BOARD REVIEW
November 2021
Nov. 8 Regular Meeting
At its Nov. 8 board meeting, the Clover Park School District (CPSD) Board of Directors heard reports from Clover Park High School (CPHS) Principal Tim Stults and Superintendent Ron Banner.

Stults presented on inclusionary practices at CPHS. He shared data trends and highlighted continuing efforts to support student growth and achievement.

CPHS is utilizing a co-teaching model this year that pairs content teachers with special education teachers to provide more individualized instruction in the classroom for special education students. The co-teaching model has been implemented in ELA and math classes.

Superintendent's Report
In his report, Banner discussed staffing shortages, student athletics and community engagement.

Staffing Shortages
  • Staffing shortages are a nationwide issue impacting a variety of employment markets, including public education.
  • District-level staff, including Banner, have been substituting in classrooms to help offset the substitute shortage.
  • Banner thanked all staff from across the district who are going above and beyond to support students.

Student Athletics
  • The Lakes High School cross country team participated in the state competition this fall, finishing 11th overall.
  • The Lakes football team advanced to the state title playoff bracket and the volleyball team qualified for the district playoffs.
  • The Lakes girls soccer team placed first in the 3A Pierce County League and advanced to the state title playoff bracket. It was the first time in 15 years that the girls soccer team placed first in their league competition.

Community Engagement
  • Banner met with the Executive Director of the Lakewood YMCA, Toby Roberts, and discussed opportunities to engage CPSD students during non-school days between winter break and the end of the school year.
  • Banner met with representatives from Twin Star Credit Union to discuss ways to engage staff, students and parents in financial literacy education and support opportunities with virtual and in-person events.
As part of the Individual Action Agenda, the Board of Directors: 
  • Accepted federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act Secondary Allocation grant.
  • Approved collective bargaining agreement between district and the Educational Support Personnel of Clover Park.
  • Censured Director Paul Wagemann for agreeing with and tacitly endorsing the use of derogatory terms regarding district staff charged with implementation of equity and diversity in the district and engaging in conversations demonstrating a lack of commitment to the district’s equity policy.
  • Denounced racism in all forms and is committed to the work of equity and inclusion.
The next regular meeting of the school board will be Monday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m.
Nov. 22 Regular Meeting/Workshop
The school board held a regular meeting/workshop on Nov. 22. It heard a report on academic recovery for the 2021-22 school year and updates on the naming of the Clover Park High School (CPHS) gymnasium and renaming of the CPHS mascot.

Academic Recovery
Superintendent Ron Banner provided an update on the district's COVID-19 academic recovery. The update included information on the district's recent vaccine clinic, contact tracing, minimizing exposure and academics.

Banner also provided information about volunteers and visitors. Beginning Monday, Nov. 29, volunteers were welcomed back to schools. They are expected to be cleared to be a visitor through the district's volunteer portal, check in at the main office, wear a mask at all times and be fully vaccinated.

CPHS Gymnasium Naming
Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Leanna Albrecht, discussed the timeline and decision-making process for the review of a suggestion to name the CPHS gymnasium after former staff member and boys basketball coach Mel Ninnis.

Ninnis taught at CPHS for 31 years and served as a mentor, coach and advocate for students.

The gymnasium naming committee considered community input, which was overwhelmingly positive, along with other information in making its recommendation. The committee officially recommended the gymnasium be named for Ninnis, and the school board will bring the name to a vote as a resolution at its Dec. 13 regular meeting.

CPHS Mascot Update
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools, Kevin Ikeda, presented information on the work of a committee regarding House Bill 1356, which prohibits the inappropriate use of Native American names, symbols or images of public school mascots, logos or team names.

As part of its work, the committee reviewed Native American imagery at CPHS, consulted the Puyallup Tribe, and solicited additional input from Native American students, staff and families. The committee recommended CPHS rename its school mascot.

CPHS will review input received from students, staff, families, alumni and community before making a final mascot selection in mid-December. The mascot will be shared with the board at its Dec. 13 regular meeting.