything, what is that dollar amount to you that will make you change things up)?
- 2. Will the school continue to allow exemptions (such as religious) without any accommodations (such as only allowing remote learning or other type of isolation)? If so, what type of exemptions will be accepted?
- 3. Would you mandate the shot solely at the direction of the Governor even if it is not listed in the current vaccine schedule?
- 4. If you lost 20% of the children registered, how much revenue would the school be losing?
- 5. If you enforce the mandate even if for just a short period, how do expect to rebuild trust with the families of the district?
- 6. Will you get voters to pass operational levies if voters don’t trust that you represent us and what we want for our kids?
- 7. How will a drastic loss of kids registered in the district impact the district staff if you have less funding?
- 8. How will a drastic loss of kids registered in the district affect the capital levy in the future?
- 9. What percentage of loss of students registered would affect the school so much that it would have to re- evaluate their approach?
- 10. What are the ramifications if you do not adhere to the governors’ orders?
- 11. When will the legacy of discrimination end with vaccinated versus unvaccinated students end?
- 12. Will they be willing to pass a non discrimination resolution if a majority of families (with enrolled ESD students) are in support of this? Further, which board members would support this and which would oppose?
- 13. Why has the board not provided in a public format, the answers to our questions from the last 5 board meetings, as they are required to do?
- 14. I would like to ask if the board (with the incoming members) would host a community CONVERSATION, where there is real dialogue between us all?
- 15. Why are they breaking the law by having attendees register online or in person to attend these board meetings?
- 16. Can public attend executive board sessions? Are executive sessions by invite only?
- 17. Are executive sessions live streamed?
- 18. Can we get a budget breakdown of where the covid relief monies are being allocated?
- 19. What disciplinary protocols are in place for teachers who push political agendas on our kids?
- 20. Will the district stop placating the political elite and start fighting for the people of their district with the data provided by multiple individuals showing that masking and vaccinations are not safe or effective?
- 21. What services do you plan to offer to help reverse the trauma effects of masking and lockdowns? Can the district can use covid relief monies for this?
- 22. What is the district doing to accommodate those with IEPs, 504’s, and medical issues during this time?
- 23. Do you plan on having vaccinations distributed on campuses?
- 24. Will the district take legal responsibility for any vaccination injury or death if vaccinations are forced on our children to attend public school?
- 25. Could we try the mask choice ? Under 5% Covid cases at the school, kids have the choice of wearing or not wearing masks. Over 5%, 2 weeks w/ masks
- 26. If a parent makes a complaint against a teacher/non certified employee, when does the board get involved? How does one make an inappropriate conduct complaint?
- 27. Why is mental health not being addressed for those kids that are suffering wearing a mask? Especially young kids with an IEP for Speech Services whom have difficulties with articulation and being understood and still being required to wear a mask.
- 28. Why are K-2 teachers in the district not required to wear a face shield? Any educator knows the importance of students being able to see your lips on pronouncing words when working on daily phonics and reading lessons.
- 29: Lastly, Back in May, Mr. Carey told me directly that we are “expected to adhere” to the orders, and if we don’t, we are at risk of closing the down the schools if an “outbreak” occurred due to operating outside of the guidance....
1. How many students need to un-enroll from ESD for you to re-evaluate your approach (there is a dollar amount for everything, what is that dollar amount to you that will make you change things up)?
2. Will the school continue to allow exemptions (such as religious) without any accommodations (such as only allowing remote learning or other type of isolation)? If so, what type of exemptions will be accepted?
As of right now, there is no vaccine mandate for students. Should a vaccine become a requirement for schools, we will follow our existing policy for vaccines to attend school (3413), which reflects the exemptions allowed under applicable laws and regulations. Policy 3413 states as follows: “The district shall allow for exemptions from immunization requirements only as allowed for by RCW 28A.210.090 RCW 28A.210.090 and WAC 246-105-050”
3. Would you mandate the shot solely at the direction of the Governor even if it is not listed in the current vaccine schedule?
If this becomes a requirement to attend school, similar to other existing vaccinations, the District will be required to comply. However, we would anticipate any new vaccination requirement will contain similar requirements and provide for the similar allowable exemptions as all existing required vaccinations.
