Howdy Folks, I am not on the board. I am just a citizen who joined the Longview School District Meeting 3/23/2026 online and decided to take notes. I did not ask any questions and I did not make any statements. I don’t know all the details but I am giving you what I understood and wrote down:
Dr Karen Cloniger said that March 25-April 3 there will be a time for input from the students and community to vote on a new Promise Statement and logo. She is feeling positive about the new branding and hopefully it will be done by May.
- RSVP for high school graduations.
- Mentions for adoptions for math programs.
Regarding situation at Mark Morris: There is limited information that can be given.
Kathleen Haggard, a third party investigator has been hired. She is collecting evidence, documents and interviews. Cloniger said they are moving forward but she can’t give more answers and she appreciates patience. Process and procedure does not allow for a lot of comment.
- Don Wiitala says we are listening. They want to do what is right. They want the investigation to be done thoroughly and carefully.
A young lady named, Paige, came forward. She is on the MM swim team. She gave a heart felt cheer for all the young men on the MM and RAL swim teams.
- MM solo and ensemble teams did well in singing. Apparently music groups from both MM and RAL competed and did very well at state level.
- Band Festival is happening this week!
- Spring Sports has begun!
- World Language Classes are going to be showcased at RA Long auditorium. Students across the district will be there.
- She mentioned that school play, but I didn’t get the name.
Sean Turpin was allowed to speak online. He feels like the board is disrespectful. There have been no updates or changes for transparency on the website. Emails are not answered. He does not feel the board is leading. There is an active legal recall being taken. His 3 minutes were up.
Patty Bowen spoke about the budget. (This is not my strong suit)
- State budget for K-12 is only 42.2%
- In July K-12 will be exempt from sales tax because of an expansion won by our governor,
- As part of the state funding we get help with approximately 3 kindergarten classes in Longview.
- We were promised from the levy $250 per student this year but it has been reduced to $150 per student.
- Transportation depreciations: small buses have changed from 8 years to 10 years, large buses from 13 years to 15 years. When buses are operated longer, they cost more.
- Legislative meetings show cost shifting and reductions instead of meaningful investment.
- There will be a work session April 19 to learn more including revenue estimate.
- Barb Westrick: Do we have enough money set aside for the rise in diesel since we are in a war with Iran?
- Cloninger: We will have to monitor and see.
Regarding Policy 3425 and Policy 2016: They many need to retire an old policy because of WASA. They have a student with Adrenal Insufficiency; this is very rare. This student has a very specific need. After listening, Cloninger decided she need to do some more research and come back before a decision could be made.
Revisions to Wellness Policy
- About 15 RCWs and WACs
- Policy is pretty cut and dry
- Working with Rick Trainer – He gave a thorough review and said it is doing what it should be doing.
- Lunches are not a profit service. Price is set to break even and take into account state and federal subsidies and that some families cannot pay and some families can.
Patty Bowen spoke about enrollment for March
- Currently for March they are 8 students above budget
- But other months they were below so the average works out
- For the year end, it is anticipated that they will have 30 students under budget. This is positive news.
- Budget status for February is 50% through fiscal year
- Fund balance is just under $5000 where they were last year
- Levy dollars have helped
- April is the big levy tax collection month.
April 16 is the Regional WASDA meeting.
Meeting Adjourned.
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