Levies fail; board will receive list of potential cuts
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After the failure of three levy measures in February, the School Board listened to and read public comments, then voted to place a two-year operations levy on the ballot for April. On Tuesday, board members will begin the process of identifying where spending reductions will be made if the April levy fails, including program cuts and reductions to teaching and support staff.
The $10.7 million total collection proposed for next year would represent about 10 percent of the district's overall budget. Programs funded by levy dollars include security; the eight-period day at the high school; individual help for struggling students; activities such as drama, band and robotics; the math assistance program (MAP); special education; transportation; and, at the elementary level, art, music and STEM. All sports districtwide are funded by levy dollars. This includes football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, swim and dive, gymnastics, cross country, track and field, golf, volleyball and tennis.
"We're trying to maintain our current program despite a significant change in revenue stream," said Lori Cloud, assistant superintendent and director of finance for the district. While the school board could use its reserves to cover the needed $10.7 million next year, that would drain the fund balance and leave the district in the lurch in the case of an emergency.
During public meetings held to discuss next steps, board members thanked the audience members who commented about the levies, as well as the community members who sent in about 50 emails sharing their thoughts. A range of opinions were expressed, from asking the board to do nothing and wait, to asking the board to run a lesser levy, to asking for all three levies to be run again without delay. Community members spoke of their love for the school system, teachers and staff; of the fact that they feel overtaxed and of their desire for transparency. They also asked for detailed numbers showing how the levy dollars would be spent, and why the rate of $1.50 is necessary.
Board President Mary Jane Glaser emphasized that board members appreciate every person who shared comments and opinions. "We want you to know that all of your voices were heard and matter to us," Glaser added.
After considerable conversation, the board voted unanimously to place a two-year educational programs and operations levy on the ballot, at a rate of $1.50 per $1,000 assessed property value. The other two measures, which would have paid for technology and buses, were postponed and will be considered for the November ballot dependent on further study and communication with a committee of parents and staff appointed by the school board.
"One message I've gotten loud and clear is that we need better communication," Board member Tami Henkel said.
The resolution approved by the board includes a "roll back" clause, which states that should the district receive sufficient money from the state, the board could roll back, or reduce, the levies. This is an action that Tahoma has taken in years past, although those situations were prompted by the collections hitting the levy cap. Levy collections are set at a capped amount so that the district does not collect more than it needs. For example, in the new, two-year measure, the cap for the first year is $10,710,073 and for the second year, $11,823,067.
On Feb. 16, the annual Tahoma coalition including students, teachers, classified staff members, administrators and a board member traveled to Olympia to talk with Legislators about issues affecting the district, including the McCleary decision, school funding, and school safety. Rep. Paul Graves, Sen. Mark Mullet and Rep. Pat Sullivan each said that they support the school board's proposed operations levy of $1.50 per $1,000 and that they believe there is still a need for schools to use levy measures to supplement state education funding.
Key in the board's plan for how to proceed are the creation of a financial oversight committee and a technology oversight committee. While the board has not yet given criteria for the creation or the exact function of the two committees, in general the two committees will provide a venue for community member questions, feedback and oversight moving forward. There is an existing Tech Advisory Committee that meets quarterly; the new tech oversight committee would work in concert with that one and would be specific to the tech levy.
If the measure in April does not pass, RIF (reduction in force) notices will have to be given and programs will have to be cut, Glaser said, noting that it is not a threat but rather a fact driven by the district budget. That discussion and decision-making process will begin once the board is presented with a list of potential programs and staff positions to consider cutting.
Asking questions before voting to delay the tech and bus levy measures, the board wanted to know whether the district's current funds and reserves could cover those costs. Cloud said that yes, the board can utilize fund balance (reserve) dollars to cover some tech needs, although those will have to be reviewed; and that for the time being, Transportation can continue to make repairs and use old buses on routes when the usual bus breaks down or needs maintenance.
In summarizing his position before the vote, Board member Bill Clausmeyer said he is confident that the data community members have requested can be made available and clearly communicated.