4. If you lost 20% of the children registered, how much revenue would the school be losing?
5. If you enforce the mandate even if for just a short period, how do expect to rebuild trust with the families of the district?
6. Will you get voters to pass operational levies if voters don’t trust that you represent us and what we want for our kids?
The District is unable to predict the outcome of future levies, our hope is the vast majority of our constituents recognize that these levy dollars benefit the students of this District and without them, the District is unable to sustain all of the current services available to our students and families. As previously mentioned, the District does not have any flexibility when it comes to following any mask or vaccination mandates and we hope that those in the community who disagree with these measures will understand that we do not have a say in the matter.
7. How will a drastic loss of kids registered in the district impact the district staff if you have less funding?
As the largest employer in the communities of Black Diamond and Enumclaw, a drastic loss of enrollment and the associated loss in funding would have an inevitable impact on District staffing levels. However, we are hopeful that this will not come to pass and even in difficult times the District always strives to retain as many employees as possible.
8. How will a drastic loss of kids registered in the district affect the capital levy in the future?
The current Instructional Technology Levy (Capital Levy) is not impacted by current enrollment. It is impossible to predict the outcome of future Levy and Bond measures. However, it is always the goal of the District to meet the needs of all students and families in order to maintain enrollment and provide services for students.
9. What percentage of loss of students registered would affect the school so much that it would have to re- evaluate their approach?
10. What are the ramifications if you do not adhere to the governors’ orders?
As communicated by State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal: “By constitutional authority and RCW 28A.300.040, one of the state Superintendent’s clear powers is, “supervision over all matters pertaining to the public schools of the state.” Apportionment amounts and timing are shaped by additional law, but let me be clear: Boards or districts that intentionally disobey, dismiss, or shun an explicit law, including a Governor’s executive order, which has the power of law, will see an immediate halt to their basic education apportionment, and their federal funds that come through OSPI.”
This could mean a loss of up to roughly 41 million dollars per year for the Enumclaw School District.
Superintendent Reykdal also stated that “Local community members will always have the right to bring their grievances to their elected leaders, but in the case of these public health measures, they are not local decisions. Local boards of directors have broad discretion on the details of instructional delivery. They are not empowered, however, to override the legal authority of public health officers or the Governor in times of a public health emergency.
Community actions that result in board actions that violate the law, including executive orders, will jeopardize school budgets, local school personnel, and ultimately the opening of school to in-person learning this fall and beyond”
11. When will the legacy of discrimination end with vaccinated versus unvaccinated students end?
CONTINUATION OF QUESTION:
I understand that there is controversy whether this is considered Protection or Discrimination. If we look at this in black and white it seems clear.
- Vaccinated can spread the virus and do not need to take any additional measures to participate.
- Un-vaccinated can spread the virus and need to take additional measures to participate.
To me that sounds more like a bribery-based incentive to get our children the shot.
This is full of discrimination and based off the school’s very own Nondiscrimination Policy that states:
Enumclaw School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, CREED, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
ANSWER:
We understand that many in the community feel strongly about this issue. However, following the requirements regarding vaccinations contained in Washington law and orders issued by the Governor and the Department of Health does not violate the District’s nondiscrimination policy.
12. Will they be willing to pass a non discrimination resolution if a majority of families (with enrolled ESD students) are in support of this? Further, which board members would support this and which would oppose?
13. Why has the board not provided in a public format, the answers to our questions from the last 5 board meetings, as they are required to do?
OPMA does not require the board to allow for public comment, however, parent and community participation is important and valued by the school board. There is no requirement for responses.
"Chapter 3 of Open Government Resource Manual for WA State:
F. Right to Speak at Meetings
The OPMA does not require a governing body to allow public comment at a public meeting. If a governing body does allow public comment, it has authority to limit the time of speakers to a uniform amount (such as three minutes) and the topics speakers may address."
14. I would like to ask if the board (with the incoming members) would host a community CONVERSATION, where there is real dialogue between us all?
CONTINUATION OF QUESTION:
It would even be fine if they requested conversation topics/questions to be submitted in advance to give them time to prepare thoughtful responses. I would like this to happen well BEFORE the levy vote in Feb.
