The following are updates from the Jan. 22 board meeting.
Board highlights:
Sam Bell, executive director of General Support Services, reported on the district’s submission of 173 projects to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in preparation for the state receiving federal economic stimulus funds. A similar list of projects was submitted to Sen. Patty Murray’s office. Bell detailed a timeline of milestones since early November when the district started collaborating with the city of Tacoma and Metro Parks on a list of projects.
The board approved the agreement between the Tacoma School District and Tacoma Police Department to provide full-time officers at the district’s comprehensive high schools. Two full-time officers will be assigned to Lincoln and Mt. Tahoma high schools for the second semester of the 2008-09 school year. The officers will perform a range of roles including law enforcement, law-related educator, public safety specialist, community liaison and problem solver, and coordinator with other law enforcement personnel.
Recognition of schools and staff:
The board recognized Foss High School Math Department Chair Robert Yuong for receiving a 2008 Golden Apple Award from KCTS 9 and PEMCO Insurance. He was one of eight individuals and two programs receiving this award. The board also recognized Sherman and Skyline elementary schools for being named 2008 Schools of Distinction through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Board actions:
The board approved:
--the selection of Hutteball & Oremus Architecture for Phase I design services for the new Geiger Elementary School and authorized staff to negotiate and enter into agreements for planning and related services. Hutteball & Oremus designed and constructed Stafford and Larchmont elementary schools. Funding for this planning project is provided through the capital projects bond issue(s), approved by voters on Feb. 6, 2001.
--the selection of McGranahan Architects for the design of a new Hunt Middle School, Phase I, and authorized staff to negotiate and enter into agreements for planning and related services. McGranahan designed and constructed Crescent Heights, Jefferson and Whitman elementary school projects. Funding for this planning project is provided through the capital projects bond issue(s), approved by voters on Feb. 6, 2001.
The board had the first reading of :
--the policy, “Community Partnerships and Commercial Activities.” This policy would allow the district to seek alternative revenue sources, such as sponsorships, partnerships, fundraising, institutional advertising, naming rights and commercial sales to students and staff members.
--the policy, “Accommodating Students with Diabetes.” The health care needs of students with diabetes are determined on an individual basis, and most diabetic students attending the Tacoma Public Schools require licensed health care during the school day.
--Policy 3413, “Student Immunization and Life-threatening Health Conditions.” This revised policy provides current information regarding the immunization and life-threatening health conditions requirements that need to be in place for students to attend school.
--the travel request for Wilson High School choir members and chaperones to attend a high school choral performance exchange in Cannon Beach, Ore., March 20–22. The students will observe and perform with other high school groups, and will work with a choral professor on vocal technique, team building and performance practices.