"I'm sensitive to us needing to prove the need," he said.
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Tahoma staff, community work to keep safety at forefront
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*Please note that in a few of the items and areas discussed here, we have been intentionally vague in order to protect student and staff safety. If you have specific concerns or questions, our principals and administrators stand ready to answer them and talk with you.
Keeping students and staff members safe during the school day is the Tahoma School District's highest concern, one that school leaders know is shared by every parent and community member.
Superintendent Rob Morrow sent a letter home to families last weekend, sharing the district's commitment to protecting students and staff and preparing for emergencies.
"I want to assure you that our schools are safe. Still, we know that there is always more to do," Morrow wrote. "As the school district looks for ways to maintain and improve school safety, we ask for the help of our parent and community partners. We must all work together to achieve thoughtful, effective solutions. We have heard from many parents who have voiced concerns about school safety and have volunteered to help. We are grateful and thankful that we are part of a community that is willing to work collaboratively on behalf of our children."
He will create an ad hoc safety advisory committee this spring to review the district's safety measures and look for ways to improve. Parents and other community members will be asked to serve on the committee, which will be advertised.
Morrow and Tahoma High School Principal Terry Duty, along with other administrators, have emphasized that one vital act that students and parents can take is to always report anything suspicious or concerning. They shared the national call to action: "If you see something, say something." In addition to calling the principal or police, parents, students and community members may use the Safe Schools Alert system, which offers the availability to report anonymously via text, email, website or phone. That information is available on each website in the "Quick Links" section on the side. Contacts include:
The School Board asked staff to review safety and security during its most recent meeting on Tuesday. Assistant Superintendent Lori Cloud re-shared a prior presentation that outlined steps and measures that the district and buildings have taken in recent years to improve and bolster systems and procedures. Cloud and Sean P. Kelly, who is supervisor of operations for the district, then talked with the board members about additional recent projects and efforts.
To briefly touch on efforts that have occurred since 2013, Cloud and Kelly shared:
- The district has historically always had a Safety Committee, in varying forms. The focus has changed through the years and, after the Columbine High School shootings, shifted more toward school security and threats.
- In 2013, efforts were added to examine systems and procedures in connection with planning for the potential bond improvements.
- In spring of 2014, a Security and Safety Ad Hoc Committee convened to examine the construction timeline and budgeting for use of bond dollars. Scott Rose, who worked at the time for DLR Group architects and is considered an expert in the safety and security aspects of design, walked each Tahoma site, revealed weaknesses and gave suggestions for improvements.
- Improvements planned after assessments, including two by Rose, have been completed, including changing landscaping to improve visibility, additional school fencing, upgraded lighting, upgrades to radio systems, classroom window coverings and instructions related to keeping students safe during an emergency. The capital projects team also visited other school campuses to check out their safety equipment, systems and procedures to help determine what would work best for Tahoma students, staff and community members.
- Since then, bond dollars have paid to remodel the vestibules at buildings that needed improvements, with the exception of one building, which is in process. Additional improvements included security cameras, access control systems with keycard access, security monitoring at all schools and portables, school lockdown systems, rekeying of the district, added fencing, and playground safety. Nearly all of those projects are complete.
Yearly and ongoing efforts are numerous and include:
- Required lockdown, fire and earthquake drills as well as the annual active shooter drill. The active shooter drill used to take place at Tahoma Junior High but is moving to the high school this year. In the active shooter drill, local law enforcement, first responders and school officials work through a scenario (which changes year to year) to eliminate the threat and save students and staff.
- Staff are required to wear badges at all times when in district buildings. Visitors are required to wear stickers at all times when in district buildings. We ask that all parents and community members, even those who know our front office staff well, please comply with the expectation of entering through the main office and stopping to sign in and put on a brightly colored "Visitor" sticker.
- Regular meetings of the district safety committee, which includes parents, board members, the superintendent and assistant superintendent, chief of police, fire chief, school resource officer, safety and security team members, administrators and a representative from each building.
- Backpacks in each classroom contain trauma/first aid supplies, a class list and other items that could help minimize injuries, save lives and keep track of students and staff in an emergency.