ANSWER:
When the incoming Directors take office, the board will revisit this request.
15. Why are they breaking the law by having attendees register online or in person to attend these board meetings?
Originally, when Governor Inslee adjusted his proclamation to allow the option of in-person meetings, it was a requirement for “miscellaneous venues,” which applies to school board meetings, to obtain information for potential contact tracing. Since this requirement was lifted, the collection of this information has been a request at ESD board meetings, not a requirement, and remains optional. It is, however, helpful. For example, for our most recent board meeting when there was a last-minute change in venue and Miranda Newell, Executive Assistant to the Board, was able to personally call each attendee to ensure all who planned to attend made it to the correct location.
16. Can public attend executive board sessions? Are executive sessions by invite only?
Per OPMA: No, the public cannot attend executive sessions. Only those involved in the topic of discussion may be present, which varies depending on the nature of the executive session.
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110, there are eleven statutory reasons for an executive session, three do not apply to school boards. Of the eight remaining, one of the following must apply to the circumstances for a school board to hold an executive session and therefore exclude the public from its meeting:
- Matters affecting national security;
- The selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate if public knowledge of the matter might increase the price;
- The minimum selling price of real estate if public knowledge of the matter might depress the price, but final action selling or leasing real estate must be taken in a public meeting;
- Negotiations on the performance of a publicly bid contract if public knowledge might increase costs;
- To receive and evaluate complaints or charges against an employee or board member, however the person complained against may open the meeting to the public;
- To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or review the performance of a public employee, but final actions must be taken in public and discussions affecting employees generally must be held in public;
- To evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office, but interviews and the final appointment must be held in public; and
- Discussion with legal counsel, of enforcement actions, litigation or potential litigation, if public discussion might result in an adverse legal or financial consequence. Amendments in 2001 provided a specific definition of potential litigation.
17. Are executive sessions live streamed?
18. Can we get a budget breakdown of where the covid relief monies are being allocated?
19. What disciplinary protocols are in place for teachers who push political agendas on our kids?
Students and parents should report their concerns to a building administrator. Reports will be investigated and the appropriate policy will be followed, depending on the nature of the concerns. The following are some potentially applicable policies and procedures:
Policy 3210 - Conduct against any student that is based on one of the categories listed above that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive as to limit or deny the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the district’s course offerings;, educational programming or any activity will not be tolerated. When a district employee knows, or reasonably should know, that such discriminatory harassment is occurring or has occurred, the district will take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.
The compliance officer will be responsible for investigating any discrimination complaints communicated to the district.
Procedure 4220P - Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs
Most complaints can be resolved by informal discussions between the citizen and the staff member. Should the matter not be resolved, the principal shall attempt to resolve the issue through a conference with the citizen and the staff member. The following procedures apply to the processing of a complaint which cannot be resolved in the manner described above:
A. If the problem is not satisfactorily resolved at the building level, the citizen should file a written complaint which describes the problem, and a suggested solution. The superintendent or designee should send copies to the principal and staff member.
B. The staff member shall respond to the superintendent or designee in writing or in person.
C. The superintendent or designee shall then attempt to resolve the matter through a conference with the citizen, staff member and principal.
D. If the matter is still not resolved, the superintendent or designee shall present the issue to the board. If the complaint is against a staff member, the complaint shall be handled in executive session. The board shall attempt to make a final resolution of the matter. Any formal actions by the board must take place at an open meeting. If such action may adversely affect the contract status of the staff member, the board shall give written notice to the staff of his/her rights to a hearing. Policy 5281 -Staff who fail to fulfill their job responsibilities or follow the reasonable directions of their administrators or who conduct themselves on or off the job in ways that affect their effectiveness on the job will be subject to disciplinary action or discharge.
20. Will the district stop placating the political elite and start fighting for the people of their district with the data provided by multiple individuals showing that masking and vaccinations are not safe or effective?
The District continues to adhere to mandates required by the State of Washington. Again, in the case of these public health measures, they are not local decisions. Local boards of directors have discretion on issues such as the details of instructional delivery. They are not empowered, however, to override the legal authority of public health officers or the Governor in times of a public health emergency.
