School Board Meeting Summary

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.

Consent Agenda

The board agenda was approved as presented.

Bright Spots

Regional Board of the Year Distinction

The Wenatchee School Board was celebrated as the Regional Board of the Year. Susan Albert, Board Chair for the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD), and NCESD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Price praised the board's exceptional navigation of fiscal challenges. Between 2023 and 2026, the board effectively managed $21.5 million in necessary budget reductions. Their award highlights a steadfast commitment to transparency and a successful partnership with the board budget committee. Even amidst declining enrollment, the board remained focused on student outcomes while establishing a sustainable financial pathway and exploring new growth opportunities.

Retirement Celebration
During a special celebration, district leaders and colleagues honored the Wenatchee School District retirees, sharing heartfelt stories and personal reflections on their careers. As a token of appreciation for their dedication, each retiree was presented with a commemorative clock engraved with their total years of service.

Citizens’ Comments
Advocates from the Yes Committee presented public remarks championing the upcoming bond initiative. They urged the board to adopt the resolution, thereby placing the measure on the November ballot to bolster student success and academic achievement.

Local residents additionally voiced their endorsement for the bond, emphasizing the necessity of modernizing the high school campus and enhancing the district’s athletic infrastructure.

Special Presentations

Integrus Bond Presentation

David Beaudine from Turner, Townsend Heery, and Steven Clark from Integrus Architecture provided an insightful update on the District's current bond proposal. They shared a brief history of the project, outlining the steps that have brought the District to this point and detailed the community engagement efforts over the past six months.

Key discussion points included the work of the Facilities and Design Advisory Committees, extensive community engagement as well as the development of educational specifications in collaboration with staff and students. Five guiding principles emerged from this process, focusing on the reuse of portions of the building, including the auditorium, gyms, and pool and band classrooms. While retaining approximately 100,000 square feet, these areas will require functional upgrades to ensure wise resource management and save $27 million dollars on the project.

Preliminary concepts showcased how the new building will integrate with retained spaces and improve facility usage during construction. This plan aims to address congestion issues with a two-story model, creating valuable spaces for students and community events. The presentation also featured aerial views of the site and designs for a new main entrance, which will enhance neighborhood aesthetics and access.

It was noted that since June 2025, efforts have successfully reduced the proposed bond amount to $275 million, which translates to a cost to taxpayers of $1.46 per $1,000 of assessed value. This is a significant savings achievable by utilizing existing spaces rather than constructing new ones. The team expressed strong confidence in their ability to realize this vision while maintaining overall quality and functionality.

2026-2027 Preliminary Budget

📄2026-27 Preliminary Budget

Sean Fitzgerald the district’s CFO presented a budget overview of the ASB, Capital, Debt and Transportation funds.

Sean Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Business and Finance, presented the 2026-27 preliminary budget for the ASB, Capital, Debt, and Transportation funds. Key highlights included:

• Capital/Debt: Tech center grant activity currently impacts general fund transfers, with state reimbursements expected upon project completion. Debt service maintains a healthy balance with clear pay-off timelines.

• ASB: Improved fundraising has resulted in stronger-than-expected revenue and reduced expenses.

• Transportation: A $37K reduction in legislative funding and outdated reimbursement schedules create ongoing uncertainty, necessitating continued general fund support despite efficient bus acquisition costs.

Fitzgerald also reviewed the budget timeline and addressed board questions.

Discussion

Bond Resolution

📄 Bond Resolution.pdf
Each board member had the opportunity to share their insights and perspectives. At the conclusion of the discussion, there was consensus to support a $275 million bond and place it on the November 2026 ballot. Action to approve the resolution is scheduled for the June 23rd board meeting.

Action

Superintendent Contract
📄 2026 Superintendent Contract

In a unanimous show of support, the board approved a three-year contract renewal for Superintendent Kalahar. Members expressed deep appreciation for his consistent leadership and the strong collaborative partnership he has cultivated with the board.

Superintendent Report
Superintendent Kalahar extended his sincere appreciation for the board's vote of confidence in renewing his contract. Reflecting on his three-year tenure, he expressed immense pride in the district's trajectory. He noted that the strategic plan remains the driving force behind academic excellence and improved student outcomes, emphasizing his honor in leading the District through these significant advancements.

The recent weeks have been marked by a series of joyful milestones, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground at Newbery. Kalahar also highlighted the privilege of presenting stoles to the graduating members of the Superintendent Advisory Committee and participating in the commencement ceremonies for Wenatchee and WestSide High Schools, describing the season of celebration as a true blessing.

Board Communication

• Director Siderius noted that the graduation presentations were remarkable, and that the narratives shared by WestSide High School students were profoundly inspiring and empowering; she takes great pride in the accomplishments of the students.
• Director Norton expressed her admiration for retirees and gratitude for their contributions. She attended the Wenatchee High School graduation, feeling honored to celebrate her daughter and her friends, and also watched the WestSide High School graduation on television. She thanked educators for their dedication to helping students successfully reach graduation.
• Director Belton attended both graduation ceremonies and encouraged community members to participate in future ceremonies celebrating student achievements. The experiences were truly moving. Additionally, he was present at the Drama and Choir awards night, where he observed students excel, and he also joined the Pioneer Student of the Month assembly.
• Director Iñiguez expressed her congratulations to District staff for making it through to the end of the year!
• President Jackson extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and their families, as well as to the District’s retirees. He also expressed his gratitude to the leadership members who spoke on their behalf and to the Board members for their commitment to attending the meeting until after 9:00 PM

Adjournment

Board meeting calendar