BOARD REVIEW
September 2021
Board Approves Equity Policy
At its Sept. 13 meeting, the Clover Park School District (CPSD) Board of Directors approved its updated equity policy. The updated policy will guide the district's efforts to ensure educational equity, access and outcomes for all students.

The policy is the culmination of a process that began in January of this year. The district implemented a thorough process to support the school board's policy development by reviewing policies from across the state, as well as engaging 83 stakeholders from across the community.

View the full policy online.
Sept. 13 Regular Meeting
At its Sept. 13 board meeting, the CPSD school board heard a report from Superintendent Ron Banner about returning to school and community engagement.

Returning to School

  • As of Friday Sept 10, 2021, enrollment count in CPSD was 12,022 students, which is more than 102 percent of projected enrollment.
  • Approximately 600 of the district's K-12 students are enrolled in the district's virtual learning option, which is administered through Pearson Virtual School for elementary students and Graduation Alliance for middle and high school students.

Community Engagement

  • Each year, the district's Administrative Leadership Team holds a fundraiser to support Caring for Kids. This year, $5,570 was raised.
  • Banner met with JBLM First Corp Commander Major General Xavier T. Brunson in August. It was an opportunity to engage with the district's military partners on JBLM and brief the Major General on the work going on to support military students.
  • Banner met with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland in July. The meeting occurred at Evergreen Elementary School and the district was able to answer questions and brief the congresswoman on support for special needs students.
  • Harrison Preparatory School student Briana Norris sang the national anthem at the city of Lakewood's 9/11 remembrance hosted by West Pierce Fire.
  • The district held an unveiling ceremony for the student created cultural diversity mural at Clover Park High School. The mural was the result of a collaboration between the school district, Clover Park Technical College, Pierce College, City of Lakewood and Lakewood Multicultural Coalition. 
  • Banner asked the board to consider the naming of a gym and field after two coaches.
As part of the Individual Action Agenda, the Board of Directors: 
  • Authorized establishment of contract with Pearson Virtual Schools to provide a K-5 virtual school option for the 2021-22 school year.
  • Authorized a system of registration for district bonds to support bonds. This action supports refunding eligible bonds at a lower interest rate to save the district's community tax payers up to $6 million over the remaining life of the bonds.
  • Authorized Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Business Services and Capital Projects to approve final bond refunding terms to support bond refunding process.
  • Authorized purchase of hotspots and broadband internet services to support student learning from home.
  • Authorized purchase of 4,400 laptops to support student learning using technology.
  • Adopted policy 1109 on Equity and Inclusion.
The next regular meeting of the school board will be Monday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m.
Sept. 27 Regular Meeting/Workshop
The school board held a regular meeting/workshop on Sept. 27. It heard reports on academic recovery for the 2021-22 school year and elementary operations. Additionally, the board updated its standard operating procedures.

Academic Recovery
Deputy Superintendent Brian Laubach presented an academic recovery report that included a vaccine update, measures taken for student and staff exposures, virtual school update, visitor and volunteers update and provided an overview on mask requirements.  
 
Currently, 61 percent of district staff have verified they are vaccinated. By order of Washington Governor Jay Inslee, all staff, contractors and volunteers must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18 unless they receive a medical or religious exemption.
 
The Health Commons Non-Profit Organization is running a testing program at the Harry E. Lang stadium that is open Monday through Thursday for all staff and students.
 
Approximately 600 students enrolled in the Pearson (K-5) or Graduation Alliance (6-12) online instructional program for virtual learning. Around the clock tutoring support is provided with both virtual programs.

Elementary Operations
Executive directors Meghan Eakin and Tess McCartan and Assistant Superintendent Rick Ring provided elementary updates and clarification based on questions from parents relating to playgrounds, student nutrition and transportation. 
 
Beginning Sept. 20, playgrounds were reopened based on a phased schedule. Students can remove masks at recess if they maintain six feet of social distancing. 

Mealtime procedures are different at each school based on space. Students have a limited time to be unmasked during breakfast and lunch to reduce exposure. However, those who need more time will receive the time necessary to complete his or her meal.  
 
Drivers and students are required to wear face coverings at all times. Students have been assigned seats, and ZPass is used to monitor and account for students who have ridden the bus.

Ventilation is maximized on buses by opening windows and roof vents whenever safe to do so. High touch areas are cleaned in the morning and afternoon. Parents are encouraged to transport students whenever possible or to allow students to walk or ride bicycles to school. Students are also encouraged to wash or sanitize hands prior to boarding buses.
The next regular meeting/workshop of the school board will be Monday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m.