School Board Roundup: Focus on Education Tour, Elections, and Latest Donations to the School District

Editor's Note: The following was taken from meeting minutes provided by Enumclaw School District Executive Assistant Diana Aaby.

Focus on Education

The Enumclaw School District is hosting a 'Focus on Education' event on Tuesday, Nov. 13 that includes a bus tour of three selected schools in the district so that members of the community can learn more about what is occurring in local schools.

Patch participated in last year's tour and got the opportunity to see teachers in action (read about our experience). This year, the tour will stop at Sunrise Elementary, Enumclaw Middle School and Enumclaw High School. The tour concludes with a luncheon.

Recent district events including the successful STEM Expo have given the larger community a taste of what's happening in our schools. Here's your chance to learn more and it's free.

To reserve your spot, contact Diana Aaby at 360-802-7102. Click here to read more.

Charter Schools Initiative

School Board member Nancy Merrill, who sits on the Board of Directors of the Washington State School Directors' Association, reported that the WSSDA Board is opposing the Charter Schools Initiative (I-1240) in this coming election. Merrill said the board does not oppose charter schools but does oppose the lack of local control and oversight in terms of how tax money is expended.

The Enumclaw School Board has not made a group decision either way, Aaby clarified.

Former board member and president and current 31st Legislative District Rep. Cathy Dahlquist has indicated her support for the initiative. In a response to Patch, she said: "...Public charter schools would be a new option for students and parents. These schools would allow for more flexibility and creative solutions in public school staffing, scheduling and administration. Students would still be held accountable to high standards and requirements. .... The status quo is not working for all students, which is why I am supporting I-1240; it offers an opportunity for educational choice."

Community Donations:

The Board approved the following donations:

• $1,700 from Sunrise PTA to Sunrise Elementary for grade level enrichments
• $53,250 from the Muckleshoot Tribe to the Pow Wow ($3,250) and to Native American Education ($50,000)
• $500 from the Washington State Employees Credit Union to EHS teacher Randy Cook, Mariners Teacher of the Week, to be used for a classroom grant