21. What services do you plan to offer to help reverse the trauma effects of masking and lockdowns? Can the district can use covid relief monies for this?
We are and will continue to address the social and emotional wellness of our students and staff members related to impacts due to the pandemic in a variety of ways. It is a priority of the district to address the needs of the whole child which includes mental health and wellness as well as academic growth. This is an allowable expenditure of COVID relief monies and we have used some of this funding in combination with other resources to provide additional supports and services to all of our schools.
22. What is the district doing to accommodate those with IEPs, 504’s, and medical issues during this time?
Are medical exemptions being made without imposing further emotional trauma, like isolation? We work with each family, in partnership with their physician, to determine the level of appropriate accommodation for each individual student. For students with IEPs or 504 plans, these decisions are made by the student’s IEP or 504 team, which include the student’s parent or guardian.
23. Do you plan on having vaccinations distributed on campuses?
24. Will the district take legal responsibility for any vaccination injury or death if vaccinations are forced on our children to attend public school?
This question calls for a conclusion of law that would need to be decided by a court if such an unfortunate event came to pass. However, the District would not be the entity mandating or requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students, so we do not believe the District would be legally responsible under the circumstances you describe.
25. Could we try the mask choice ? Under 5% Covid cases at the school, kids have the choice of wearing or not wearing masks. Over 5%, 2 weeks w/ masks
26. If a parent makes a complaint against a teacher/non certified employee, when does the board get involved? How does one make an inappropriate conduct complaint?
27. Why is mental health not being addressed for those kids that are suffering wearing a mask? Especially young kids with an IEP for Speech Services whom have difficulties with articulation and being understood and still being required to wear a mask.
28. Why are K-2 teachers in the district not required to wear a face shield? Any educator knows the importance of students being able to see your lips on pronouncing words when working on daily phonics and reading lessons.
Originally, the DOH and CDC did not recommend face shields.
Guidance from The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, pertaining to staff face coverings:
Can I wear a face shield instead of a cloth face covering?
No. A face shield is not a substitute for a cloth face covering. Face shields allow particles exhaled from the wearer to freely move around the edges of the shield and into the open air for others to breathe. Face shields may be worn along with cloth face coverings to protect workers from others who sneeze or cough nearby or to protect from splashes when diluting or applying harmful liquids like bleach or cleaning chemicals.
For students with hearing disability, multiple language learners, and/or special services, the District has provided clear face coverings that meet state mandated mask requirements for instructors serving those students.
The District is now researching possible purchase of additional clear face coverings as an option for instructional staff, which would only be utilized consistent with guidance issued by the Department of Health and OSPI.
29: Lastly, Back in May, Mr. Carey told me directly that we are “expected to adhere” to the orders, and if we don’t, we are at risk of closing the down the schools if an “outbreak” occurred due to operating outside of the guidance....
CONTINUATION OF QUESTION:
The only major “outbreak” that has occurred is the ridiculous contact tracing that has been happening, with very few actual positive cases being the outcome. Based off of the ESD Covid Dashboard thus far 97.07% of the school population has NOT gotten COVID This alone goes to show that we can manage without enforcing anymore mandates. We need you to think outside of the box, remove the tyranny from our children’s lives, we need you to really balance the risk over benefit,
29. What is the greater risk to you?
Risking the ramifications if you chose to follow through with a mandate of the shot for our children Versus
Risking the ramifications of practicing what we preach to our children- that its ok to stand up and stand out and be different then everyone else even though sometimes it is hard at least you know you are doing what is right and ethical.
ANSWER:
We want to be clear, at this time a COVID-19 vaccination is not mandated or required for students to attend school. As previously stated, the District is required to follow all applicable laws, regulations, or orders issued related to COVID-19 vaccinations. Failure to do so could result in the loss of state or federal funding, which would have a catastrophic impact on our community.
This form was completed by the following person(s):
Shaun Carey
Jill Burnes
Gerrie Garton
Stephanie Berryhill
Kyle Fletcher
Jessica McCartney
Miranda Newell
This form was reviewed and approved by the following Director(s):
Bryan Stanwood
Jennifer Watterson
Tyson Gamblin
Jennifer Kent