- School Resource Officer, whose salary is covered equally by district and city funds. Off-duty officers who are frequently at our sites, either in the parking lots in their vehicles in plain view while working on reports and paperwork, or checking in with staff and students. The district also employs safety officers.
- Blackboard notification system: This system allows the district to communicate with parents quickly when an incident occurs. It allows phone calls, emails and text messages to be sent quickly. Parents: Please remember to update your information with the registrar at your child's school anytime you have a change of phone number, address or email. You may also opt out of text messages if you prefer not to receive them.
- WatchDOG program: Many Tahoma PTA and PTO groups have started this program, which brings dads, grandpas, uncles, father figures into the schools to fill several roles. They are an extra set of eyes for security, they play with kids at recess, they give high fives to kids arriving at school and leaving at the end of the day, they read aloud in class, and more. This program is beneficial in two primary ways: Added measure of security via extra eyes, and also a relationship builder providing positive male role models for students.
At the board meeting, Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety Chief Aaron Tyerman thanked the board and district for the partnership, and also addressed the audience.
"The one thing I can tell you about this school district, and I've lectured around the world ... is we are far ahead of the curve," Tyerman said. "Tahoma is probably one of the safest school districts in the nation."
He emphasized the need to always continue working to improve.
"What we don't want to do is rest on our laurels," Tyerman said. "Our job is to continually work to see where we can make improvements."
At the beginning of the meeting, two parents spoke during public comments, asking the board to ensure a continued, concerted effort to add additional safeguards.
Board members thanked the community and the first responders for their partnership, and asked for continuous updates via Tahoma Matters and other communication methods.
"We shouldn't tell all our secrets, but we should update the community that it's a continuous process," Board member Tami Henkel said.
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Programs foster positive connections, relationships
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In addition to the safety and security efforts detailed in the article above, Tahoma also prioritizes programs in the arena of prevention, mental health and helping students build positive relationships.
"We work toward all students feeling that they belong and are appreciated," Shadow Lake Principal Mike Hanson said. "We work to make sure students know they have adults that they can talk to if they need something."
These include but are not limited to:
- A framework called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) that includes PBIS (Positive Interventions, Behaviors and Supports); mental health supports and response to intervention. The idea behind MTSS is to align policies and procedures, provide equity and positive climate experiences, alignment of consequences and more. In layman's terms, it means teaching students the expectations of how we all treat one another, and how to behave at school. The PBIS efforts -- which include expectations such as the "RC3," at Rock Creek, which are "Show respect, make good decisions, solve problems" (each building has its own twist); and also methods that encourage good choices and discouraging bullying and other negative behaviors. To learn more about PBIS, click here: https://www.pbis.org/ or, to learn more about MTSS, click here:http://k12.wa.us/MTSS/default.aspx
- WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) is new at the middle schools this year. It's a program similar to LINK, for those who recall that effort; it includes a targeted time for relationship-building at the beginning of the school year, with follow-up throughout the school year. Older students act as mentors for younger students.
- CharacterStrong Curriculum at the middle schools and high school. It includes guest speakers who help students think about and be intentional about their relationships with others, their words and actions, and building a positive culture. For more, click here:
- Many individual building programs, such as Lake Wilderness Elementary School's "I Choose Kind" initiative, and, at Summit Trail Middle School, Kindness Week.
- At the high school, BEAR Crew leaders are recruited across social groups/interest groups, (drama, sports, robotics, etc. -- kids from all areas). The BEAR Crew works on culture and inclusivity. The high school also has clubs specifically aimed at building relationships and exploring interests or common concerns. There are clubs about many topics, from astronomy to Gay straight alliance, to auto club, coding club, Activists for Change, sports medicine, and so on. New this year is Power Hour, which allows not only greater relationship building from students to staff, but also allows students to get assistance in subjects they struggle in within the framework of the school day. And, many clubs meet during part of Power Hour lunch, so that students who could previously not participate due to sports or jobs or family obligations can now take part in clubs they find interesting.
