School Board Meeting Summary
Resumen de la Junta Directiva
The Wenatchee School Board provides a "Board Meeting Summary Briefing" after each Board meeting. The summary includes a short description of the main topics and action items. These summaries are not meant to replace minutes. The minutes for each meeting are approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting.
📁 Board packets including presentations and reports are available on our website.
📹 Meetings live streamed and archived on our YouTube Channel.
Regular Meeting I December 2, 2025
Oath of Office
Caroline Sederius, Mark Belton, and Julie Norton were sworn into office by the Honorable Judge Kristin Ferrera.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was approved as presented.
Bright Spots
ASB Updates
Representatives from the ASB at WestSide and Wenatchee High School shared updates on events that have occurred and are upcoming.
Booster Club
Representatives from the Wenatchee Panther Athletics Booster Club updated the Board on growth and success. The boosters reported substantial growth, expanding from 4 to 15 board members while adding key leadership positions. A new membership structure now directs funds to individual teams, significantly increasing resources for athletes. The club has revitalized programs, including seasonal kickoffs, Banner Program, and concessions.
Action
Reorganization of the Board
The board reelected Tucker Jackson to serve another term as board president and Director Maria Iniguez to serve as Vice President.
Citizens' Comments
There were no citizen comments.
Special Presentations
Air Quality - Dr. Nayak
📄 Presentation
Dr. Nayak from Confluence Health presented on wildfire smoke's health impacts on children in our region. Confluence developed an action plan tracked through electronic health records for children with asthma, plus at-home guides for families to prepare for and reduce exposure during smoke episodes. The plan showed positive results, reducing emergency visits by 50% and outpatient visits by 71% during September's smoke event.
Dr. Nayak highlighted indoor air quality challenges, particularly at Wenatchee High School, where the 55-year-old HVAC system cannot effectively filter wildfire smoke. She emphasized that building a new school would be the most effective way to create a smoke-resilient, sustainable facility.
Big Six Update
📄 Big Six Report Card
📹 Link to video from slide deck
Dr. Kalahar presented a summary of the preliminary data from the 2024-25 Big Six Report Card. The report outlined preliminary outcomes for each of the six goals along with the corresponding Action Steps aimed at reinforcing curriculum alignment, professional learning, and systemic support.
Action
Policies - Second Read
📄 Policies
The board approved six policies for a second read.
Superintendent Report
- Superintendent Advisory Council: Dr. Kalahar reported that the council held its monthly meeting to discuss enrollment trends and review results from the recent student survey regarding WHS facilities.
- WASDA Conference: The superintendent expressed appreciation for the time board members spent together at the annual Washington Association of School District Administrators conference.
- Student Recognition: Dr. Kalahar commended the cast and crew of "Little Shop of Horrors," highlighting the exceptional talent of WSD students. He also visited WHS Junior City Council members at their meeting and was impressed with their leadership and civic engagement work.
- Winter Sports: The superintendent expressed excitement for the upcoming winter sports season.
Board Communication
- Director Belton reflected on the success of "Little Shop of Horrors" and shared that attending the WASDA conference left him feeling energized and inspired.
- Director Norton also enjoyed the WASDA conference. She appreciated the fall sports wrap-up and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming winter sports season.
- Director Siderius attended the WASDA conference and shared positive updates from middle school basketball programs.
- President Jackson valued the opportunity to collaborate with school board members from across the state at the WASDA conference. He congratulated WSD's state-level athletes on their achievements.
Adjournment