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Wrestling takes third place in state championship
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Courtesy photo
The Tahoma wrestling team and supporters gather for a photo after winning third place in the state championship Mat Classic. "We wanted to thank all the wrestlers, fans, family members and alumni that supported the Tahoma Bears this season. The team improved immensely and had a great finish with a NPSL dual meet championship, district championship, region 1 championship and 3rd place in the 4A state tournament," coach Chris Feist said.
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Two individual wrestlers won first place in state for their weight class: senior Kione Gill (220), and freshman Steele Starren (126). Two wrestlers took third: Austin Michalski (120) and Reid Carlton(138). Finishing in fifth place was Gunner Starren (152). Tahoma wrestling has placed in the top 10 at state in 24 of the past 28 years.
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Update: School Board begins superintendent search
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The School Board is in the midst of selecting a search firm to bring in quality applicants for the next superintendent of the Tahoma School District. Superintendent Rob Morrow told staff on Feb. 13 that he will retire at the end of this school year. He informed the school board last fall of his intent to retire.
On Monday, board members interviewed two search firms: the McPherson and Jacobson firm, and Northwest Leadership Associates. On Tuesday, they returned to the topic in regular session. Two community members asked in public comment that the board consider choosing McPherson and Jacobson. Board members participated in a lengthy discussion, but decided to hold off on any decision so that they could obtain additional references for each firm.
Northwest withdrew its proposal Thursday after re-evaluating their ability to meet Tahoma's needs, given the other client responsibilities they have.
At a special meeting Monday, the board will focus on the references received from the past five districts to work with McPherson and Jacobson, and determine whether to hire them or seek new proposals.
"We always need to be evolving. We can't stay as-is. ... When (the firm tries) to find that right fit for us, the past is just as important as where we want to go for the future," Board Member Didem Pierson said.
The board meets at 6 p.m. Monday at the district office. The meeting is open to the public. Once a firm is selected, its staff will begin work to contact interested applicants, guide the process, help gather community input, and assist the board in narrowing the choices. The School Board will make the final decision about who to hire to replace Morrow.
"I do not think that choosing this firm is the most important thing we're going to do," Board Member Tami Henkel said. "I think that choosing the superintendent is the most important thing that we're going to do. We're going to engage our community and listen to what they have to say."
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District kudos
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Boys swim and dive receive all-league awards
Tahoma High School boys swim and dive team members recently received North Puget Sound League (NPSL) all-league awards, coach Teresa Castaneda shared.
Congratulations to Parker Winchelman, Nate Ainsworth, Nathan Hagen and Zach Klobutcher.
Kindergarten classes collect food for "100th Day" celebrations
As part of their "100th Day" celebrations just before mid-winter break, kindergartners at several Tahoma schools (and their families) helped collect food for the Backpack Buddies and the food bank.
Rock Creek kindergarten classes reported a collection of more than 550 items for Backpack Buddies. "The students were so proud!" teacher Krissy Riggs said.
Five kindergarten classes at Glacier Park collected 608 items.
Tahoma Elementary kindergartners were excited about their collection of 775 items.
"It was so fun to watch the pride on their faces!" teacher Keri Heggenes said.
Cedar River kindergartners also collected food for Backpack Buddies.
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Tahoma elementary classes gather together in front of their collected items after helping to load the trailer.
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Rock Creek kindergarten students help load donated food into a collection trailer.
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Students from one of the participating Glacier Park kindergarten classes shows their collected items for the food bank, which they counted by 10s.
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Students in Alyssa Hayes' class pause for a photo after carrying their donations to the collection vehicle.
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News Briefs
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Washington State School Retirees give THS teachers mini grants
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Fifteen Tahoma High School teachers received mini-grants from the Washington State School Retirees Association in an after-school ceremony on Wednesday in the Performing Arts Center. The grants are for $200 each and were presented by the WSSRA chapter representing Tahoma, Auburn, Kent, and Renton school districts. It is the first time that mini-grants have been presented to Tahoma High School teachers. The grants are intended to help teachers pay for activities or projects that benefit students. Among those receiving grants are: robotics, to purchase materials and supplies for robotic prototypes; Tahoma Astronomy Club, to pay for a field trip to the Pacific Science Center; animal sciences, to purchase two rabbits for students who are studying veterinarian science; and history, for purchase of magazines, books, flags, and other materials to reflect the culture and history of the U.S. military. Teachers receiving grants are: Ken Riggs, Cary Collins, Darren Collins, Cavin Eggleston, Allison Agnew, Paul Rempfer, Jennifer McCoy, Ken Loomis, Marie Page, Malinda Shirley, Gretchen Wulfing, Mike Seger, Melissa Bean, Rick Haag, and Matt Cole.
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Wizards tickets on sale now
Tahoma families and community members are invited to this year's all-new basketball game pitting the Harlem Wizards against the Tahoma Teaching Jedi, featuring Tahoma teachers and staff members. This year's event will feature an all new Fan Fest with carnival-type games before the hoops start, plus an all new team from the Harlem Wizards with different tricks.
The game will be in the gym at the new Tahoma High School at 7 p.m. on April 20. Presented by the Tahoma Schools Foundation with the support of school PTA and PTO groups, local business sponsors and the Maple Valley Lions Club, ticket proceeds will benefit the schools foundation and student programs such as Kindergarten Camp. Sales of merchandise will benefit parent-teacher groups. Before the game begins, kids and families are invited to come early to enjoy carnival-style games provided by the PTA and PTO groups.
For tickets, visit
www.harlemwizards.com and click on "Schedule & Tickets," then scroll to April 20 on the calendar.
Fun math, reading events planned in early March
Fun math and reading events are planned in early March for elementary school students.
On Wednesday, March 7 at Cedar River Elementary School, Reading Assistance Program and Math Assistance Program families are invited to a Family Open House from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Students and parents can learn more about RAP and MAP, meet teachers, and play reading and math games.
On Thursday, March 8, Glacier Park Elementary School hosts a game night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Families are invited to play math and reading games, learn comprehension and problem-solving strategies, and find good-fit books. There will also be a free book given away. Pizza is provided.
Tahoma athletes to compete in Special Olympics Winter Games
Eight Tahoma athletes will compete in basketball as part of the Special Olympics Winter Games this weekend in Wenatchee. This is the first appearance at the Winter Games for these athletes.
Representing Maple View and Summit Trail middle schools are: Kalyssa B., Brianna B., Karlee C., Isaac D., Caleb M., Jordan P., Brian R., and Xander M. Dominick A. will represent Tahoma High School as an individual skills athlete.
Counselors offer Emotion Coaching for Families
Tahoma School District counselors are teaming up to present a parenting class on Emotion Coaching for Tahoma families with kids of all ages. This parenting class is offered in a two-part series and will feature direct instruction, videos, peer discussions, and group activities.
Dr. John Gottman's Emotions Coaching methods offer helpful ideas for parents about how to coach children through difficult emotional situations in a way that develops strong lifelong skills in emotional regulation, social relationships, problem solving, and self-confidence.
The classes are held in the library at Maple View Middle School on March 14 and 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
To sign up, visit this website.
Daddy-daughter ball tickets on sale now
Tahoma High School PTA is hosting this year's Daddy-daughter ball from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 31 at the high school. The theme is "Under the Sea," and the registration includes dancing, a 5-by-7-inch photograph, a keepsake and "sea"-themed snacks.
The cost is $40 for one parent/guardian with one daughter, and $10 per additional daughter. At the door, the cost is $50 for one parent/guardian with one daughter and $10 per additional daughter.
For more information, click here. or,
for tickets, click here.
Questions may be sent to
[email protected]
Job fair canceled
Tahoma School District had planned a job fair for teachers, counselors, school psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and behavior intervention specialists on Thursday, March 8. However, due to the failure of the levy measures, this event has been canceled.
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THS hosts Community Post-Secondary Night
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Tahoma High School this week hosted its first Community Post-Secondary night, with information from colleges, local apprenticeship programs, financial advisors, military representatives, study abroad organizations & more. There were sessions about saving/paying for college, preparing preschool children for elementary school, Future Ready Skills, helping elementary students with reading & math, financial aid & scholarships, finding a college with the right fit, apprenticeships, college credit in high school & more."I am pleased that many families were able to get information to help them with planning for after high school. I am looking forward to making it even better for next year," said Lara Lindersmith, Future Ready specialist for THS. "I am thankful for all of the presenters, school district staff, and student volunteers who helped make this event happen."
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Tahoma Coalition visits Olympia to share concerns with legislators
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A group representing Tahoma School District parents, students, staff, administration, and school board met with legislators and legislative staff members from the 5th and 47th legislative districts on Friday, Feb. 23 at the state capitol in Olympia. Led by Superintendent Rob Morrow and School Board President Mary Jane Glaser, the group visited with representatives Pat Sullivan and Paul Graves (above) as well as Sen. Mark Mullet. The group also spoke with legislative staff members for Sen. Joe Fain and Rep. Mark Hargrove. Topics discussed included: the need for further adjustments to state funding under the McCleary plan to ensure that basic education is adequately funded, as well as providing clear information about why local levies are still needed; school safety and security, especially the concern for state assistance in addressing school shootings. As the group was traveling through the legislative building, Tahoma students Dakota Huffman and Riley Wilmart got a surprise meeting with Gov. Jay Inslee. Inslee had just completed speaking to another group of visitors but took a moment to meet the students and pose for a photo.
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We the People unit shares skills with School Board
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Members of the We the People team's Unit 5 answer a question for the School Board and audience during this week's board meeting. From left are Jaden Rayl, Melia Cleary, Cameron Hanson and Breanna Glover. Representatives of the team often visit the School Board before heading to the national competition, which takes place next month.
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As a way to give the board and audience a glimpse of their work and preparation, the members of Unit 5 answered this question: The Stored Communications Act of 1986 provides that government may demand the disclosure of some telecommunications records when "specific and articulable facts show that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the contents of a wire or electronic communication, or the records or other information sought, are relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation."* Under what circumstances, if any, should warrantless searches of electronically stored information on private and other nongovernmental devices and servers be allowed? How has the Court's interpretation of the Fourth Amendment changed since the Olmstead v. United States decision in 1928? Does the warrantless search and seizure of cell phone records, which include the location and movements of cell phone users, violate the Fourth Amendment? Why or why not? *
The Stored Communications Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99-508, ยง2709, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1848 (1986).
Quoting their own essay, with extensive reference to court decisions, the students said: "Warrantless searches of electronically stored information on private and other non governmental devices should only occur when there is no threat of violating the Fourth Amendment or allowing arbitrary government. ... The Supreme Court's interpretation of the Fourth Amendment has evolved since Olmstead to define reasonable expectation of privacy, and its application to citizens in the technological realm."
"The warrantless search and seizure of cell phone records are a violation of citizens' Fourth amendment rights, as it infringes upon their reasonable expectation of privacy. ... As technology becomes increasingly more entwined with everyday life, the extent to which government can access private information on electronic servers and devices must change to uphold the evolving reasonable expectation of privacy."
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Your news ideas here
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Have an idea for an article, feature, kudos item or report that you would like to see in an upcoming issue of the newsletter? Email your ideas to Wendy Castleman at [email protected] or call 425-413-3412.
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Coming up in Bear Country
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FRIDAY
, March 9
Cedar River PTO family night featuring Animal Adventures, 6 p.m., CRES
THURSDAY
, March 8
Glacier Park Elementary game night, 6:30-7:30 p.m., GPES
Rock Creek Elementary science fair, 6 p.m., RCES
Shadow Lake Elementary fun run, time varies, SLES
FRIDAY, March 30
Lake Wilderness PTSA family night, 6:30 p.m., LWES
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What's for lunch?
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The Tahoma 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, 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. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX Officer
Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
ADA Coordinator
Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
Section 504 Coordinator
Director of Special Services
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
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